Loving Liberty

by Belinda Boring

  “Suck a duck, Shawn!” She poked out her tongue before bursting into a series of giggles.

  “Suck a what?” Even I couldn’t keep myself from laughing. I’d never heard anyone use that term before.

  “A duck,” Blake answered at the same time Jason did. “Molly likes to be creative with her insults. I think it’s adorable.”

  “Of course you do, honey,” Molly gushed, kissing his lips again. Shawn and Jason rolled their eyes and groaned.

  Shawn slid out of his seat. “Okay, what’s everyone drinking? The same?” Everyone nodded, and he turned to me. “What about you, Liberty?”

  “Umm,” I stammered. I had no idea how to answer. Inferno didn’t look like a wine or sparkling water kind of place. “A water?”

  “Guys, we have an emergency! Oliver’s girl wants water.” Shawn’s smile turned into a grimace of horror. “What do I tell her?” His theatrics made me nervous.

  “Mystery shot!” Jason chimed in, followed by Blake and Molly. “Mystery shot!”

  Taking my hand and kissing the back of it, Shawn bowed before winking. “Two shots, coming up!” Before I could ask him what he meant, he was gone and Molly was standing beside me, again.

  “And that’s our cue to leave. We’ll be right back. Girl talk!” She waved goodbye and pulled me into the crowd.

  “Where are we going?” I yelled over the noise.

  “You’ll see,” was her cryptic response. Giving into her enthusiasm and the fun I was already having, I let her lead the way.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I didn’t expect to end up in the bathroom. There was an instant flare of perverse satisfaction knowing it would horrify my mother.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I figured you might want a little help with your wardrobe. I noticed how you were tugging on your sweater.” Molly offered me a sympathetic smile before lifting her huge purse onto the sink counter. “A few changes and you won’t feel so self-conscious.”

  She was nothing short of amazing. I was accustomed to people reading me to take advantage and here was a stranger who not only understood, but also wanted to help. I could hug her for being so considerate. “Thank you,” I mumbled, gratefully. “I knew I was going to be overdressed, but didn’t realize by how much.”

  Staring into the wall mirror, the difference between the two of us was startling. Molly looked ready to dance the night away, and I looked ready for the local PTA meeting. With a knee length skirt and matching blouse, I didn’t think there was anything she could do to save me.

  Molly dug about in her handbag, mumbling to herself. “I never leave home unprepared. I know I have what you need. You know what? Screw it!” I jumped when she moved suddenly and dumped the entire content of her bag into the empty sink. It was a mess—receipts, lipstick containers, keys. You name it, she had it. “Here it is.” She held up what looked like a doll blouse, proudly. “Try this on.”

  Handing it to me, I thanked her again, questioningly, and disappeared into a vacant stall.

  “Umm, Molly?”

  “It should fit. I think we’re both about the same size.”

  “Are there supposed to be handcuffs in here?” I opened the door so she could see for herself.

  “Oh my gosh!!” She burst out into laughter and leaned in to have a closer look. “Of all the places to get kinky . . .”

  “What do you mean kinky?” I asked wide-eyed, trying not to look at the cuffs dangling from the handrail. “Why would they be in here?” Molly started chuckling again before telling me why. “Wow!”

  “Wow, exactly. Well, at least they’re not mine.” She winked and I stifled back a gargled reply. “Just kidding, Liberty. You’re so fun to tease.”

  “Should we maybe tell someone they’re in here? So the owner can come get them?” I shifted my weight, embarrassed.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. Whoever they belong to will either realize they forgot them, or the janitor will trash them. Now let’s hustle. Change your top so I can finish your makeover.” Molly smiled, shooing me back into the stall and pulled the door closed.

  I quickly unbuttoned my shirt; slipping Molly’s on and instantly froze. “We have another problem.” I opened the door again to show her, my arms wrapped around my bare midriff.

  “Nope, that’s perfect! Lower your hands.” When I didn’t, she did it for me. “Let me guess, you’ve never worn something this revealing before.”

