* * *
My eyes rakeover my reflection in the free-standing mirror as I stand trying to convince myself I’m not my mother. It’s hard when we look so similar. I’m wearing one of Megan’s dresses, and it’s slightly on the risqué side. The white material plasters itself to my every curve.
Lucy has styled my hair in soft waves that fall to my waist. My makeup is heavier than usual, with smoky eyes and bloodred lips. I should have saved all this effort for my date with Mase.
Shit. My date with Mase.
I haven’t told the girls yet, and I’m slightly nervous. No doubt they will be over the top about it, and I don’t want to make the evening all about me.
I join them in the kitchen for a glass of wine.
“Ugh, I can’t get an Uber for an hour. My rating is shit. Megan, it’s your fault you miss them all the time!” Lucy complains.
“Oh, shush. Nina, you do it,” Megan suggests.
I check my phone, my rating just as bad.Crap!I think about booking a taxi, but then Vinny comes to mind.No. I can’t, can I?I go to my bag, searching for the card he gave me.
I stare at it for the longest time, contemplating calling the number but feeling bad, especially after this afternoon. Actually, no. He owes me after following me.
I dial the number, and he answers on the first ring.
“Nina, is everything alright?” he says, worried, making me feel bad.
“Hi! Sorry for calling so late. I was hoping I could get a lift. I can’t get a Uber, and I just thought I would call you, but I can—”
“Nina, it’s fine. Where are you?”
“I’m at my apartment. I’m with my friends.”
“I will leave now,” he says before hanging up.
“Got a lift, girls.” I smile sheepishly over at them.
“Good! Now come help finish this bottle before it’s time to go.” Megan smiles, holding up the bottle.
* * *
We arein a fit of giggles as we slide into the back of the Audi, choosing to squeeze in together rather than sit separately. We polished off two bottles of wine whilst getting ready, and now my body is buzzing with adrenaline.
“Good evening, ladies.” Vinny smiles.
“Hello, Vinny,” Lucy coos. “I’ve heard lots about you!”
“God, you’re alright for an older bloke,” Megan exclaims.
I elbow her in the ribs, the three of us chuckling together.
“Where are we off to tonight?”
“The Pearl, please,” I say, sitting forward in my seat. “Did you drop Mase home this evening?” I ask.
“I did. I just dropped him off, actually.”
“He’s working late again? Is everything okay?” I ask.
He smiles. “No, not at home, and everything is fine. He is out with friends this evening.”
“Oh, where did he go? Where did you drop him?” Lucy asks, poking her head forward.
