Just One Night...

It was rare that Julia Rogers had a whole night all to herself.

Between the matches and everything going on with Alaina, Josh, Jesse and Peggy, it always felt like there were a million things demanding Julia’s attention every minute of every day. Fortunately she had the kind of energy to make it all work. A busy life wasn’t anything Julia would ever complain about, especially with so much of it revolving around people she loved and cared for so much. But every tank of gas goes empty eventually, even hers.

Fortunately, everyone was out doing their own thing tonight. Peggy and Josh had gone on another date, Jesse was out seeing a movie, and Alaina had gone somewhere to hang out with Belinda. Julia had the rest of the night to herself, and she knew exactly how she was going to spend it.

The cowgirl had gone a few blocks away from the house to a local bar she’d been away from for far too long. The place was made to look as much like an American drinking hole as possible, so much so that it ended up being counterproductive in that regard. Pictures of American founding fathers and pop icons were scattered around amidst flags and awkwardly placed Statues of Liberty and Mt. Rushmores. The people who worked there even wore cowboy outfits. The place was so hilariously over the top with its “USA!!!!” theme that it couldn’t have made it more obvious you weren’t anywhere near America at all. But Julia found that aspect of it funny. And the stuff here was good.

After pushing the door open and walking in, Julia went right up to the bar and perched herself onto a stool, rested her arms on the counter and smiled to the bartender. “Howdy! What’s a gal gotta do t’ get a margarita ‘round here?” she called to the Japanese cowboy who responded in not-very-convincing English, “I havit right on up here for ya in a moment!” Broken English aside, he was quick to prepare Julia’s drink and set it down in front of her.

“Much appreciated, partner,” she said, then lifted the glass and took a sip while the bartender walked off. After sipping the margarita Julia set it down, then crossed her arms on the counter and sighed as she laid her head down onto them like a pillow, content to rest there for the moment and just enjoy how peaceful the night was.