A Bad Feeling (Photo Story)

Deirdre is at Robyn’s club. The best friends haven’t spoken much in the past couple of weeks so they are catching up.

How was your birthday? I’m sure your new man helped you celebrate in style. (Robyn)

As a matter of fact, he outdid himself. He asked about my favorite cuisine and then he took me to the most amazing Italian restaurant for dinner. (Deirdre)

Ooh, I love me some Italian. Where can I find this amazing restaurant? (Robyn)

Italy. (Deirdre)

What? Shut up! He flew you to Italy for your birthday? (Robyn)

In the company jet! Girl, I was so surprised. He played it cool like we were just going to dinner downtown. (Deirdre)

Robyn notices someone entering the club.

Good, Max is here early. Want a drink? (Robyn)

Who’s Max? (Deirdre)

The new bartender. I had to fire the old guy because he kept coming in late. Can’t be late with the liquor in this biz. (Robyn)

No, I don’t want anything. (Deirdre)

So, what’s going on with you? (Robyn)

What do you mean? (Deirdre)

You’ve been…I don’t know…distant. You hardly ever stop by anymore. And you haven’t called or sent a text in weeks. (Robyn)

(sighs) Walter worries about me spending a lot of time here at the club. Something bad could happen to me or…(Deirdre)

Dee, that’s ridiculous and you know it! (Robyn)

Well, there’s more to it than that. We were talking about our relationship a few weeks ago and he told me he feels like he’s always in last place, like I put my career and friends before him. I’m just trying to spend more time with him to reassure him so he doesn’t feel that way. (Deirdre)

Dee, I want you to be happy. I really do…but this guy sounds overbearing. I’m getting a bad feeling about him. (Robyn)

How can you have a bad feeling when you haven’t even met him? I don’t think he's overbearing…maybe overprotective. I admit he comes on a little strong at times, but I don’t think he can help it. He has to be that way in business. I think he has a hard time switching it off for pleasure. (Deirdre)

Deirdre’s phone rings.

Excuse me a sec, will you? It’s Walter. (Deirdre)

By all means, get it before it goes to voice mail or you’ll be putting him in last place. (Robyn, sarcastically)

Robyn, behave. I did promise that I wouldn’t leave him hanging. (Deirdre)

Deirdre steps away to FaceTime Walter.

 

Hello. (Deirdre)

Hey, baby. You home? (Walter)

No, I’m out. (Deirdre)

Out where? (Walter)

I came to the club to see Robyn…(Deirdre)

You didn’t mention that you were going to the club. When are you leaving? (Walter)

Actually, I was planning to stay for a while. (Deirdre)

I was hoping we could have dinner together tonight. (Walter)

Lana is performing here tonight and I really want to see her. (Deirdre)

And I really want to see you. But, maybe seeing me isn’t as important to you. (Walter)

How could you even think that? Wait, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you join me here? We could see Lana’s show together. (Deirdre)

Deirdre waits for a response, and then tells Walter how to get to the club. Afterward she rejoins Robyn.

What’s that mischievous grin all about? (Robyn)

You’re meeting him tonight. (Deirdre)

Come again. (Robyn)

He wanted to meet me for dinner, but I convinced him to come here instead. (Deirdre)

When Walter walks in, Max is talking to Deirdre. He’s explaining how he came to be a fan of her music because Robyn plays her songs from time to time at the club.

Walter! Over here. (Deirdre)

Hey, Babe. (Walter)

You made it. Were my directions okay? (Deirdre)

Walter doesn’t answer. He’s looking at Max.

First time here? What’s up man? I’m Max- the new bartender.

Max extends his hand for Walter to shake, but Walter just looks at him.

Ummm, can I get you two anything? (Max, dropping his hand)

Yeah, some space. (Walter)

Alrighty then. (Max, glancing awkwardly at Deirdre before walking away)

So what were you two talking about? (Walter)

Believe it or not, Max is a fan. (Deirdre, smiling)

Oh, I can believe it. I saw the way he was looking at you. I didn't like it. (Walter)

I'm sure it was harmless. Besides, I'm all yours, remember? Now, come on. I want you to meet Robyn. (Deirdre)

Thanks for reading!