Chapter 39
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
T he extra driving and missed sleep caught up to me the next day. I slumped at my computer, my stomach too queasy for coffee.
I’d brought two tuna fish salad sandwiches in, so that I had one for lunch and dinner, and then couldn’t bring myself to eat either. I broke down and bought myself french fries. You’re getting spoiled.
Raven and I were the first ones to the bar, as usual. She strode in, her long dark brown hair glistening and a roguish grin on her face. We hugged, holding onto each other.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” I said, my eyes burning. “And Beau, too. I’m sorry I haven’t visited.”
She held me at arm’s length. “Things have been changing for you.”
I nodded. “It’s been a whirlwind. Are you sure you’re okay? I can’t believe that creepy guy held you at knifepoint.”
“We’re recovering. Well, Beau’s grumpy because he’s still tired all the time. But he’s better. Come on, let’s sit down. And I want to hear about you.”
I told her a condensed version. Feeling lighter, I didn’t even swear her to secrecy to protect myself from Gerry’s wrath. Do you finally have a backbone?
“Wow.” She sank back into her chair. “That’s a cautionary tale. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with his mess.”
I huffed. “Thanks. How’re Lauren and Athena?” I hadn’t seen Lauren since the bachelor auction when she showed me a photo of her baby, Athena, and I noticed her missing wedding ring. Maria had mentioned that Lauren’s marriage hadn’t worked out—gossip circulated fast in our town.
“Good. I bullied her into letting me plan a sip-and-see party for her next month. Save the second Saturday in December if you can. Invites coming soon.”
“I will.”
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Name it.”
She swirled wine around in her glass. “I hate that Autumn was hurt—because I made a stupid mistake. She isn’t responding to my emails. I don’t think she’s reading them, and I don’t want to hassle her work number.”
I nodded, not sure what to say.
“Will you pass this card on to her? When it feels right.” She pulled an envelope out of her purse and handed it to me. “It’s an offer to do a social media push for her business—my gift.”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
Her cheeks dimpled. “Thank you.”
Phoebe arrived then, the tips of her short black hair a deep indigo blue. “Hey, all.” She slid into the seat beside Raven. “I’m so thirsty. I’m like a goldfish that jumped out of its bowl.”
Our server arrived as if she could sense Phoebe’s longing. I stuck to my lemonade.
“Hey,” Raven said, pushing a water glass at Phoebe—who picked it up and drank greedily. “What’s happening with you and my brother?”
Phoebe shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Raven cocked her head. “That’s it?”
“I mean, he’s hot. Like fire.”
The server dropped off a basket of bread and we all grabbed at it. “Thank you,” Raven said to our server, who smiled then bustled off. “I think that’s Beau’s ex-girlfriend’s second cousin.”
“Now I feel guilty,” I said. “And should order something.”
“Let’s split a happy hour plate.” Raven opened the menu. “Deep fried zucchini?”
“Yes.” I was suddenly ravenous.
“Mason,” Phoebe said, staring off into space, “is shy.”
“What?” Raven made a face.
“I want a man who will pursue me.” She made a fist in the air. “Want me so badly he actually calls.”
Raven and I blinked at each other. “You mean instead of texting?” I asked.
“Exactly.” She nodded. “But I’d sleep with him again. I don’t know. It would be better if he came out to the bars.”
Maria arrived then, arm in arm with Autumn—who took one look at the table and veered off to the bar.
“I’ll be back in a few,” I said, glancing at Raven’s frowning face. She nodded.
Maria winked at me. “Just call us the drama club. I’m ordering food for the table—nothing like Italian to bring enemies together.”
Her face set, Autumn glanced at me as I sat down on a barstool. “Hey. How are you?”
“Pretty good.” I pulled the envelope out of my purse and held it out. “Raven asked me to pass this on to you. It’s a marketing gift from her.”
She stared at it for a while. Huffing, she snatched it out of my hand and tossed it in her purse. “Yeah, fine. I’ll think about it.” Her phone buzzed, and she took it out. “Sorry, I need to look at this.”
“I should check mine, too.” Dominic had sent me a few messages.
Dominic
Hello, beautiful. What are you doing?
Are you out?
Where are you?
Autumn stood up. “Well, shit. I better go. My buyers want to move on a hot property—at the last damn second. See you.” She marched to the door without glancing at the group’s table.
“Can I get you something?” the bartender asked.
“Oh, no. Thanks.” I rushed out to the lobby and sank into a chair.
Me
Hi! I am out with friends. A group of us meet up most Thursdays for happy hour and sometimes dinner. How are you?
Why was I so nervous? His reply came back quickly.
Dominic
You didn’t tell me where you are. Are you trying to hide it from me?
What? No, not at all. It’s a place called Romulus.
I expect exclusivity from you.
I’m glad you brought that up. I’d love to be exclusive. I would have been anyway.
It doesn’t go both ways if I don’t see you enough.
I can’t believe you just said that.
He didn’t respond.