Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Raelyn
I love helping others regain their strength and independence with physical therapy. Work has always been an outlet, keeping my mind busy so I don’t get lost in deep thought.
Rolling across the floor on my stool, I fasten two-pound weights to Mrs. Wells ankles.
Grimacing, she rolls her eyes. “Ugh. Do we have to use these things today? Let’s just have an easy day, or at least give me those white ones. They weigh less.”
“You’re almost done, just try to push yourself a little more. I know you can do it,” I encourage her.
Mrs. Wells is always trying to fuss her way out of therapy, but she loves to talk and gossip.
Reluctantly she starts doing her leg kicks. “Hunny, I hear you are taking a girls’ vacation to Nashville. Mary told me at our coffee social yesterday.”
Coffee social is a hot commodity around here. These old ladies crack me up with how they never let anything by them, and if you don’t think there are cliques in nursing homes, you are wrong. I love my old ladies, though.
I point to her other leg for her to continue the set. “Yes ma’am, we are going on a girls’ trip to the big music city. You know, sow our wild oats while we are still young.” I wink at her. “We are going to play the part of Morgan Hardy’s song “Honkytonk Girls”. I know you have a thing for him.”
The beam on her face says it all. “Oh Raelyn, the things I would do to that boy if I was your age and looked like you.”
I laugh. “I can only imagine you back in the day. Especially from stories I’ve heard you tell.”
“I was a hellcat, but I don’t regret any of those stories either. You live and you learn, but you’ve got to live to learn.”
She always has a witty response at the ripe age of eighty-two.
Her silver hair shines as she looks at me through her pink glasses. “Let me tell you this, hunny; you only live life once. There are no do-overs. Go have yourself a good time this weekend and hook a music man for me. I want to hear all about it when you get back.” She leans in closer and whispers, “Including all the dirty details.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Well here I am giving physical therapy while you’re giving me life therapy. I promise to give you all the trip details, but not the dirty ones.”
She smiles mischievously. “Deal, I can only watch so many reruns of old westerns in this place. I need real life excitement. You know, one time I got naked, and wrapped myself up in Christmas lights as a present for my man.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “Why does this not surprise me?”
“We were on a getaway trip, and I was feeling adventurous,” she continues. “He took too long in the shower though, and those damn lights started burning me.”
I wince. “That sounds painful.”
She shrugs her shoulders. “I admit it wasn’t my best thought.”
Laughing, I point to her legs which are not doing any kicks. “Finish your exercises, and quit trying to distract me.”
She gives me a knowing smile. “Fine, I will, but it did turn into a good time if you know what I mean.”
I grin, bending down to take the forgotten ankle weights off. “Burning Christmas lights. That is definitely one for the books. You’re done for the day.”
She stands up from her chair. “Be a hellcat this weekend.”
“Yes ma’am,” I reply, watching her walk out of the therapy gym.
I reach into the back pocket of my scrubs and pull out my phone to send a text to the girls when I notice a missed call. Blocked Caller shows on the screen. I chew on my lip while I think. I’ve gotten a few of these calls lately at random times, mostly at night. Weird. Probably just a scammer. I continue to type a text into our girls group chat.
Pizza and wine tonight at my place for last minute packing? I’m so pumped!
Pizza boxes are scattered across the counter with a few opened bottles of wine. Clothes and suitcases litter my once clean floor.
I fold an outfit, placing it inside my suitcase. “I can’t believe we actually pulled this trip off.”
Maddie nods her head. “I know, it worked out perfectly. Thank God, none of my clients gave me shit about pushing their appointments back.”
“I need you to pencil me in for a cut and color when we get back,” I say.
She nods. “I got you, babe.”
Rylie stands up from the couch. “So, there’s a new guy at the hospital. He’s pretty hot too.”
“Oh, do tell,” Brynn says, while taking a bite of pizza.
Rylie walks to counter refilling her wine glass. “I don’t know too much about him yet, but he has the whole bad boy vibe going for him. He’s been flirting with me.”
“I say go for it. Oh, speaking of guys, is that other one still trying to get you to go on a date with him?” I ask.
“God, yes! He is persistent, obnoxious, weird, and he stinks. He’s probably one of those guys who still lives in his mom’s basement,” Rylie says, as she sticks her finger in her mouth acting like she’s gagging. “I mean, why do I always attract the crazy ones?”
Laughter fills the room. Rylie really does somehow always end up pulling in a few odd birds. She claims it’s a bad talent.
I pick up another slice of pizza. “Well maybe the new hot one will solve all your problems.”
She shrugs. “Maybe so.”
“I packed a few sexy outfits for you, Raelyn,” Brynn says. “So, pack those heels you love so much, and I will have the rest of your hot little body covered.”
I frown. “I feel like that’s an insult to my wardrobe.”
