The Do Over

When he'd asked me to go to Starbucks, I'd almost screamed with excitement. I had wanted to do a happy dance, but I had just enough sanity to calm down. I had to remind myself that Macy was waiting for me. I still couldn't believe that I'd said, "Chicks before dicks." I wanted the earth to swallow me up whole. I'm such a goober. I'd been so smooth and flirty, and then I had to say that. I knew my face had to have turned a dark shade of red.

Then, his phone had rang, and he answered it. Ugh! I felt awkward waiting around, so I left. I had never had a CPR class like that, and I doubted I would ever have another.

My heart was still beating rapidly, and I couldn't stop smiling. Just the thought of him standing behind me during that demonstration was enough to make me bite my lower lip. Longing to feel him close to me again, I let out a deep sigh. That wasn't going to happen. Bummer.

I believed that all things in life happened for a reason. Combined with Macy and Candace's perfectly timed intervention, meeting the handsome Lieutenant Liam Lucas acted as a catalyst for me. With his flirty banter, he showed me what my friends were trying to tell me. I was a woman with needs and desires. Maybe they were right, and I needed to get back in the game. With that hopeful epiphany, I smiled with an inner confidence. I was ready for my reentry into the dating world. Who am I kidding with the philosophical mumbo jumbo? I was just excited that a hot guy flirted with me. I surprisingly liked it—a lot.

As I was driving, the sun was setting. The orange rays were breaking through the clouds against the fading blue background, creating an artistic masterpiece. I'd lived here my entire life, and I'd never noticed the vibrant hues. Sometimes, I failed to see the beauty around me because I was so focused on the pain that was in me. I needed to let go of the bitterness with Rick and make room for what could be. Liam Lucas was a reminder that there was still a lot of life and love for me to experience.

Of course, this only proved that my friends were right. Macy was my dearest and closest friend. She and I had bonded over broken hearts. I owed her my sanity after the drama with Rick. There was no love lost between them. She was quite vocal about her disdain, and her feelings were obvious with her eye rolls. She even nicknamed him "Rick the Dick."

Candace didn't approve of him or our relationship. She tolerated him because she had no other choice, but she had no problem whatsoever of making an uncomfortable situation completely unbearable.

Needless to say, when I left Rick's apartment that fateful evening, I drove straight to Macy's place. She had the wine ready and the tissues out. We drank and cried away the heartbreak.

I was looking forward to our girls' night out tonight. Since the break-up, we'd gone out, just the three of us, but we'd usually go out to dinner or movies. We had the occasional dinner party where they'd shamelessly tried to set me up with different guys.

The most awkward one had been when Macy had tried to set me up with Ryan Martinez, as in the Dr. Martinez I worked with in the ER. Ryan and I were just friends. I had no romantic interest in him. We just got along really well and worked great together. Granted, it had caused friction with one nurse in particular, Colleen McFadden. Thank God I didn't have to deal with her anymore.

Tonight was different though. I was excited that we were going to the opening of a new club in South Beach. I had never been a bar-hopping, clubbing kind of girl, so my wardrobe was mostly limited to yoga pants, jeans, and scrubs.

When Rick and I had been together, my wardrobe had a massive transformation. We'd gone out several times a week, and I wanted to look good for him. He was drop-dead gorgeous. I often thought he could be on the cover of a magazine. With an olive complexion that gave him that perfect tanned look all year, he was six foot one, medium build, and nicely chiseled. I could get lost in his hazel eyes. He had the most kissable lips, but his best feature was his dimpled smile. Then, there was his charisma. Rick could charm the pants off of anyone, and he did that to me on many occasions.

Rick dressed for success with his designer suits. Although he taught me a lot about style and fashion, I was still more comfortable in a pair of jeans, T-shirt, and flip-flops. After we'd broken up, I'd taken all my party clothes to a consignment store. I was dramatic like that.

