Third Wheel

Honey

The ride to Kace’s apartment was filled with recaps of last night’s shenanigans, thankfully as per Sophie’s report Kacey didn’t embarrass herself too much. As they reach the front parking area of Kacey’s apartment she steps out of the car.

"Well, this is me. If you'll excuse me I'm going to go and wash up the second time. I don't believe I've ever tried eau de alcohol before ,”

" You're too cute.” Sophie laughs at Kacey's reaction to her experience.

" Just think of it as experience or practice?”

"Once is enough I think. You're lucky my parents are away.” Kacey's parents are the oldfashioned type. Yesterday was the very finest time Kacey let loose. It's been years of trying and last night was the first successful night out.

"They love me.”

"You're right. They do.Bye.” She waves lazily and turns her back towards the entrance.

"Before I forget, coordination meeting on wednesday.” Sophie reminds Kacey

"Great, I have two days to recover. There better be snackage.” Kacey walks to her door

" You know me, Love You!”

“Love you!” Kacey walks in, collects herself and makes her way up the stairs, blurry vision and all.

True to her word Kacey spent the whole of Monday cooped up in her nighties binge watching favorite movies and bonding with her pets. The best thing about living alone is eating with no judgement. She decided to have a “cheat day” after the ordeal she had. Confusing, embarrassing moment she has ever experienced in her adult life.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

She snaps from the instant replay that's been playing in her mind.

"Kace, I'm back !”

“Honey?”

“Obvi, You free tonight?”

“ Can we stay home? Order in? I don't think I can take another night out. “

" You ? Nightout? Who are you and what did you do to my best friend?”

"Sophie made me “

"Dinner ?”

" Deal.”

Beatrice "Honey” Lane, Kacey's best friend for as long as she can remember. Honey is as sweet as her name and is extremely attractive. She was a flight attendant until a modeling scout discovered her, now she flies all over the world gracing magazine covers and occasional Ads from various fashion brands but she never misses to catch up with Kacey whenever she's home.

Kacey wakes post food coma, sun rays streaming in. She takes a deep breath staring at the ceiling mustering up all her energy to get up. She spends the whole day catching up on some designs, managing her calendar, a bit of client calls and a dash of supplier calls. As the sun sets, her excitement rises. She stands up heads for the shower to get ready for her dinner.

After an invigorating shower she checks her clothes for a “Honey” approved outfit. Since it was spring she found a soft taupe, flowy dress to cover her insecurity. Kacey was a bit on the heavier side so she's used to covering up and blending in so she won’t be seen. Only when Honey comes when she dresses up because as Honey says she’s got the confidence for two people.

She inspects her reflection and decides to curl the ends of her long bob, to give off softness to match her dress. Before she can second guess her choice, her phone rings with urgency.

“ Hey Kace, are you ready ?” Honey's giddy voice projects.

" Yup, see you there.” She says

1989’s has always been their favorite spot , ever since their very first paychecks. Their nostalgic food in the 90s, great drinks and great atmosphere. Kacey sits in a corner spot for optimum bonding without fear of being judged and maximum hours of giggles. She texts Honey to come find her in the back. Knowing Honey, she probably is still finishing up her OOTD, so she takes her current favorite book and enters her imagination bubble.

“Kace!” Honey walks in in her cheerful disposition. Every male gaze falls on her as she walks in like spring, her long blond locks swishing as she walks towards me, Kacey smiles and waves her over. She greets her with an overdue hug.

“God, I miss you!” Honey says

“Same.”

“Let me see you.” Honey checks Kacey’s outfit and gets a nod of approval

“Oh you're looking like a tasty treat, spring looks good on you.”

“Thanks.”

Leave it to Honey to make Kacey feel like the prettiest girl in the room even though she knows she wasn’t. Only Honey can make her come out of her introverted shell.

As soon as they sit, Honey begins her full report about work, the various men who tried to sweep her off her feet and the fun adventures she’s been having. While Kacey gleefully listens intently, she loves Honey’s stories, she likes to think of it as living vicariously through her. It's not

like she doesn’t want to experience them, her travels just consist of work and solo relaxation, a dream for introverts basically.

“You have got to visit me in Dubai Kace, you’ll love it there.”

“Or maybe move in with me?”

" Someday, maybe.”

“ I think we need a refill.” Honey raises her glass

Kacey looks around for a waitress but people have begun flocking the restaurant, She then stands to head to the bar to place their orders.

“I better order at the bar.”

“Ok. “ Honey says looking at her phone intently

Kacey makes her way to the bar finding an open spot. She waits for the bartender to see her.

“What can I get you?”

“Uh, 2 margaritas and 1 peach hoegaarden please.” And off the bartender went

Kacey waits for the drinks to be made while admiring the bar backdrop that looks almost like liquid gold when a hand landing on her back jolts her.

“Hey.”

“Parker.” She tries to cover her shock

“You drink?”Parker asks because he knows for a fact that she doesn’t like alcohol.

“Oh-um I do occasionally.”

“Are you alone?”

“No.” She says. Out of all the restobars in town, you walk-in here.

“My best friend’s in town for a couple of days. How about you? Rough day at work?” She rambles

“You can say that, I just wanted to drop by for a night cap, had a very early start.” he says

“Right.” Kace nods.

Daniel had just noticed Kacey’s ensemble, he wasn’t used to seeing her in this kind of fashion; she usually just wears her white shirt, loose trousers and white sneakers. In the silence, Kacey notices Daniel staring at her.

“What? Is there something on me?” She inspects her clothes, When she finds a stain she wouldn't be surprised she’s a bit clumsy.

“No, it's just, I haven’t seen you outside of your usual clothes.”

“Oh- um, yes. My best friend, She doesn't like my work clothes and forces me to dress up when we meet up. I mean I can’t exactly wear this to the site.” She explains flustered

“Well, thank her for me.” He lets his admiration slip

Before Kacey can clarify what he meant, her order arrives.

“Two margaritas and peach hoegaarden.” the bartender says

“Thanks”

“Here, let me help you.” Daniel says gesturing to take the tray

“Oh- It’s Ok, I can take it.” but before Daniel can take the tray

“Kace, what's taking so long?” Kacey hears Honey approaching

“Oh-”Honey gives Daniel a once over, liking what she sees

“Who is this tall glass of water?” She asks

“Um- Daniel. Daniel Parker.” Kacey introduces him

“Daniel, this is Beatrice Lane.”

“Everyone calls me Honey.” She says extending her hand to Daniel. As they shake hands Kacey feels the oh-to-familiar-feeling of taking the background as Honey dazzles in front of anyone she likes, but she catches herself. There was no reason for her to feel like she does, She doesn’t even like Daniel in that way.

“So, how do you know eachother?” Honey asks Daniel

“I’m her cousin's best friend.”

“Oh, Spencer. I love Spencer.” Honey says

“Well drinks are here, we better take it to our booth.” Kacey says taking the tray and facing towards Honey and Daniel

“Are you by yourself?” Honey asks Daniel

“Yeah, just stopped by for a quick dinner.”

“Oh, I must insist you join us.” Honey flirtatiously says

" It's ok, you must have a lot of catching up to do.” Daniel declines

"Oh come on, the more the merrier.” Daniel looks over to Kacey seemingly asking her opinion

"If you'd like to, I mean it's better than eating alone.” Kacey says

“As long as I’m not imposing.”

"You're a welcome sight.” Honey says giddy.