She crosses her arms giving me a smug look. “All I’m saying is I know what your closet looks like, and you need a little more sex appeal for this trip. We’re doing a reset, and you need to live a little. Plus, my outfits with your body are guaranteed to get you laid.”
She has a point, even though I don’t think I have bad taste. I just don’t exactly wear revealing clothes. “Fine. Bring on the sex appeal, then.” I smile, raising my glass to her.
“I’m so excited about our rental. Have y’all looked at the pictures I sent from the link? It’s prime location on Broadway near the hockey arena. We can walk to all the hot bars and stumble back home,” Rylie says excitedly, while scrolling through her phone.
“I do love the location!” Maddie exclaims.
Rylie glances up from her phone. “I may have made a few reservations at the trendiest restaurants, as well. Y’all already know I’m a planner, so get ready.”
Rylie is a very type-A person. She always runs off an itinerary, but it works for me. Excitement courses through my veins from all the anticipated fun we’re going to have this weekend.
The screen on my phone lights up, alerting me of a text. Picking it up, I instantly cringe at the name on display—Jace. I roll my eyes. I was having a good night until he interrupted my happy thoughts. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I open the message.
Baby, I miss you. I know I screwed up, but can we please talk about this more? Quit shutting me out, it’s not what she said. She’s crazy! I only want you. Please, just give me one more chance. Let me prove myself. I love you, Raelyn.
I sigh, blowing out an annoyed breath. It’s fitting Jace would text me the night before a trip to “reset”. I haven’t heard from him in about a month.
I wonder if he starts drinking after work, and then ends up texting me.
Probably just another night out with the guys. That’s what I always believed. Never knew there were bars and women readily available. He had me thinking he was in a shit town with nothing to offer. Hell, there is even a strip club and Starbucks down the road. I have googled everything now. Joke’s on me.
I’ll probably get a few more texts later tonight. Jace doesn’t give up easily, but he should’ve thought about the consequences before.
His famous line in all of this is, “You’re just going to walk away and give up on me that fast?” Like it’s me. It was my fault he cheated, right? Wrong, it’s his fault. He did this to me. He had a choice, and he chose wrong.
I click out of the message, before I get consumed by anger from how he played me as a fool. Pushing away my thoughts, I lay my phone down.
Looking up, I find Rylie’s eyes watching me. Without saying a word, she knows. She has always been able to read me like a book. Draining the remainder of my glass of wine, I give her a reassuring smile. She studies me a moment longer, silent communication running between us with the “don’t let your head go there, you deserve better” look. She’s right, I do deserve better, and I'm ready to find myself again.
I shove my suitcase in the last tiny space available in my trunk. Standing back, I appreciate the handy work then close the trunk. The morning air is cool on my skin. It’s nine a.m., and we are officially loaded down and ready to roll. Bending down, I pick up my caffeine fix, letting it warm my hands, as I watch the steam rise from my mug. It consists mostly of creamer with a side of coffee, but that’s my style.
Maddie opens the car door with a grumpy expression on her face. “It’s too damn early to be leaving. We’re not partying until tonight.” She huffs, sliding her shades on.
She’s such a ray of sunshine in the morning.
Rylie throws a pillow at her. “You can sleep when you are dead. We have places to go and things to see.”
Rylie is normally not a morning person herself, but the planner in her is ready to roll.
I climb in the driver’s seat. Brynn slides in the back grinning at her phone. “I downloaded a dating app to browse the local talent on the way.”
I smirk. “Are you planning on having a lot of dates over the next few days?”
She looks up, lightly lifting her shoulders, mischief shining in her eyes. “No. Just encounters. Oxytocin, remember.”
No matter the situation, Brynn can always lighten the mood. She just has this carefree air about her.
I smile, while sliding my sunshades on. “All right ladies, let’s go find some talent.”
Scrolling through my music library, I grin while clicking my song of choice. I flip up the stereo volume as the beat to “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain starts pumping through the speakers. Hoots and laughter fill the car, as I pull onto the road to start our adventure.
Four hours later, we step into our apartment style rental. The pictures didn’t do it justice. I walk across the open floor plan and run my hand across the cool granite kitchen counter. It has a modern, industrial feel with exposed ductwork running across the ceiling. Pictures of famous musicians, different styled guitars, and colorful oil base paintings fill the walls showcasing a true music city vibe. The place gives off a cozy feeling.
I push open the sliding doors and walk out onto the balcony that overlooks Broadway. The smell of food and bad decisions to follow consume the air. Looking over at the girls, who have now joined me, I take in their contagious expressions of what’s to come.
Brynn pushes off the balcony, holding up a finger. “Wait a minute,” she exclaims as she disappears inside. A few minutes later, she prances back onto the balcony with a small tray of shots in hand. She hands us each one, then lifts hers up, a coy smile plays on her lips. “Here’s to us. The best girlfriend group there ever was! May we seek the best local talent for some strange dick. Drink up bitches!”