As I pulled into a parking space, I prepared to be done over and made new, and I knew Macy would come to my rescue. With a hop in my step and a smile on my face, I pulled out the key Macy had made for me as I decided to embrace this new season in life.

"Hey there! I'm here." I threw my keys on the counter and plopped my purse next to them.

"I'll be right out. Make yourself at home," Macy said, calling out from the other room.

I opened a bottle of wine before I went through the take-out bags in the kitchen. I reached for the remote and turned on her TV to see that The Real Housewives of Miami marathon was on.

Every time I saw this show, which wasn't often, I thought of Rick's mom. It was the only time I allowed myself to think about them. His mom and I had gotten along really well. I had to admit that she was a character. She, one could say, was somewhat dramatic and over the top. She was definitely the one calling the shots in that household even though his dad would try to clearly object. That was one of the reasons she would be so perfect for the show. Even though Rick could do no wrong in her eyes, she'd always made me feel like she took my side. In hindsight, I knew she'd just twisted things around to make me feel better, so I would get over my hang-ups. Considering her many charity events and strong opinions, I wouldn't be surprised to see her on the show one day.

"What are you watching?" Macy asked as she walked into the room.

"The Real Housewives of Miami," I said, setting plates on the counter.

"You know that show is whack, and those women are just freaking weird. I know we aren't supposed to mention him, but his mom would be perfect for the show. You really dodged a bullet there."

I placed our food on the plates. "Yes, I did, but his mom wasn't so bad."

"Um, she was, and his sisters definitely were." Macy rolled her eyes.

She hated his sisters, and she didn't get along with his family either. It didn't matter now, but it made things uncomfortable then.

"Whatever. I don't care. That was then, and this is now," I said in a singsong tone.

As I poured the wine and smiled at her, she scrunched her eyes and stared at me with a confused look on her face.

"What? If you keep making facial expressions like that, you're going to need Botox sooner rather than later," I said, eyeing Macy.

She just stood there, looking at me strangely.

"Okay, who are you? What have you done with my friend?" Macy asked with a raised eyebrow. "Spill it."

"Spill what?" I responded with a little sarcasm. I was annoyed with this line of questioning.

She sighed. "So, you're in a good mood. You didn't even go into a depressive episode at the mention of the Marin family. What happened in your book? Was there a happily ever after? Did the nice girl get the hottie badass after hours of amazing sex and no urinary tract infection?"

I should've been insulted, but I wasn't. I knew she meant well. She would often engage in book talk with me. She would even humor me and pretend to be interested. Letting me go into plot details, she would laugh. When I'd tell her about something heartbreaking I'd just read, her eyes would tear up. More often than not, she would be interested in the sex scenes. Sometimes, I would have to highlight the good parts for when she'd borrow one of my Kindles.

"No, there's nothing happening in my book. I wasn't able to read much today. I kept getting interrupted," I said with a little attitude and a flat smile.

"About that whole intervention thing…you know we're coming from a good place. We're worried about you. It's been forever, Dani, and we just don't want you to miss out on your life because you're hiding in your books. Go ahead and read, but don't stop living. You've been in a freaking holding pattern. It's time already. I don't want you to talk to me about your fantasy casting for some kinky billionaire. Well, you can still do that because I like it, but the point is that I want you to tell me about the hot sex you're actually getting."

After my CPR class, I couldn't agree with her more. I just wasn't sure how it was going to happen, but I figured it would. "It's okay. I know your intentions are good," I answered.

As I continued eating, I noticed she was still looking at me with an odd expression.

"Do I have something in my teeth?" I checked them through the reflection from the knife.

"No, it's not that. You just seem different. I mean, in a good way." She drank more wine. "After today's events, I would think you'd be a little irritated, but you're the opposite. What gives?"

As I swallowed my food, I tried to decide if I wanted to say anything. I thought about how to explain what happened earlier today, but she didn't give me a chance.

"I know it wasn't brunch. You say that it's not your book, and…" She paused, trying to figure out what it could be.

