Chapter 09 -Making Friends

This Café, Lucky's, was right in the city center. It was apparently a café during the day and a lesbian club at night. Also, on Saturdays it had karaoke night which made me smile the second I walked in and saw that on the screen.

It was a very famous brand known for its authentic taste and quality ambience. This place had very comfortable furniture where people could sit for hours without being tired at all. The lighting was so beautiful.

Sophie lead the way and I followed her in and sat on a comfortable couch. A guy came and asked what we wanted. Sophie told me to try the Sex On The Beach drink while she tried something else. I didn't fight against that.

People started coming in and the vibe was very nice.

Our drinks came and the music was playing nicely. It was really just chilled.

"so.. How long have you been staying here?"

"6 years now.. I'm thinking of changing you know but I'm kinda scared of starting over in a place where I don't know anyone at all. Like how would that be." Sophie said before taking a sip of her drink.

What I loved about this place was that one could enjoy a wide range of beverages and snacks, or even food, but we mostly ordered alcohol with Sophie.

I smiled at the girl," I think you have come to the right person.. Been doing that since I was 14.."

"what? Why at such a young age?"

I shrugged and lied, "for the love of it. It helped me to grow honestly."

That wasn't fully a lie you know because it actually did help me grow into the person I was today. But I didn't do it because I loved it. I did it because I was running from my demons.

"I always loved traveling. Used to see blogs and YouTube videos of people experiencing the world... and really wanted to be like that.. Fortunately I had money and I started. I never stopped since then. I mean it truly does get lonely coz I don't make real connections that last long.. Which I have a feeling I'm about to change now though... But other than that it's amazing. "

She was smiling at me like an idiot after I said that. I was confused at first but then I remembered what I said. Ahh God. What was Anzania doing to me. I wasn't even aware I said that.

" maybe we should get you food before you get hungry for something else." she suggested and I shrugged not wanting to get into it or be lecturered the way she probably would.

She lifted her hand up and I watched her as she ordered whatever but I zoned her voice out.

" ...and by the way the food here is amazing. So I can't wait for you to try it." I was glad to catch that last line.

Not only the taste of food but the way it is presented was just amazing. The best part is that one can enjoy music which makes the experience of visiting this place enjoyable.

In fact, according to Sophie since she was a regular here, sometimes they invite guitarists to play live music as well. In addition, this cafe was quite peaceful and without being bothered. We could sit and enjoy gossiping about everything and this town.

I must say the staff at this place was also very cordial. They talk very politely and gave the best service experience.

Two drinks were sat in front of us and I looked at Sophie, "you better not have ordered me more shorts Sophie. I don't wanna kill you on your sleep. That first one was enough"

She ached her brow, "what..? I didn't buy these. I thought you did.."

"umh... Ladies.. It's those two gentlemen sitting there."

I looked at them and then mentally shook my head, "really? We have men today picking on ladies at a lesbian bar.. This is a lesbian thing right?" I asked the last sentence looking at the girl in front of me. She nodded her head, "it is a lesbian thing... Wanna enjoy a free drink?"

I laughed and shook my head at her, "no thanks.. Like I said I don't wanna kill you coz gf the alcohol in my system."

She winked and took the first shot... Then the other one and she shook her head, "if I serve you coffee instead of hot chocolate tomorrow please don't report me."

That made me smile, "you better be ready to drink that coffee.."

I loved how free she was with me. I just needed to loosen up too. But I wasn't sure if I could loosen up so easy. I needed to learn the kind of person she was.

I felt a presence behind me, and by the way Sophie was staring over my corner I knew someone was standing there.

"can we help you?" she asked and I almost laughed at how rude that came out.

She shook her head, "God I'm sorry.. It's not me it's the alcohol kicking in.. Hi.. Do you need anything.?"

God this girl was going to make me laugh and I wasn't intending on doing that in front of whoever this was.

"oh hi ladies.. It's us... We got you the drinks.. My friend and I were sitting over there... And we were like we can't let beautiful women drink alone.."

Alone? Really? Sophie and I were sitting here together and he was going to say we were alone as if a group of us existed as one person?

I chuckled a bit before sarcastically saying," darn I didn't know I was so invisible Soph... I thought I left the Harry Potter invisible blonket at home.. But turns out I bring it all the time. I'm sorry I made you sit here all alone.."

The guy chuckled nervously, "umh.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant."

Sophie smiled at him and took my hand in hers, "oh don't worry dude... She's just joking around. But thank you for the drinks.. Even though my girlfriend couldn't drink, I took both for the team."

This guy looked from Sophie to me and then to our connected hands. He looked at us again, "umh.. Did you say girlfriend? As in you are..." he left the sentence short and I assumed it was for us to finish it for him.

Sophie let go of myy hand and gave him all her attention, "I don't think I stuttered, did I starter?" the last question was aimed at me.

I was so impressed. I shook my head a bit and looked at the guy, "no you didn't."

"oh I'm sorry.. I didn't know.. It's not like you guys walk around with a sign on your head. I just saw beautiful ladies and assumed. My apologies."

I laughed, "you come to a lesbian bar and assume people are straight... Nice one dude. You just keep making this worse. You should have just left it at buying these drinks."

He looked at us so confused, "a lesbian what?"

We pointed at the wall that was blinking in red and blue lights saying "ladies night"

He looked at it and seemed to be even more confused. I couldn't stop myself from laughing. He was just adorable.

He shook his head, "I'm sorry... Honestly I'm so confused. And I am not homophobic... I have a sister who's trans and she goes through the worst hate in this world for being herself.. So I would never let anyone else go through that. We honestly thought ladies night meant.."

