LILY
While Arlo was driving, the two of us remained silent. I wanted to ask who the elderly person was earlier, but the words stuck in my throat. Instead, I leaned back in my seat. Suddenly, my mind wandered to what Aunt Ella had told me. I glanced at Arlo, who was focused on driving. When his phone rang, he answered it using the loudspeaker, as he was cautious while driving.
“Hello, Arlo. Where are you now? If you’re free, we’re at the bar,” said a man, and I also heard a woman’s voice in the background.
“Arlo, please. We miss you. We know you spend more time with your other friends, but please make time for us, too,” the woman said. Arlo glanced at me.
“But I have someone with me. I’ll bring her along,” Arlo replied.
“Bring anyone, dude. You know the group doesn’t mind new friends.”
“Alright, we’re on the way.” Arlo then ended the call.
“Who are you bringing?” I asked.
“Of course, my girlfriend,” he answered confidently.
“Me? Are you sure you’re bringing me to the bar?” He nodded.
“Are you okay with me bringing you along?” he asked.
“Of course! I’d love to, thanks.”
“Have you been to a bar before?”
“Yes, but it was a long time ago. I haven’t been back since,” I replied.
“You’re so innocent. By the way, thank you earlier—for saving me in front of my parents. Don’t worry, Grandpa doesn’t bite. My dad and mom are kind, especially my mom; she’s a loving mother.”
“My pleasure. I was just doing what we agreed on. If you become the CEO of Mega Winery Bonde’s Company, I’ll leave. Let’s talk about that later,” I said with a smile.
A few moments later, we arrived in front of the bar. Many people were entering. After Arlo parked his car, we went inside.
“Good evening, Sir Arlo,” the bouncer greeted him.
“Do you come here often?” I asked, and he nodded.
The noise inside the bar was overwhelming, with loud music and people shouting. I felt out of place with my formal attire, as most of the women were wearing bar dresses. The crowd seemed affluent.
“Arlo!” a woman called out his name.
Arlo grabbed my hand and led me to where the woman was. They all greeted each other enthusiastically, clearly happy to be reunited.
“Hi,” a man greeted me.
“Hi,” I replied.
“Guys, this is my girlfriend, Lily,” Arlo introduced me to his friends.
“Since when? Is this true, or am I dreaming that the one and only Arlo Bonde is back in a relationship?” a woman said. My heart skipped a beat. Does this mean Arlo had a girlfriend before?
“It’s about time our friend settled down. He was the only one left single while the rest of us are already thinking about grandkids!”
They continued chatting. Arlo called the bartender and ordered his drink.
“Just juice for me,” I said, surprising Arlo’s friends.
“Really? This is the first time I’ve met someone in a bar who doesn’t drink,” said Dalaja, giving me a look that felt uncomfortable.
“Are you sure you don’t drink?” Arlo asked to confirm.
“Yes,” I replied.
I looked around the bar. Most people seemed to enjoy themselves without caring about their surroundings. It was a lifestyle I had never experienced before.
A little while later, Arlo grabbed my hand tightly as if afraid I might disappear. I smiled, feeling like he was protecting me. Or maybe I was assuming too much.
We sat in an empty seat, and our orders arrived shortly. Arlo sat seriously, observing the people around us. I stayed quiet until two of his friends approached us. The others went to the dance floor with their partners. Only Dalaja, who was single, and Cliff, who was openly gay, stayed with us.
Dalaja’s eyes were fixed on Arlo. I had a strange feeling about her, as the way he looked at Arlo seemed to hold something more. Cliff sat beside me, smiling and even raising his glass in a toast.