  I shook my head, unable to drag my eyes away from my reflection. Just changing my shirt made me look different—freer. The style was similar to Molly’s spaghetti strap but the bottom was cut at a diagonal, showing off my sides. The silvery material shimmered under the light and was the good match for my straight black skirt.

  “Now, if we do this . . .” Molly rolled the waistband to my skirt, causing it to rise by inches. “Perfect. Let me see.” She stepped back, looking me up and down. “Okay, take off your pearls but keep the clasp fastened.” I did what she asked, not sure why I’d even put them on. It was more out of habit than anything else. Molly then showed me how to wear it as a loose bracelet. “Much better. Okay. We just need to add a little makeup and tousle your hair a little and Oliver will go crazy.”

  “And we want him to go crazy?”

  “Absolutely.”

  I stood patiently while Molly began working her magic. “How do you know how to do all this?” I asked, as she began sorting through the makeup in the sink. Usually I only wore mascara and colored lip-gloss, unless attending something special with my parents. Preferring a more natural look, I was a little lost when Molly lined up tubes and compacts on the counter.

  “This is what I do for a living,” she answered happily. “I went to cosmetology school so I could work for stage productions. My dream is to work on a movie set someday; but for right now, I help out at the university when they do their plays, each semester. It’s great experience and helps me practice my craft.”

  She worked with steady, confident hands and I was amazed at the way I was transforming under her care. The shadow she brushed across my eyelids made my eyes pop and I loved the boldness of the lipstick she chose. There was nothing plain about me once she added the finishing touches to my cheekbones.

  “You’re amazing. I didn’t think I could ever look like this. I don’t even look like me.” I turned my head back and forth, enjoying the full effect.

  “You look like you, the real you. All I did was enhance what was already there.” Again, her kindness struck a chord within me. I really wanted us to be friends. “Let’s do something with your hair.”

  Keeping still and watching, she dumped the makeup back in her purse and picked up her brush. “I really appreciate this. I don’t know how much Oliver told you, but I don’t do things like this very often. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever been to a night club.” I lowered my gaze, not wanting her to see how much it bothered me.

  “He told Blake and me a little. I was over at their house the other night when you told him about your date with that jackass. Oliver was so mad and defensive. That’s when I knew I had to meet you. Anyone who can make Olly so protective has to be special.”

  I couldn’t stop the blush from spreading across my cheeks. “He’s incredible,” I murmured, not trusting myself to say anything more.

  “And you’re completely in love with him, aren’t you? It’s okay if you are. I don’t blame you. Oliver is an amazing guy and I know he . . . you’re important to him as well.” Molly paused part way through her sentence before finishing it differently.

  “Did he tell you about my parents and home life?” I asked cautiously. Judging by the sorrow that flooded her expression, she did.

  “A little. I’m so sorry, Liberty. You need to know I think you’re braver than you think.” Her small admission reminded me that Oliver had the same thing. “The fact you’re here says a lot.”

  “They think I’m at home sick,” I blurted out. “They went to a function and I pretended I wasn’t feeling well becau
se I didn’t want to see Andrew.”

  I expected Molly to judge me; but instead, she simply nodded. “I don’t blame you. He sounds like a jerk. If Blake acted that way, I’d kick him to the curb. You deserve someone better than that.”

  “Like Oliver?” I ventured.

  “Exactly like Oliver.” Molly grinned. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes a move tonight with how you look right now!” She pointed at the mirror and I gasped. She’d styled my hair to where it was in a loose pile at the back of my head, soft curls falling down around my shoulders. Paired with my new makeup and shirt, I would definitely fit in with everyone at the club. “You’re beautiful. Oliver’s a lucky guy.”

  “I think he just wants to be friends.”

  “Trust me, girl. I know him. He’s your friend because he doesn’t know whether you want more and respects you too much to force anything on you. He won’t ever push himself on a female. Give him a sign tonight that you’re interested in more and see what he does. You’ll be surprised.”

  The idea of being more with him made me giddy. “I’ll try.” I agreed.

