Micah
How slutty, Mick?
“How does this look?”
looked up from where she was sorting through a pile of bracelets to find Emery wearing a large rainbow fur coat and snorted. “Rainbow Brite called, she wants her monster back.”
“Who?”
“Oh, my dear flower child. How have I not introduced you to the magic of my childhood?”
“Is that a no?”
“We live in California, Em, when exactly do you plan on wearing that?”
Emery shrugged, turning to look at herself in the mirror. “My first date?”
“Hell no.”
“To the date or the coat?”
released a heavy sigh. “Both.”
“ Mom .”
“Okay, fine. You can date, one day. But put that coat away.”
Emery shot her a grin and then slid off the coat, hanging it off a hook near the large mirror. shook her head, smiling as she spun slowly in place and took in the store. Ever since Emery was old enough to have opinions about her own clothes, the two of them would go thrifting. It was a monthly mother-daughter activity they took very seriously and it was one of her favorite days. They would start with a delicious breakfast at Emery’s restaurant of choice, then would pick the thrift store from a long list they’d compiled years ago and after shopping, they would go get ice cream. Sometimes it was planned in advance, other times it would happen when Emery didn’t have school and didn’t have work. There was even one time, soon after Emery started her period, that let her skip school and they went thrifting together.
That day, breakfast had been at Sugar Mama’s where Emery ate her weight in cinnamon French toast which still had her very hyper. They were at (Hit Me, Baby) One More Time , one of ’s favorite thrift stores in the area. Fondly known as One More Time, the store had clothes and all the fashion accessories one would need, as well as a second hand bookstore and an extensive vinyl collection. She’d found it by accident one day and knew that it was exactly the kind of place Emery would like. And when they finished shopping, was dropping Emery off at the music store for drum lessons with Fletcher before meeting her girlfriends for drinks.
Thinking about Fletcher made her giddy.
They hadn’t taken a single picture the day before, but she didn’t need them. Her mind was already full of memories of their visit to the tasting room, the dancing, the singing, the kiss . She was still reeling from the knowledge that he had written a song about her. Now when she listened to it—she’d played it on loop while getting ready that morning—she could see how it was inspired by her. Everything from the dark hair to her curves and the way their bodies fit so perfectly together. He had taken one of her most intimate and cherished nights and turned it into a love song. She’d wondered if other women imagined that he was singing about them too and felt evil knowing that she was the only one that inspired him that way.
Pressing her lips together to hide her smile, she let one hand brush over the dresses in front of her. It had been a long time since someone had gotten her this excited about dating. After Geoffrey, there were a few hits and misses, some good nights and some terrible ones. She hadn’t put a lot of stock into hook-ups and never expected more than what she was willing to give them too.
With Fletcher, she knew it would always be so much more. For a while, she’d jokingly refer to him as ‘the one that got away’, but she’d never tried to hold onto him after their night together. It just so happened that in one night, he’d wormed his way under her skin with his adorable charm and callused hands. To think she had a second chance with him—as her favorite rockstar and the man she dreamed about—made giddy. Add to that the fact that he’d kissed the hell out of her the day before and she was still vibrating with excitement.
This feeling? Better than almost anything else she’d ever experienced.
“Okay, how about this one?”
Looking over her shoulder, she smiled at the T-shirt Emery held up—Rainbow Brite sat astride Starlite, while the rest of the Color Kids stood in the background. “Only if they have it in my size too.”
Emery grinned and then got to rummaging, while turned back to the dresses. Her whole life, she’d been told to hide her curves and not wear anything that would accentuate the wide shape of her body. So now that she could make her own clothing decisions, she always turned to dresses and skirts. She liked flaunting her legs and thick arms, she liked dresses that cinched at the waist and moved when she did. She even liked plunging necklines, because her breasts were great and it would be a shame to hide them away.
While Emery picked up random things, ’s thrift purchases were always things she could wear to work or nights out with her girls. Which was why she had a bunch of dresses spread out across the table, scrutinizing each one and making sure that she would actually wear them one day. Her eyes landed on the red dress, liking that it was casual and could be worn for any occasion, but specifically perfect for Christmas. While she’d outgrown the excitement around the holiday as a jaded young adult, held it together for Emery. Her daughter loved the holiday and waited with bated breath for December to roll around. They’d already pulled out all the decorations with the intention of getting everything up in the first week. Despite her dislike for the season, was a good mother and that meant she would pull out all the stops for Emery.
Including buying a red dress to wear for their annual mother-daughter hot cocoa date.
