Aibhlinn
She’d been calling to invite Enzo out to eat with her and her friend Sophia, but now he could sit and brood.
Friends since they met freshman year of college, she and Sophia made a habit of getting together regularly and staying up-to-date with one another’s life. They were a dying breed among their family and friends—women in their mid-thirties with no ring on their finger or babies to speak of. Much like her, Sophia wasn’t opposed to a nuclear family, she was just holding out for Mr. Right.
She steered her car down familiar streets, grateful when the red and yellow sign came into view. Coney’s were comfort food at its best. The hot dog covered in chill with a layer of freshly grated cheese was a hometown dish she craved when stress levels got too high. Putting the car into park, she killed the engine and exited her vehicle. The cold air did little to cool down the heat. Her conversation with Enzo had her boiling mad.
When she walked inside, she instantly spotted Sophia seated at the red booth in the back. Her brown skinned friend gave a wave she quickly returned as she strode across the floor.
Sophia had her hair a deep red now, and bone straight. You never knew what to expect with her. A metal working artist by trade, she constantly changed her look.
“Oh, I know that expression.”
“Which one?” Aibhlinn inquired as she slid into the booth across from her.
“The ‘someone just pissed in your Wheaties’ glare and lip pucker,” Sophia replied, swirling her straw around in her drink.
“Enzo.”
“You see my face?” Sophia asked, pointing to herself. “This is me ... not surprised. You guys are like a married couple without the rings. I don’t understand why you two don’t just make it official and elope. It’d save us all some grief.”
Aibhlinn huffed. “Try telling him that. He’s so hung up with not being worthy, he can’t see the forest for the trees. I’ve had it, Soph. I can’t keep doing this fucked up waltz with him.”
Sophia leaned in and narrowed her gaze. “Holy shit. You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Deadly.”
“What happened?” Sophia asked.
Right as Aibhlinn opened her mouth, she spotted a waitress coming toward them. “I’ll tell you in a minute.”
“Hi, ladies, I’m Tess. I’ll be your waitress for the day. Can I get you started off with something to drink?”
“I think we actually both know what we want,” Aibhlinn answered, glancing at Sophia who nodded. “I’d like to get three Coney’s with no onion and heavy mustard, an order of French fries, and a Coke, please.”
Tess turned to Sophia. “And you?”
Aibhlinn shifted her attention and peered out the window, watching the cars pass by on the road. She hated arguing. It always seemed so pointless and draining. Better to be brutally truthful; get everything out and start working toward repair. Secrets and repressed anger festered, boiled, and soured what was once good.
Ten minutes later, they had their food in front of them.
“So dish,” Sophia said around bites of her three way. The chili, spaghetti, and cheese combo was always Sophia’s favorite go-to. They’d been through enough exams and difficult situations to know each other’s habits.
“I was calling Enz to see if he wanted to come out to eat with us. He’s been a bit down since his birthday. Which isn’t unusual, but something’s off with him. You know me, I worry. If it was you, I’d so the same gentle nudging.”
“Pestering you mean,” Sophia snickered.
“Oh, shut up.” Aibhlinn peppered her Coney with hot sauce. “I’ve been giving him his space. I learned my lesson about interference years ago.”
“Uh huh.”
“Anyway, he didn’t answer. Then he calls me back a few minutes later and it’s word vomit.” She took a large bite of her Coney and let the spicy, warm, and cheesy piece of heaven soothe her. It was impossible to remain upset when you were eating one of your favorite dishes on the entire planet. Savoring the flavor, she felt her muscles relax.
“Better?” Sophia asked with a smirk.
“Much. If you threw in a nice, stiff glass of whiskey with it, I’d be right as rain.”
“You’re seriously so Irish, it’s not funny,” Sophia said.