  “And for the record, this impromptu makeover makes us friends, as well. Good friends. And, as your new buddy, I want you to know if you ever need me, I’m there for you. You’re not alone, anymore, Liberty. You have people in your corner whenever you’re ready. Okay?” Her expression was earnest and I answered her by hugging her tightly.

  “Thank you. Thank you so much.” Tears were already in my eyes, threatening to ruin Molly’s work. “Oh no, I can’t cry!”

  “No, you can’t. Here, help me load all this stuff back into my purse and we’ll go see what trouble the guys have gotten into while we’ve been gone. I trust my Blake, but that Shawn is pretty shifty. You also have your mystery shot.”

  I groaned nervously, not sure whether I was ready for whatever it involved with this shot thing when a small spray caught my attention. “What’s this?” I read the canister and saw it was colored hair spray.

  “Pretty cool, huh? I get all kinds of free stuff and I haven’t had a chance to try it out.” Molly noticed my curiosity and popped the lid off. “Here, close your eyes quickly.” Doing what I was told, I felt her tug on the hair framing the front of my face, her hand covering my eyes as she started spraying. “Holy cow, this looks amazing. I’m definitely going to get more of this stuff. Give me a sec and then you can see.”

  She fiddled with my hair again, spritzing more of the product before she finally told me I could open my eyes. Just one glance and I clapped my hands, excited.

  “It’s perfect!” I exclaimed, staring at the streak of hot pink now in my hair. It reminded me of the ribbon in my treasure box and I resisted the urge to stroke it. “Is it permanent?” Once the shock wore off, fear hit. As much as I felt decadently daring right now, I still had to face my parents in the morning.

  “Don’t worry, it’ll wash out.” Molly rested her hand on my arm. “I’ll help you when you’re ready to go home. No one but us will know, okay?”

  A lone tear fell down my cheek. “I’m sorry. I know it’s silly but . . .”

  “There’s no need to explain. Just focus on the moment. You’re here. Oliver’s here. You look amazing and we’re going to be the best of friends. That’s all that matters right now.” Molly handed me a tissue and I carefully dabbed under my eyes.

  “Here’s to having fun.” I smiled. A new feeling began invading me—one of hope that everything would work out.

  “Here’s to you having fun with Oliver,” Molly added.

  Laughing out loud, I linked my arm with hers and we headed back to the guys.

  “It’s about time. I was getting ready to send a search party in after you both.” Blake started to tease. “Well . . . I can see now it was worth the wait.” All three of the guys looked at me and let out low appreciative whistles. “Has Oliver seen her, yet?” He directed his question to Molly.

  “Nope, and I can’t wait to see his reaction.”

  “You did good.”

  “I might have to fight him for you, Liberty,” Shawn grinned as he stood up.

  “Sit yourself down, you fool. She’s spoken for.” I laughed at how crestfallen he looked at Molly’s retort. “Now, wasn’t there supposed to be drinks here, waiting for us?”

  Molly slid in beside Blake, scooting over enough so that I could sit next to her. “Here you go. Here’s some friendly advice. Don’t think and by all that is holy . . . do not sip it. Just tip it back and swallow.” She handed me a shot glass filled with clear liquid. “Ready?”

  Raising my glass like she held hers, I offered a brief nod before I lifted the drink to my lips and tipped my head back. The second it hit the inside of my mouth; it blazed a fiery trail down my throat before turning my stomach into a furnace.

  “What the heck was that?” I gasped, exhaling like a fire-breathing dragon and setting the shot glass down on the table.

  “I have no idea. That’s the beauty of the mystery shot. Only Angela, the bartender, knows and she’s pretty tight lipped with giving away her secrets.” Molly had taken hers like a pro, leaving me to wonder how many she’d tried before. “Ready for the next one?”

  I nodded, wanting to preserve my voice in case this next shot was just as potent. Everyone joined in this time and we did a silent toast before drinking the second one. This one was a little smoother going down, but at the last moment it lashed out and I started coughing. “That one was vicious,” I spluttered, waiting for someone to publicly scold me like Andrew had. Instead everyone laughed good-naturedly and Blake leaned around, patting me on the back.