Even though they’d skipped Santa’s Village a few years—following Hank’s death— was hoping to convince Emery to go back that year. The year after Hank died, they’d spent it with ’s parents and it had been most unpleasant; they stressed Emery out about her clothes, eating and lifestyle habits. It was a whole mess. Another time, they’d gone with Sadie and Tatum to Telluride for the holidays and it was a perfect escape. Emery had been ready to meet the new Santa the year before, but changed her mind at the last minute.
While she’d never push her daughter, knew that encouraging her to do things she used to like was a step in the healing process. She’d was back at Big Waves for the first time in four years. Emery might be able to handle Santa’s Village too.
“I like that one, Mama,” Emery said from behind her and her heart clenched at the use of the term. “The color will look good on you too.”
“Yeah?” She held the red dress against her torso, striking a pose for her daughter. Emery rolled her eyes, but gave a thumbs up before moving on.
Closing her eyes to savor the moment, smiled to herself. When Emery was little, she only called her Mama for a few years. Obviously being around other kids introduced her to the Mom term and she switched. Every now and then, Emery would still call her Mama and ’s heart would explode with love for her daughter. She might be fourteen going on forty, but her little girl was the light of her life.
With Emery in her line of vision, continued to examine the dresses she’d set aside. Four different colored outfits lay in front of her, including the red one Emery had already signed off on. The black dress was a little fancier than she was used to, but it would join her collection of LBDs, so it was a must have. Especially with the sheer bottom half and the deep neck that would accentuate her cleavage. The lavender dress was sleeveless and reminded her of the one she wore the day before with Fletcher. He hadn’t really said anything about her clothes, but she saw the way he looked at her. That was enough. The final dress was one that Sadie would be proud of her for even considering—a full length black wrap dress with large flowers, made of soft material and hugged every inch of her body. It also had a slit that would flash her legs and that made it even better. Given that she so rarely found sexy dresses like that in her size, didn’t even think twice about adding it to her pile. She’d find an occasion to wear it one way or another.
Gathering the dresses into their shopping bag, set it to the side and tried on a few earrings. She eyed the bracelets, remembering how Fletcher kept the ones she’d left in his hotel room even though he was allergic to it. If she asked him for it, Fletcher would give them back, but she liked the idea of him always having a piece of her. Adding a few pairs of earrings to her selection, smiled when Emery hurried over and dumped her things in the bag as well.
This was the one time didn’t give her daughter a budget. While she wasn’t living paycheck to paycheck, she also didn’t want Emery to think they had lots of money to splurge and spend as they pleased. She got a monthly allowance that she was very good with and on their thrifting days, let Emery go wild. Besides, before they cashed out, they would always double check their choices, so she knew that even though Emery was picking up the randomest of things, half of them would stay in the store when they left.
“I think I’m done,” Emery said, peering into the bag and gasped as she pulled out the black dress. “Damn, Mom. This is hot .”
“Thought I’d take a chance, you know?”
“You’ll look amazing in this.”
“Thanks, kid,” told her daughter, blushing slightly at the compliment. She’d never been good at saying ‘thanks’ when people said something nice.
Emery narrowed her eyes. “You’re hot, Mom. It’s weird when my friends say it, but you’re crazy beautiful.”
Hand over her heart, smiled. “I love you, Em.”
“I love you too. Now can we please stop with the teary eyes? It’s getting weird.”
She laughed and pulled Emery in for a hug, sighing happily when she hugged her back. Everyone told her that the older her daughter got, the less affectionate she’d become. And was preparing for it, which meant never taking all the hugs and moments like these for granted.
“All right, let’s sort through our piles,” said, blinking back tears as she and Emery went through their selection. Despite putting most of it aside, they still walked out of the store with three shopping bags full of things.
Tatum
Location for tonight:
*address for The Loose Lasso*
Sadie
Why are we going somewhere new?
Tatum
Because we’ve been through the pool of datable people at our usual haunts. Mama needs variety.
So you picked a country bar?
Tatum
People in tight jeans, Mick. And a mechanical bull. It writes itself.
We’re in California, Tate, there are no cowboys. We’ve got surfers galore.
Sadie
Ugh, surfers are so gross.
Tatum
I see the surfer that broke your back is no longer of interest.
Sadie
I don’t want to talk about it.
Tatum
….
So Slutty Saturday at The Loose Lasso?
Tatum
That’s fucking perfect. I hope this place pans out, or the double alliteration and innuendo would be for nothing.
Sadie
See you sluts tonight. Yeehaw!
“Are you enjoying your music lessons?” asked once she and Emery were seated on the low wall outside their favorite ice cream shop, Lickity Splits.
