“That was not an image I needed in my head. Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
We just sat there staring into the nothing, sipping quietly. It was nice. With our lives so different, I don’t remember the last time we’d taken a moment to just stop, sit, and be. I missed Josie, I just hadn’t realized how much. Until now.
“How was Italy?”
“Full of Italians.”
“Josie…”
“Oh, and pizza and pasta.”
“You’re terrible.”
“You know it!”
Reaching down, I grabbed the bottle and poured the dregs into our glasses. It was our second of the night. Anymore and I’d be battling the mother of all hangovers tomorrow morning, something I needed like a hole in the head.
“What’s new with you, anyway? Meet anyone interesting?”
I felt my cheeks burn. Had I met anyone interesting? I’d unquestionably met someone intriguing. “Where would I have met someone?” I dodged. I wasn’t ready to say anything about my stupid school girl crush on the intriguing Derek Cartwright. Not yet. Besides, what was there to say? It’s not like we were friends or even acquaintances. We’d met. Once. Nothing to get my panties in a twist about. All I had to do now was convince my traitorous body.
“Mia, you can’t keep doing this. You’re too damn young to become a hermit. Friday night you’re coming out with me.”
“No, Josie. No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. Come straight to my place after work. We’ll get ready and go from there. Pack a bag. You’re staying the night.”
Josie was stubborn at the best of times, and when she got a scheme in her head, it was near impossible to change her mind, but I had to try. I couldn’t be reckless and go out clubbing all night. With Josie, that’s exactly what it would be. All night. It was a rare occurrence that she fell into bed before dawn when she was out on one of her missions.
“I can’t, Josie. I am opening on Saturday morning. I have a nine o’clock Pilates class.”
“No, Mia, you don’t. Either Julie or Mackenzie can do it. Or you cancel. You’re coming out. One night won’t kill you.”
“Josie…”
“Mia. You will be fine. I promise. I won’t drink, so you can let loose and I’ll be there. We’ll go to this club I know, not far from my place. It’s pretty cool, but a bit out of the way. It’s not a hotspot. And I know every bartender and bouncer there. You’ll be safe. He won’t get near you. No one will. Promise.”
I felt myself cringe. I knew Josie meant every word. She’d never put me in harm’s way. When all the shit went down four years ago, she’d jumped on the first plane and raced to my side. I hadn’t been out since. As much as it terrified me, I knew it was time. I couldn’t keep going like this forever. I didn’t want to. I was too young to just give up. I didn’t want to be a broken shell. I was tough, damn it. I could kick some guy’s ass myself if I needed to. I didn’t need a bodyguard. That didn’t mean for a second I was going anywhere without one.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Okay.”
“It will be fun, Mia. I promise. And the moment you’ve had enough, just say the word and we’re out the door.”