When I started thinking of my CPR class, I sighed. The thought of Liam Lucas—those eyes, that smile, his closeness, his warmth—put a smile on my face as a tingle shot through my body.

Macy looked at me suspiciously. "Hmmm, you had CPR class. Wait. There's that smile again. What happened in class?"

"Nothing happened in class," I half lied.

Nothing actually happened. My world was just rocked by that Adonis with a great personality, a warm smile, and the bluest eyes I could drown in. Feeling hopeful, I decided I wasn't ready to share yet.

"If you don't tell me what's going on, I'm calling reinforcement. You already know how that'll turn out," she threatened. Setting down her silverware, she sat back in her chair.

I let out a long sigh. "Fine. Nothing really happened. I'm just crushing on my instructor. He was hot."

I didn't feel the need to go into more details. They were personal, and I was convinced my overactive literary imagination was making it seem like more than it actually was.

"I'm confused. You said the instructor was an old fart," she said with a perplexed and slightly scared look on her face. "Was he hot as in George Clooney hot? Or are you having daddy issues again?"

"I get why you're confused. No, he wasn't like George Clooney." I laughed as a look of absolute horror crossed her face. Before she could say anything, I quickly added, "And no, I do not have any daddy issues either, so stop saying that I do."

She let out a huge sigh of relief.

"We had a sub, but before I tell you anything else," I said, looking her square in the eyes, "you have to swear to me that you are not going to say anything. This is just between you and me, right?"

I wasn't sure why, but I didn't want Candace to know right now. I hadn't really processed things, and I wanted to keep this to myself until I was ready to share. I supposed a part of me thought it was silly.

"Of course. It goes without saying. You know you can trust me. Whatever you tell me stays with me," Macy promised, nodding her head in total agreement.

I leaned in with a giggle. "The instructor was young and hot. I mean, he was really hot, like stop-the-presses, take-your-breath-away, call-nine-one-one hot."

"I want details, and don't you dare leave anything out."

"Well, he came up to me and whispered in my ear. He told me that he was jealous and then asked me to put my Kindle away."

"Holy shit! Wait. You had your stupid Kindle out? I swear, Dani, you really need help."

"Thanks to my Kindle, he noticed me. So, that's one for Team Kindle."

"I'll give you that. How close did he get to you when he whispered?"

"He was close enough that I felt his stubble on my neck," I said with a big smile. "But it gets better."

"There's no way this gets better."

"Macy, he called me out in class and asked me to do the demo. When he stood behind me, he smelled so effing good. I was facing the class, so I had to keep it together. Seriously though, I almost started squeezing my legs and squirming when he reached over and put his hands on mine."

"No way! Oh my God, that sounds hot," Macy said with eyes wide open.

"Hot does not begin to describe it. Then, he leaned in and told me to make sure the pressure was deep, hard, and steady. I kid you not. My body trembled. Let's just say that I was very turned on. If he would have kept it up, I would've had an orgasm. I swear, I thought that I was close."

Macy just stared at me with her mouth hanging open.

I nodded. "So, you see, that's why I have a smile on my face. Oh, and then he asked me to stay after class to help him clean up."

"No way! He's so into you. Oh my God, I bet he wanted to taste a little of that nice ass you have."

I shook my head at her. "Macy, do you have to be so grotesque? I like my mental picture a lot better. When we were done, he asked me out for coffee. You know that I don't drink coffee, but I would've faked liking it for him."

"You're killing me here, Dani. Tell me that you're going to see him again. Please tell me you're going to remedy your condition in deep, hard, and steady strokes," she said with a snicker.

"Well, see, here's the problem—"

"No, no, no, no problem. Ah, Dani," she said, frustrated.

"He got a phone call. I wasn't just going to linger around like some desperate groupie, so I left." I shrugged my shoulders.

"No, no, no. You didn't just leave, did you? Ugh! What am I going to do with you?" she asked. "Hot damn, I want to sign up for that CPR class."

When we heard Candace opening the door, we stopped talking.

