A sputtering cough reminds me that we have an audience. I wince again.
“Miriam, let me introduce you to Daniel Granger before you divulge any more of your sexual history.” I turn to Daniel, waving a hand toward Miriam. “Daniel, this is my friend Miriam Nelson. And I apologize in advance for whatever the fuck comes out of her mouth.”
She slaps my arm, snickering. But not contradicting my words. I fight a grin. We both know I’m not sorry for shit. Her unpredictability and I-don’t-give-a-fuck-itis are two of the things that drew me to her.
They’re two of the things I ... adore about her.
“Nice to meet you, Daniel.” She leans forward, extending her hand toward him. When he wraps his around hers, she narrows her eyes. “I don’t recognize you. Must mean you haven’t availed yourself of my services.”
Daniel’s eyes widen, his head jerking to me, then back to her. “Excuse me?” he rasps.
Laughter barrels up my chest as Miriam nods a little too vigorously. Oh yeah, she’s enjoying herself.
“I don’t mean to brag, but if you don’t believe in yourself and think you’re the best, who else will, am I right? And Daniel? I’m the best. Never an unsatisfied customer. And that’s really hard in my line of work. But we go all out. Whatever it takes to make the customer happy and have them walking away smiling and feeling good about their experience.”
“Uh ...” Daniel stares at Miriam in what appears to be equal parts horror and enthrallment. Yep. She tends to have that effect on people. I swallow a chuckle. “We?”
Another overly enthusiastic nod. “Yes. My sister and brother. We keep it in the family.” How a smile can be equal parts angelic and wicked at the same time boggles the mind. “We’rereallyclose.”
This time, I can’t contain the laughter that bursts free.
“All right, Marilyn, let him off the hook,” I say.
“What? I tell no lies.”
Turning to my friend, I reach over and pat his arm. “No worries, bruh. She’s not an escort. She and her family own a breakup-service company. They end relationships with people, not fuck ’em.”
He blinks. “Is that a thing?” Blinks again. “And oh thank God.”
Miriam tilts her head to the side. “Thank God. Why, Daniel? You think I wouldn’t make a great escort?”
His mouth opens. Snaps shut. Pops open again. “There is absolutely no good way to answer that.”
She drops her head back, the laughter rolling out of her loud, uninhibited, and free. More than a few heads turn our way, and it’s not because of me or Daniel. They’re staring at this beautiful, sexy woman with abandoned hilarity and lack of self-consciousness. It’s confidence.
It’s hot as fuck.
“Smart answer, Daniel Granger. Here.” She stands and reaches behind her. A moment later, she hands him a card. “The first breakup is on the house.”
“Seriously, Marilyn?” I scoff. “You brought business cards to a party?”
“What?” She shrugs and softly pats my cheek. “First rule of being an entrepreneur. You’re always on the clock, and always be prepared.”
“That’s two rules.”
She scowls. “Don’t ruin my moment.” Holding up my empty bottle, she shakes it. “I’m off to get a refill. You two want something?”
“No, I’ll get it; you stay—” I push up from my chair, my thigh groaning a muted protest at the sudden movement.
“I got it.” She pops up a hand, palm up and out. “I’m a big girl and can find my way to the bar unmolested. Now, you want something?”
Anger and humiliation flash inside of me like a struck match. She’s not fooling me; this isn’t about being a “big girl” or some shit like that. It’s about her covering for me. Protecting me. But that’s my job. Has been since I was old enough to understand what my mother’s tears and her latest asshole boyfriend’s shouts meant.
It’s the only role I know.
“No,” I murmur, shame a grimy film coating my throat. No amount of water is going to wash it away.
“You, Daniel?” she asks.
