The Irrefutable Flame⎪✓

❨11❩

♀︎

I groan when I awake by an annoying buzzing sound. It takes me a couple of seconds before I locate my phone on the floor next to the couch, apparently the wine bottle I downed yesterday knocked me out. My phone keeps up the sound and I groan once again, it feels like a punch to the head. Stretching my sore back, I try not to hiss by the strain in my neck. It's never ideal to sleep on the couch, not this one at least. 

Quickly accepting the call with a monotone voice, "Dakota Moore."

"Appreciate the happy greeting, best friend," The laugh that strikes my ears is extremely familiar and I can't help the smile on my lips. Dani.

"Dani!" I yell in excitement and sit up straighter. "What's up? Haven't heard from you in what feels like forever."

She chuckles and happiness consumes me, "I come bearing amazing news; next weekend my brother is getting married in Hetdale and he wants to invite the whole squad. Sorry for the late invitation, but I really, really want you there."

My mouth opens in shock by her words, "William finally settled down?"

"Indeed he did," She proudly states, I can imagine her nodding her head with a smile on her face. "His future wife is so friendly, her name is Zara. It's very new and they're fast, but I feel like this is the right thing for him."

Realizing I need some fresh air, I leave through the front door and take some deep breaths on the porch. Clutching the phone tighter in my hand, "I'm genuinely shocked, Dani. But of course, I'll be there, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"And it gives us an opportunity to hang out again, I miss you. Relly will come as well, I just asked her."

I smile at the news, "I miss you, too. Hetdale isn't the same without you, hopefully, both of you can move back at some point."

I know she doesn't want to move back, she fancies her new big city life, enjoying the perks of being a single and attractive woman. Her life consists of working and then going out to party, she lives her dream life at the moment and she doesn't want to let go of it. It's understandable, she always has been the more outgoing type, while I was perfectly fine with movie nights every night.

"I can't speak on Relly's behalf, but you know I presumably won't do that, Dakota," She says, sounding apologetic. I can picture her tugging her brown hair behind her ears, a mannerism she has when distressed or bothered. 

"I know, Dani," I quickly emphasize, not wanting her to feel bad at all. "You shouldn't feel bad, you're living your best life and I'm so incredibly happy for you. At least we get to see each other next weekend, that's more than I could ever ask for."

"I really am happy that we're staying in touch, you're my person, you know?" I do know, she is my person as well. Always her.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, you're my person, Dani. Luckily for us, your family still lives here, giving us plenty of opportunities to see each other."

She rearranges something on the other end of the line, the noise confusing me for a moment, "And you have to come to visit me, we'll get drunk and go out clubbing! God knows how long it's been since you partied last."

"Hey!" I laugh and have to agree with her, I never party anymore. "I manage just fine without your dangerous influence on my drinking habits, the owner life and everything."

"I'm a fun influence, just acknowledge it."

"Not if you ask my mother," I joke.

"Penelope never liked me, no. I wonder why."