Grease Head

She didn’t know what to say, so instead of saying anything at all, she just nodded awkwardly, hoping that the feeling would go away. “Thanks… um… it just felt like the next logical step. I took a few years off, but… here I am? How did you hear about the new job?” Sunny knew that she could do small talk, at least. The real question was how long that small talk would last. “Yeah, that’d be great, actually. – And then you can catch me up on how you’ve been the past… however long it’s been? Only if you want to. Obviously.”

He gave a small smile and nodded along, it all made sense. “Oh uh the company was partnered with my last one. And they had a position open up, but it was a promotion so I applied and next thing I knew they were sending me to New York.” He looked down at his feet and then swallowed with a nod, “yeah, that sounds good to me.” He turned to the bar tender and order her Moscow Mule and an Old Fashioned for himself. “Do we want to try and find a place to sit?”

As always when trying to lip read someone he didn’t know, Owen paid close attention to the other man’s lips. There was always a part of him that was worried he might miss what was being said, the last thing he wanted to do was inconvenience someone by having to have them type down what they were saying. But he was pretty sure he had gotten all of it. He quickly deleted the text that was on his phone before typing once more. Her name is Lady. Slightly way too over friendly and demanding of belly rubs and well, any kind of being petted. He chuckled a little bit as he showed him his phone, waiting until he had read it. Once more his fingers moved quickly over the keyboard of his phone, adding something else. I’m Owen by the way, nice to meet you. Figuring that if his dog was going to be demanding pets from a stranger, that he should probably introduce himself to him. 

Zach smiled at the writing on the phone, before slowly reaching into his pocket and pulling out his own phone. Feeling like if this man needed to take extra measures to communicate then so should he. He typed out a message and held it up for Owen to read. Well, Lady is adorable and I don’t mind giving belly rubs at all. It’s nice to meet you I’m Zach. He held the phone out making sure he got to read it all before deleting it and typing out a new message, how long have you had her for?

She smiled as he spoke, her mind going back to all the times they’d spent in bars together before. But it didn’t last long, as she realized exactly what was happening. Zach had been the big love of her life. She was convinced for such a long time that she wouldn’t have found anyone else. And yet… she had. She’d been in other relationships, she’d gone on other dates. It was a strange twist of fate from the universe, though, tossing Zach her way right after everything that happened with Graham. “I – grad school. I’m at NYU… for psychology. But, uh, congrats on the new job? I should buy you a drink or something. Um… congratulations…”

He couldn’t help but smile and feel a sense of pride wash over him. “Grad school? That’s amazing.I - I’m really happy for you Sunny.” His words were soft but genuine.  He nervously chuckled a little, “I feel like I should buy you a drink to celebrate. Moscow Mule? Right?” He offered a small smile and rocked on his feet, maybe talking would be good for them.

“Definitely an old fashioned.”

“If you were a Transformer...you’d be Optomus Fine”

Sunny’s life had moved on since she’d been with Zach. She’d started another chapter, turned over a new leaf – whatever metaphor you wanted to use, she no longer stayed up late at night, wondering what her life might’ve been with him. That wasn’t to say that she didn’t think about him at all. On occasion, if she had a bit too much to drink or she got stuck in her feelings, she would… and then she’d end up wondering why she went and messed things up with him to begin with. But when the next morning came around, Sunny came back to her senses and told herself what she had told herself so many times: it took two people to build and sustain a relationship. She couldn’t fully blame herself. Tonight she was out at a bar, trying to have a night out and enjoy herself. Hearing her name, she turned around, only to see… him. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Why’re you here?”

He felt his stomach drop at the tone of her voice, but he couldn’t say he blamed her. It’s not like things ended nicely and after all running into her here of all places...the chances were slim to none. “I’m here because I wanted a drink, but I’m guessing you don’t just mean this club right?” He paused and scratched at the back of his neck before running a hand through his hair in a nervous tick, “I got a new job. With better pay.” If he could go back there’s many things he’d redo. He would’ve been more open and communicated better. But it’s too late for that now, and he didn’t want to trick himself into thinking he’d ever have the chance again, no matter how badly he’d want it. “Why are you here?”

“Don’t Stop Believin - Jounrey”

“Umm I don’t know, I’m happy now? But if I had to pick maybe the 60s? Nice cars, good music, and I think I could work the greaser look.”

When the presentation ended Zach let out a small sigh of relief. He had no problems talking to people, especially when it came to his work. But for some reason they forced him to wear a stupid monkey suit and tie for these things and Zach hated it. He and his colleagues were ushered along by one of the professors after their segment on forensics were introduced to a few people before being left to wander. As he saw a man approaching him he made a face and before they could speak said, “I’m so sorry, but I just had to ask. Do you by any chance no CPR? Because I might need mouth to mouth resucetation from wearing this noose.” He joked as he tugged at the tie a little, “sorry man, just messing with you. I’m Zach.” He said with a smile and an offer of a hand to shake, “and I hate suits.”

Harlow: So, how about that cup of coffee?

Harlow: Or I can make dinner at my place.

Harlow: You interested? ;)

Zach: Well I mean, I’m never going to say no to food haha

Obiewan: why are you laughing

Obiewan: I'm not lying when I say I'm Llewellyn

Obiewan: I'm not trying to impersonate them because I AM him!

Zach: Idk man but if someone like Llewellyn ACTUALLY is on tinder. Then what hope do the rest of us have?

Orion: Nooo thats not it either... its very 80s. maybe a one hit wonder? Da-da da dada

Orion: I felt like it. not working tomorrow for once!! howre you zach?

Zach: Hmmm, is Come on Eileen eighties? I guess that’s my next guess ahaha