Whiskey and Country

Dahlia: Firefly.

Me: Firefly? It doesn’t sound badass enough. You sure?

Dahlia: Why not? I like those bugs.

Me: Woman, you’ll never cease to amaze me. Let’s call you Fireworks.

Dahlia: Why?

Me: Because. It fits you. You’re no insect, Dahlia. You’re a spectacular, colorful display, setting me on fire each time you rest your eyes on me.

Me: Imagine the headline: “Fireworks Thief and her Spark sidekick have stolen a dog. Wanna catch them? Offer them cookies.”

Dahlia: Stop. I’m laughing so hard right now, my ribs hurt.

Dahlia: Be honest, though. Jack would look cute in a ski mask, eating pieces of cookies.

Me: Absolutely. But not sure he’s the man for the job. If it was for any other mission, I’d drive the getaway car.

Dahlia: You would?

Me: Without hesitation.

Me: Big day at work?

Dahlia: It was earlier. Prom dress fittings. I’m all alone now.

I jumped into my truck, and minutes later, I parked in front of Dahlia’s Bridal Shop. In Green Mountain, I could be about anywhere in a couple of minutes, while in Chicago it took usually over half an hour to get from one place to another. I loved it. The small-town charm and simplicity.

Me: Got something else you might miss.

Dahlia: ?

Me: *sending her the picture of her bra I took before leaving my place*

Dahlia: OMG I’m so relieved you can’t see my face right now. It must be neon pink. I’m sure it’s bright enough that it can be seen from space.

Me: Don’t be ashamed, it’s a pretty piece of lingerie. I’m just not sure it’s my size. I may have to return it to its rightful owner.

Me: By the way, pink is a good look on you.

Through the store’s big, square window, I watched Dahlia as she perused around, searching for me. I waved at her when our gazes met. She shook her head and ran a hand over her reddened face.

I shrugged as I opened the door.

“You’re the worst, Nick,” she said, backhanding my chest. “I almost died of embarrassment.”

“You’re lucky I didn’t bring it here.” Her eyes widened. “Anyway, if you wanna get it back, you’ll have to come over and have dinner with me,” I said, raising my hands between us.

Dahlia looked thoughtful as she said, “I supposed it wouldn’t be fair to Jack to deprive him of spending time with his best buddy.”

And my body from the withdrawal last night caused me.

“It would be like another double date with friends.”

A chuckle left her mouth.

“Okay, fine. You won. You got me at double date.”

I grinned like a fool because that’s how spending time with this woman made me feel.

Long gone were those spells when I went through life mechanically, back in Chicago, where every day was almost a duplicate of the previous one. I used to love my job. But looking back at my life before I moved here, it missed the excitement. I wasn’t unhappy. No, I didn’t think it was that. But it was predictable. An awful lot. If I had agreed to the contract Cody urged me to sign, the next five years would have been very much alike. Thanks to Derek, I escaped the routine I thought I’d miss. But I didn’t. All the plans. The expectations. It would have soon become too much, bogging me down. I hadn’t thrived in a while as I did now. And I could easily become addicted to this slower, more content lifestyle.

“See you at five.” I pivoted to leave when I remembered the paper bag in my hand. “Here.” I handed it to her.

Dahlia gave me one of her quizzical stares. “What is it? I hope it’s not a new bra.” A light color returned to her cheeks. Her lips curled when she eyed the inside, discovering the treat I got her.

“Saw it next door. Reminded me of you.”

She halted, her hand midway between the bag and her mouth. “You saw a glazed donut in the bakery window, and it reminded you of me. How?”

I shrugged. “It’s sweet and sparkly. Like you, Fireworks.”

She tilted her head back, laughing. “Okay, it’s actually nice of you.” She bit into the pastry as if she hadn’t eaten in days. “Want some?” she asked with a mouthful.

“Nah. You look like you can use it. When was the last time you ate?”

She flicked her wrist as if it was no big deal. “I had tea at six this morning.”

“Glad to learn I’m not the only one starving himself. Still, you shouldn’t run on an empty stomach.”

“Sometimes I’m so focused I forget.”

“Gimme a sec,” I said, hurrying outside, not giving her time to argue.

I reached Ivy’s Café in a dozen strides and ordered Dahlia a sandwich. After I came to an agreement with Ivy, I returned to the bridal shop.

“Eat. I’ll watch the store while you do. Take your time.”

“You sure?”

I nodded.

“Thanks,” she said, her hand finding mine and squeezing.

Fifteen minutes later, I left, ready for the next step of my plan.

Back home, I carried the packages I bought to the bedroom upstairs, and after I fixed the broken window, changing the glass and sealing the edges, I sat on the floor and unwrapped everything, ready for phase three of my plan.

Derek’s Bucket List – 21. Nick: Make someone smile my newfound mission