Dinner at the White Limozeen is the perfect start to our night. The food and cocktails are delicious, and who doesn’t love Dolly? The atmosphere is perfect for a girls’ getaway. I love all the pink, girly details with classy touches of crystal chandeliers. Rylie is getting a raving review from me for booking this reservation.
I wobble a tad in my high heels, feeling a little tipsy from the alcohol coursing through my veins as we walk arm in arm to our next destination. We come to a stop outside Big Ass Honky Tonk. The big, vibrantly lit up sign invites us in.
Walking over the threshold, I take in the open room bustling with people. I nudge Rylie pointing to an open table. “I'm going to get us a round of drinks while y’all get that table before it’s taken.”
She nods. “Sounds like a plan.”
Standing at the busy bar, I lock eyes with the bartender. The corners of his mouth turn up. “Hey sugar, what will it be?” he asks, shooting me a flirty smile.
I take in his appearance, he’s good-looking. I bet he makes a killing off drunk females. I lean in, raising my voice so it can be heard over the music pumping through the speakers. “Four margaritas with salt and lime, please.”
He nods, giving me an appreciative once over. “Are you in town long?"
I flash him a flirty smile. “No, just the weekend with my girlfriends, but we’re looking to hit all the hot spots while we’re here.”
He gives me an appreciative once over. “Well, you’ve come to the right place.”
I hand him my card. “I’ll start a tab.”
He nods while keying my information into the system, and then hands me a tray of drinks. “Here ya go, sugar.”
I pick the tray up grinning. “Thank you. I’ll be back.”
He gives me a sexy smile. “I’m counting on it.”
An hour later, we’re sitting around the table laughing.
“Okay, we’ve been here long enough, let’s go explore,” Maddie says, finishing her drink.
I hold up my hand. “One last round on me before we leave.”
Brynn waves at our new bartender friend from our table. “Tell that hunk of a man I’ll come back for him later when he gets off.”
I laugh as I get up and walk to the bar.
He throws his towel over his shoulder as he watches me approach. “My favorite woman of the night is back.”
I laugh. I think everyone is his favorite. He’s been a flirt all night.
“I need one last departing round of tequila shots.”
“Leaving me so soon?” he asks.
“Time is of the essence. We want a weekend to remember. What do you recommend?” I ask.
He moves across the liquor flawlessly, pouring up the shots.
He looks up at me. “You said y’all were looking for a good time, right?”
“Absolutely. I never turn down one of those.” I say, tilting my head to the side.
“Well, there happens to be a big party going on tomorrow night. I may have some connections if you pretty girls want in on the list.”
He writes something on a card and slips it across the bar to me.
Scanning the card, I see a name and number. I glance up at him intrigued. “What’s the occasion?”
“It’s a party for an up and coming country music artist. His manager is going all out for a single he’s releasing with his new label. I may know the guy working the door.” He raises his eyebrows.
“Sounds like a plan,” I reply. “I know my girls will be in.”
He gives his flirty signature smile. “Shoot me a text, and I’ll forward you all the details on the party when I catch a break. Enjoy your night on Broadway, sweetheart, and the shots are on me.” He winks, as he passes me the tray.
I tuck a strand of loose hair behind my ear as I pick up the shots. “Thank you, handsome.” Excitement runs across my skin for scoring us a major party invite.
A smug smile sits on my face as I toss the card on the table. “Guess who just scored us an invite to a new, hot, up and coming country artist release party?” I throw my shoulders back proudly.
I feel all eyes on me as I have their full attention instantly.
“Shut up! How did you get this gem?” Maddie asks, picking up the card to examine it.
I nod my head toward our new friend as I pass out the shots.
An appeased grin breaks across Brynn’s face. “Hot damn, my outfits are already working!”
“All right girls, we are pulling out the big guns tomorrow night,” Rylie says, throwing the bartender a wink.
“I knew that bikini wax and bleach would come in handy,” Brynn adds.
“Bleach?” I ask, instantly stumped. What would that be used for?
She looks at me nonchalantly. “You know, for the back door.”
My head falls to the side, as I hold my mouth from dropping open.
Rylie coughs, choking on her drink while looking at Brynn. “Please tell me you didn’t. I mean what the actual hell. That is so off limits for me,”
“Oh yeah, that’s a hard pass for me, too,” Maddie adds.
Brynn shrugs her shoulders, a smirk playing on her lips. “Yeah, well I’m all playboy pink down there, and y’all will wish you were on board if y’all get any celebrity dick tomorrow. I’m sure they have certain standards.”
Hmm, maybe she does have a point. I pull my lip between my teeth, then pick up my shot. “I guess I will make a toast now. Here’s to release parties, and playboy pink back doors.” I smile, raising my shot.
Tossing the liquor back, I scrunch my nose, feeling the burn of the tequila going down my throat.
Bring on the night.