We got the night started off quickly.  Thats the great thing about your birthday; everyone is willing to buy you drinks.  I would be a fool to deny free beverages, even if they were from my brothers overly annoying friends.

An older gentleman climbed up on to the stage and everybody started to clap.  Who is this man, I wondered.  Throughout the night different musicians had come and gone, nobody really paid much attention, that is until now.  The bar fell silent and everyone waited for him to start.

The old man strapped on his guitar and took his place on the lone stool, and without introducing himself he began to play.  I liked him, he was soothing. 

I took a moment in between songs to make my way up to the bar for another round of drinks.  I realized I was getting pretty tipsy when I tripped on air about three times on my short journey.  I grabbed on to the bar for some support and decided to stay there for a moment; I couldnt risk falling on my face.

–Interior: Yellow Cab–

Bette sat nervously looking out the window while Alice chatted away on her cell phone.  Bette tried to think of what she was going to say to Tina when she saw her but always came up with a blank.

Why the ***** is this so hard?  This whole situation is getting way out of control.  Breathe, Porter.  Just breathe.  If she still feels anywhere near the same as you do, you have nothing to worry about.  Or she hates you

Alice:  Alright, enough of this, I need a drink.  You can just pull over here she instructed the driver.

The car pulled over, they paid and climbed out.

Alice:  Was it me or did that cab smell like cat food?

Bette:  Is that what that was?

Alice:  Who knows?  What do ya say, wanna pause this search and get a drink.

Bette:  Yeah, it might help

Alice:  Last one to cross the street is a big loser face she yelled as she began running wildly.

–Copper Dog–

I took another shot with my brothers friends, which I probably shouldnt have done.  I gathered my focus and turned around when the music began to play again.

Its not time to make a change, just relax, take it easy. Youre still young, thats your fault, Theres so much you have to know.

I couldnt take my eyes off of him, his voice was almost hypnotizing. 

I was once like you are now, and I know that its not easy, To be calm when youve found something going on. But take your time, think a lot, Why, think of everything youve got. For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not

Like with a lot of music, the lyrics struck me personally.  I immediately thought of Bette.  I didnt even notice the tears welling up in my eyes.  I heard one of my brothers friends make a typical googling male comment about someone who had just walked in the door.

Tina:  You guys are gross, maybe thats why youre all still single. I snapped at them.

I tend it get a little sassy when I drink.

Cory:  Oh come on little Adam.  Look at her, even you couldnt deny how hot that chick is

I rolled my eyes.  I wasnt going to look just because thats what they wanted but something told me I should.

I shouldnt have.  At that moment my entire world collapsed.  Everything I worked on in the past two months was gone.  I couldnt think, I couldnt speak.  I looked over at Jen, I didnt know what to do.  She looked back at me and saw the terror on my face.  I nodded towards Bette and Alice, she looked at them then back at me again, still confused.

I watched Bette scan the room and waited for her to see me.  What the ***** was she doing in Portland?  I felt all the air in my lungs quickly exit my body when she spotted me.  She was staring right at me.