"ladies night... It's okay... What's your name?" I said when I genuinely noticed he was just lost.

"Jeremy..." he said and I smiled. I somehow felt what he said and how much he meant it. Started as a dick but is actually an amazing person.

I gave him my hand to shake, "it's nice to meet you Jeremy.. I'm Allison and this is my yet to be friend Sophie..."

"I'm still auditioning? I thought I passed.c Sophie said and then she turned to Jeremy," really? You're not gay or attracted to me?"

Jeremy laughed," you're both beautiful women... I'm sure women who will be with you will be the luckiest."

"i don't want anyone.. I'll die Single.. Girls are heart breakers I tell you.. Man I need more alcohol." Sophie said and then she left us there.

I turned to the kind stranger and gave him a smile.

He shly looked away trying not to make eye contact with me," look I'm sorry again for this little misunderstanding. I don't know what got to me."

I waved him off, "it's no problem.. You're such a great guy Jeremy.. Are you new here?"

"is it that obvious?"

"you and I both didn't know this was a lesbian bar. So that makes us new"

He chuckled, "yeah.. We moved here last week.. Coz of my sister and everything. My parents thought being in a new place will be less embarrassing for them... And I think it will be safer for my sister.. I hope so, I'm not ready to go to prison for killing someone."

"yeah and her imaginary girlfriend who happens to be a real person that she is crushing on is actually a cop. So she will arrest you if you try to do anything with her.." Sophie said arriving drunk.

God she was already drunk? We've been here for just two hours...

Jeremy looked at Sophie and then back at me," so you really are not dating?"

I shook my head,"no.. She was doing what I'd have done to chase you away. But you're one of the good ones."

He laughed, "ahh... I am one of the good ones. Well that makes me happy. But again sorry I made you guys uncomfortable.."

"like I said..."

"it's bridge under the water.." Sophie said cutting me off, making me to laugh as I shrugged at Jeremy, "or water under the bridge... Whatever it is really.."

"So you're new here too? You said us..."

"yeah.. Around 2 months now. So I got a drunk girl to show me around."

He laughed, "that must be fun."

"guess what? We should hang out sometime.. With your sister too.. Or just the two of us.."

He genuinely smiled and took out his phone to show me something, "I'd love that and I'm sure she'd love it too.. See how cute she is."

I took out my phone and gave it to him to write his phone numbers, "I'm still gay and yes I'm crushing on a very beautiful cop.. So if you do anything out of the way..."

He pressed on my phone and handed it to me before lifting both his hands up, "like I said. I don't want to be arrested. I don't like jail."

I knew I was also going to get along with him just fine. He was so cute...

"let me go disappoint my friend coz he thought he could finally find a girlfriend." he said and then left.

"you have a person.. So don't you even dare.."

I looked at Sophie. She was cute, I don't know why Anzania didn't like her. I mean if Anzania wasn't what had my heart I think I'd settle for Sophie. She was chatty and cute and very passionate. I'd see her at work do her thing and be kind to everyone. But then again, I wasn't even sure if Anzania liked me back.. Her type was probably doctors..

Sophie ordered another round of Alcohol and that's when I knew she had enough. She was drunk and it was 10pm. She had work tomorrow.

"Soph... I think we need to get out of here. One person between us has work tomorrow."

"you're such a buzz killer... I'm having a great time.."

"is everything okay ladies? We are heading out." Jeremy asked and I smiled at him, "I was literally telling her that we should leave."

I watched as he looked at his watch, "alright.. We can all get out of here so I can make sure you guys get home safe.. Apparently there are dogs out here eating people like they are nothing but good prey."

I thought about saying no because I knew deep down that I could protect myself but I knew he'd think I was losing my mind. After all I was a fragile female in this world. So I slowly nodded my head, "yeah... I will appreciate that."

I helped Sophie to get up and we headed out. We literally stayed two streets away from the bar. Which was amazing for us.

"that way.." I pointed the second we were put of the door. The wind was really telling that we were deep in winter as July started. I was hoping that would end soon though. Couldn't wait for a different season in South Africa.

We headed our way with Jeremy. He was talking telling me that I could text me anytime and about anything.

"so how's your sister?"

"she's such an asshole of a person. But I love her with all my heart. She had her first girlfriend but had to break up with her because of the move. It was so awful to watch."

From the way he spoke about her I could tell what kind of a person he actually was. And to say he was good was just an understatement. He was more than good. Loved his sister to death.. I wanted to know more but we came into the picture with our building.

"this is us.. You owe me that story though. You can't start something like that and then leave me."

He laughed, "you have my numbers. Will you be okay with this one?"

"she's fine with me.. Why are you asking?" Sophie was the one who responded even though the question was directed to me. I laughed a bit before taking his hand in mine and squeezing it a little bit, "I had fun and thanks for getting this one drunk. I'll text you okay."

"I'll be waiting.. Bye Soph.." and then he was gone.

I rested Sophie's arm over my shoulder to help her balance and watched him disappear in a corner. The girl next to me whispered, "what are we looking at?"

God how I wished he was someone else accompanying home. Anzania was occupying my mind so much. If I didn't occupy her I swear I was going to lose my mind..

But I laughed at Sophie, "Soph you're sooo drunk.." I turned us around to go inside our building but strangely I was hit by something I loved to smell. Her scent was so strong.

I looked around and saw no one. Why did I smell her? Was I missing her... I wondered if she was thinking about me.