Emery made a noncommittal sound and shrugged. “I don’t know if Fletcher is enjoying teaching me, though.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s being really nice, but I’m pretty sure I suck.”
smiled around a spoon of chocolate caramel swirl, because it was clear that Fletcher would never actually say ‘you suck’, but do everything in his power to help Emery improve.
“Maybe you should ask him what he thinks of your progress today.”
“What if he says I should quit?”
“He won’t,” insisted. Fletcher was sometimes too nice for his own good and hurting someone else like that was not his style. “But you’re having fun, right?”
She shrugged again, staring into her cup of dark chocolate ice cream. “I guess. Fletcher and Benson are great, they’re super encouraging, but maybe I’m wasting my time and your money.”
“Em.” nudged her daughter so she lifted her head. “Don’t worry about other people, this is about you . Life is too short to wonder what other people think. Besides, I’m happy to spend however much it takes for you to find something you’re enjoying. So, let me ask you again: are you enjoying music lessons?”
“Yes. Fletcher’s cool, he’s patient and really nice even when I screw up. Plus, Nico’s there,” she added the last bit with a smile, blush spreading up her neck.
laughed softly, eating more of her ice cream as she watched her daughter. Emery’s crush on Nico started pretty early on in their friendship, but she hadn’t done a damn thing about it. got it, though. Admitting to your best friend you liked them could go the wrong way and that would ruin everything.
“Are you excited about drama club auditions next year?” asked, switching subjects because she knew there was no way Emery would talk about her crush .
“Yes! Only if they choose a really good play. I’m so tired of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer’s Night Dream . There are so many other great plays out there.”
smiled at her excitement. Drama club was the other new thing in her daughter’s life—along with music lessons—and she was passionate about it.
“What would you pick?”
She brightened instantly and grinned. “ Peter and the Starcatcher for sure. Even Pygmalion is a good one.”
“I think you should make a list and share it with the club, get ahead of their selection process.”
“Maybe. I don’t want to step on any toes.”
leaned against Emery and kissed the side of her head. “Step on toes, Em, especially when you believe you’ve got something better to offer.”
Emery giggled and dropped her head to ’s shoulder as they continued eating their ice cream in silence. She was so proud of her kid and while she wanted to take credit for the way Emery turned out, a lot of it was her own doing. Emery was driven and passionate, she knew what she liked and didn’t like, she was opinionated and confident. Every day she got to watch her little girl grow up was another great day in ’s books.
After tossing their empty cups in the trash, drove them to Big Waves. The plan was for Emery to spend the evening with Nico while went out with the girls. Since it was a weekend, there were no issues with sleepovers and Nico’s parents adored Emery enough to never complain about her. Before she’d even put the car in park, Emery was out and rushing into the store. checked her reflection, smoothing down her hair and dabbing on some tinted gloss before hopping out of the car. Walking into the store, she was greeted by Fletcher’s broad back encased in a black T-shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows.
“Hey stranger,” she said, smiling when he turned around so fast he almost lost his balance. His face brightened as he grinned, adjusting his glasses and looked her over. She was dressed in faded jeans and a thin sweater that was two sizes too large, but felt so cozy and comfy against her skin. But by the way Fletcher was looking at her, it was like she was wearing nothing.
“Never get sick of seeing you, Mick.”
“Maybe don’t undress me with your eyes so blatantly next time.”
He laughed and looked over his shoulder before moving towards her. She arched an eyebrow, ready to ask him what was going on, but his mouth was pressed against hers. Gasping softly, she gripped the sides of his T-shirt, fingers curling into the soft material as she parted her lips to let his tongue in. A low moan fell from his lips as she licked into his mouth, their bodies pressing against each other like there were magnets in their pants.
She broke the kiss, her chin scraping against Fletcher’s beard and forced herself away from him. She might have laid down the conditions when it came to their relationship, but knew she was the one who was going to completely fuck this up. Fletcher licked his lips and she blew out a frustrated breath, taking another step back.
“I should apologize, but I’m not sorry.” He smirked, pushing his glasses up. “Emery said you’re busy tonight, something about Slutty Saturdays?”
She snorted out a laugh. “My weekly night out with the girls. We go for drinks and get a little slutty.”
His eyebrows and mouth dipped slightly. “How slutty?”
“Are you jealous, Fletch?”
“How slutty, Mick?” he repeated, eyebrows practically touching.
Taking two small steps forward, she twisted her fingers into the front of his shirt and tugged gently. “I would usually get pretty slutty with the last person to buy me a drink. But, I recently met this guy and I kinda like him, so I might refrain from getting slutty.”
