Jen's Journal

“Happy New Year!” Everyone erupted in cheers. Couples everywhere were kissing and clinking their glasses together to start the new year.

Jade raised her glass to the air in front of her, and started the new year off by downing off her whiskey double.

She set her glass down in front of her and motioned the bartender for another one. He looked at her for a second before poring another double, neat.

Karaoke continued in the background but all Jade could focus on was the drink before her. She already broke her resolution to drink less this year.

As if reading her mind the bartender asked, “any new years resolutions?”

She looked him up and down, admiring the firmly pressed black button up, folded right below his elbows to reveal the sleeve tattoos on both arms. His long lashes blinked to reveal dark blue eyes. It made her feel safe.

“This year I want to get out of the rut I’m in.” Jade answered, nursing her drink this time.

“That’s a good one. I’ve been thinking of doing that soon myself,” he said, smiling at her in a way that warmed her from the inside out. Or maybe that was the whiskey?

“I’m Jade, by the way,” she said extending her right hand.

“Cole. Nice to meet you, and happy new year.”

“Happy new year,” Jade said, holding her drink up once again and finishing another double whiskey.

“So Jade, can I ask why you’re here alone tonight?”

“Can I ask why you’re working on new years?”

“I had nothing better to do.” Cole answered honestly.

This made Jade giggle, which in turn made Cole smile.

That was another one of her resolutions, though she would never say it out loud. She would try to make it through the year without going home with someone.

As the night went on though, that seemed less and less likely. Cole was charming in a way that intrigued her. She could listen to to him talk all night. When he laughed, she felt his chuckle run though her. It was more than butterflies, but not quite love at first sight.

Maybe it was just the whiskey talking. Maybe she would wake up tomorrow full of regret and a pounding headache. But the whiskey made her dumb enough (or brave enough) to try.

They were the last two people at the bar. She stayed behind while he wipes down the counters, swept the floors, and calculated tips for the night.

Then he took her hand and led her through the back, to the almost empty parking lot.