  “That one had a nasty kick. I think Angela has a mean streak in her,” Jason admitted, his eyes watering slightly.

  “You’re such a lightweight.” Molly chimed in, her face slightly flushed.

  “Here we go again!” Blake groaned. “No one encourage her.”

  “Hey, it’s not my fault I can drink you all under the table.” She beamed proudly. “But don’t worry, we’ll save that experience for another night. I’m more interested in showing off Liberty’s new look. Want to dance?” She directed her question to me now.

  “Umm, sure?” A quick glance at the dance floor showed me I was about to be out of my league, again.

  “Go easy on her, Molly. Ease her into your corruption, okay?” Blake cautioned. Poking her tongue out at him, he shrugged and offered a commiserating half smile, signaling he’d tried.

  “I’ll be fine,” I yelled out over my shoulder, trying to be confident, already being dragged by an eager Molly.

  Once we were surrounded by dancers, moving back and forth to the beat Oliver was playing, I was anything but fine.

  There was no time to think. With liquid courage still burning through my veins, I gave myself over and followed Molly’s movements.

  Overcome with the sudden urge to burst out laughing, I did just that.

  Even if it was just for right now, I was free.

  And I loved every minute of it.

  Chapter Seventeen

  This kind of dancing was addicting.

  I let my hips sway back and forth to the throbbing techno pulse, my hands above my head. Once my initial awkwardness was over, my inhibitions melted away, and I lost myself to the music. There was something so liberating about how as all my worries were slowly stripped away; it was just me and the incredible feeling growing inside me. There were no parents. No Andrew. No noose around my neck getting tighter and tighter.

  Oliver was a talented DJ, knowing exactly what to play and when. He kept the floor packed, bodies pressed together, strangers no longer strangers.

  “I didn’t know it could be like this!” I jumped up and down with the crowd as the tune switched to something with a faster tempo.

  “This is the best club in Seattle.” Molly nodded, wiping her brow. “Hey, let’s take a break. I need a drink.”

  I agreed. Sweat trickled down the center of my back and now that I’d stopped moving, I needed something t
o help me cool off. Looking up at Oliver, who was focused on his laptop screen, I grinned widely. He’d definitely noticed the change in wardrobe when we’d hit the dance floor. Molly dragged me right up in front of him and, pretending she was Vanna White on the Price Is Right, held her hands out to display her handiwork while standing beside me. The flare of approval across his face was undeniable, fueling Molly’s insistence that he wanted more than friendship.

  We danced through everyone, heading toward the bar. Molly stopped every now and then to say hello to people, briefly introducing me before moving on. When we finally arrived at the counter, I was ready for anything cold and wet.

  “Hey, girl,” the Latina bartender called out, filling the order of someone else at the other end of the bar. “Be with you in a minute.”

  “That’s Angela. She’s pretty cool and the one responsible for our mystery shots. She’s been here for nearly as long as Oliver and sometimes she’ll come sit with us when she’s on break.”

  I eyed the petite woman, her straight brown hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. She was wearing leather pants and a white tank top, her tanned skin glowing under the neon lights as she smiled at her customer. She seemed too small for this kind of work, but she proved me wrong when a rowdy group of guys said something that caused her to start speaking rapidly in Spanish. One minute she was pouring a drink and the next she was leaning up, over the bar with her finger in the culprit’s face.

  A loud whistle pierced the air, bringing security over, and I watched in wonder as the drunken guy was grabbed by the collar and dragged outside. Angela glared at his remaining friends, her hands on her hips as if to challenge them, and they shook their heads emphatically. She hopped back down to the ground and took the money off the bar top. She was so strong and assertive. I envied her.

  “Pretty bad ass, huh?” Molly whispered.

  “I wouldn’t have thought it.”

  “Just goes to show looks can be deceiving,” Molly admitted.

  Angela walked over and leaning her elbows on the bar, grinned. “There’s always some fool who thinks he can smart off in front of his homies. Idiotas!” She tightened her ponytail and then turned to me. “Let me guess . . . Liberty? Pleased to meet you, girl. I’m Angela.” She offered me her hand and I shook it.