“Lucky guy,” he grumbled, eyes slipping shut as she patted his stomach.
“Nico’s Mom will pick the kids up later, so you don’t have to worry about her. Okay?”
He opened his eyes to search hers, nodding slowly. “Have fun with the girls.”
“I intend to,” she whispered and then pushed onto her toes, stealing a quick kiss before she backed away. He shook his head, a slight smile tugging at his lips and she laughed as she stepped out of the store.
“There are no cowboys or cowgirls, there aren’t even cows,” Sadie announced as she finished doing a 360-look around the bar.
“I don’t even want to know what you’d do if there were cows,” Tatum said with a snort.
“The cowboys would then show up to wrangle them, and me, home.”
snorted at Sadie’s response, but her friend wasn’t wrong. A little eye candy wouldn’t hurt.
“Okay, I’m getting drinks. What are we in the mood for?” took her friend’s orders—white wine all around—and walked up to let the bartender know. She heard someone whistle, but refused to turn around, because they definitely didn’t deserve even a minute of her attention. When she returned to the table, Sadie and Tatum were glaring at each other. Sliding their wines over, waved her hands in front of her friends’ faces. “What happened while I was gone?”
“How’s Em?”
arched an eyebrow. “Em’s fine.”
“How are her drum lessons going?”
“Seriously?”
“I didn’t want us to talk about it, but Sadie insists that we do,” Tatum said with a dramatic huff.
Sadie rolled her eyes and turned to . “Have you fucked the hot rockstar yet?”
“Stop it. It’s girl’s night and we don’t talk about them tonight.”
“Tell us if you’ve fucked him again and I’ll let it go.”
“No, Sadie. We have not fucked. We’ve been on one date and you know I don’t put out after one date.”
Tatum frowned as she turned to her. “Even with the one ?”
“You too?”
“I mean…you said he was the one ,” Tatum said, shrugging as she lifted her wine glass to her lips.
closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and released it as she focused on her friends. “Okay, let’s get this out of the way. I like Fletcher, a lot. We’re taking it slow and figuring it out one day at a time.” But then the melody for “Mermaid” popped into her head and groaned. “Also, years ago, he wrote a song about me.”
Tatum and Sadie slapped the table simultaneously, eyes wide as they stared at . “Shut the fuck up, “Mermaid” was about you?” Nodding, picked up her wine and took a long swig. Sadie cackled and shook her head. “You got a mermaid tattoo because of that song, not knowing that it was meant for you. Classic.”
“Okay, that’s enough. Moving on.”
Tatum’s grin was annoying, but was glad her friends were happy for her. “Speaking of rockstars, I’m working with this really amazing all-female queer band. They’ve got two drummers and they’re so fucking amazing.”
“Are they hot too?”
snorted and nudged Sadie. “No sleeping with Tatum’s clients, we’ve talked about this.”
“But hot queer women are my catnip,” Sadie whined. It was true. She didn’t label herself or her sexuality, Sadie liked people and the hotter the better. Lucky for her, people liked Sadie too.
Tatum shook her head, a fond smile on her lips. “They’re recording their demo tomorrow, you two should come. Bring Em too, I think she’ll really dig them.”
“Stop trying to steal the title of favorite auntie, Tatum .”
“I don’t have to steal it when I have it, Sadie .”
looked between her friends and smiled. “Does it help if I say both of you are my favorites?”
“No, but thanks for your love.” Sadie clinked her glass against ’s and took a large gulp before getting to her feet. “Bottle?”
At their nods, Sadie strutted over to the bar, drawing the attention of every single person on the way. reached over and gave Tatum’s arm a gentle squeeze. “You good, Tate?”
“Yeah. I think?” Tatum sighed and brushed her hair back, fingers fiddling with an earring. “Ran into Ambrose the other day and it was awkward.”
“As in Benji’s brother?” asked, referencing Tatum’s asshole ex-husband.
Tatum nodded. “He’s been in San Diego for a few years now, apparently. He apologized, Mick. Like tears in his eyes, fingers dragging through his hair in frustration apologized.”
“Oh shit.” knocked back her wine and forced a smile on her face as Sadie came back. Tatum and Ambrose had the most intense fling—maybe it was even love—before she met and married Benji. If Ambrose was apologizing, and if he was back, that could only mean…
“Here’s to Slutty Saturdays!” Sadie hooted, derailing ’s thoughts as she filled their glasses. “And here’s to the sluttiest and bestest friends a girl could ever hope for.”