Jillian Chantal

Back to Tuesday Tales after a brief hiatus. I’ve started another story even though I have three to edit and two to finish. I’m feeling a bit ADHD lately. I’m going to work this one for TT and then edit the others in the meantime- I promise.  This week’s word is gray. Be sure to check out the other stories here. 

Nasty smoke filled the air making Lanett want to gag more than she already wanted to when she was invited to the dive bar after work. What happened to that law about no smoking inside? How was this place getting past that rule? Lungs burning and eyes watering, she glanced around to see where her friend was with the drinks. Get this toast done and get out was all she wanted to do.

“Lookie, lookie,” Amanda stepped up to the table waggling a bottle of champagne. “I’ve got more.” She stopped and stared at Lanett. “I’m glad to see you finally made it. We’re way ahead of you on the celebration. What took you so long to get here?”

“I told you I had to get something out before I could leave work. I left as soon as I could.” Lanett knew this was a mistake. The others already seemed to be well on the way to being drunk. Totally not her scene at all.

“Gina, grab Lanett a flute and let’s drink a toast to my freedom.”

“How many toasts have you already drank?” Lanett asked.

Amanda sat on the only empty bar stool left at the table for four. She filled her own glass, then Gina’s as well as Marcia, the fourth person’s. Gina passed an empty flute. Amanda filled it and handed it to Lanett. “I’ve lost count. Does it really matter?”

“Maybe you need to slow down a little.” Lanett said. Her friend seemed frantic almost to the point of manic. For someone who professed to be happy about her divorce, Amanda was acting more like someone who was trying not to cry.

“What do you know about it? I’m celebrating being free from Tim and you’re trying to put a damper on the merriment. Maybe you and that gray cloud of rain over your head should’ve skipped out on this gathering if you were going to be such a party-pooper.” Amanda held her glass up and saluted Gina and Marcia, ignoring Lanett.