"Hey, Candace, come over and get your salad," I said.

Candace sat down next to us. "What are you two talking about?" She paused for a brief moment, taking a sip of her wine, as she looked at me quizzically. "Dani, you're glowing."

That was when Macy interrupted her. I was worried that she would break our confidence and tell Candace.

Instead, Macy said, "When I noticed that glow, I wondered if she had played with B.O.B. before she got here. You know, preparing the way and cleaning out the cobwebs."

I had no words, none whatsoever. I gave her a mere grunt and an eye roll.

Candace looked at both of us in complete and utter shock. "You know, Macy, I'm eating. I don't care to hear about Dani potentially, as you said, 'cleaning out the cobwebs.' But I am curious as to why you are glowing. Did you get a facial?"

Macy couldn't keep the excitement in. She blurted out, "Facial my ass. She was molested by her CPR instructor. That there is post-almost-coital glow."

What am I going to do with her? Is there nothing sacred?

Candace had a painful look on her face. "Are you having daddy issues again? You did say the instructor was elderly." She paused, trying to find the right words. "That's just gross. I know you have to get back on the saddle, but you can be a little selective. You don't have to go down the little blue–pill route. At least, not yet anyway."

The puckered, disgusted expression on her face as she shared this bit of advice was priceless. I let her suffer. I wanted her to worry that she had pushed me into the arms of a man old enough to be my dad.

I got up, put my plate in the sink, and refilled my glass of wine. Bringing the bottle over, I topped off Macy and Candace's glasses as well. "What is with both of you saying I have daddy issues? I don't have daddy issues. I've only dated age-appropriate men."

They shook their heads in disagreement.

Macy said, "Yes, you do have daddy issues. You're always trying to tame the non-committal man. You just prefer living in the land of denial. We've talked about it. You need to sell your property there."

"Fine, I have some abandonment issues, but I'm cured," I said, exasperated with them. A quick thought of Liam, and I got over it.

So, I clued Candace in on Liam. Macy stood up and walked around the room, fanning herself while I shared my sensual encounter.

"Ooh, I can definitely see why you're glowing," Candace said. She jumped out of her seat and hugged me like I'd won the lottery.

Macy interrupted, "I need a moment just to process this and bring down my own heat, and I wasn't even there."

As giddy as I was, I had to state the obvious. "Hey, I'm as excited as you guys are. I think maybe even more. But let's keep it real. He doesn't have my number, and it's highly unlikely that I'll ever see him again."

"Why are you so negative?" Macy asked, raising an eyebrow. "Two words: Google stalk." She pulled out her laptop.

"Candace, help me here. I don't want to stalk this guy. Stop her, please," I begged. "Let's just say that I'm very happy that I met him. He's given me a sense of hope. It probably has absolutely nothing to do with him. It's more about the possibility of what's out there. He's just the catalyst to opening my eyes."

"You're so cute. Is that what you read in your books?" Macy said. She brought up the browser. "Now, tell me his full name."

"I'm not telling you anything. Let me have my moment," I said, withholding that vital piece of information and made my way to the bathroom to get ready for our night out.

Our girl talk continued as Macy pulled out her makeup bag and curling iron. The two of them went all out. I'd arrived at Macy's house in a pair of shorts, a T-shirt that hung off one shoulder, and a pair of Toms with my hair pulled up in a top bun.

When I stepped out into the living room, Candace's mouth fell to the floor. I was wearing a plum minidress with thin spaghetti straps and a low back. Showing off cleavage, it barely covered anything. From her arsenal, Candace pulled out a pair of strappy black platform sandals and a matching clutch. Macy gave me smoky eyes while Candace twirled the curling iron around my hair, leaving long brown ringlets to cascade down my back. I had a hard time describing how I felt when I looked in the mirror. It was pure magic, like Cinderella.

The three of us walked out the door as Macy texted Chris to let him know we were on our way. Leaving my Kindle behind, I climbed into the backseat of Candace's car.