I let out a dramatic sigh, knowing she’s right.
“Well, I feel like I should apologize in advance for the amount of lemon vodka I’m going to consume and most likely regurgitate in your toilet later tonight.”
She laughs. “Okay, so is there a game plan if you meet a sexy stranger? Should I hold you back...or be the wingwoman?” She smiles at me in the mirror, raising her eyebrows.
I’ve never even been on a manhunt. Stephen didn’t know how good he had it with a loyal woman. We met in high school, and he was my first for all the things. Too many years with one man has made me into a nervous little scaredy cat when it comes to the dating world.
“Hmm, if I have on vodka glasses, definitely hold me back. If you think I’d go for it on a regular Thursday night, then let me at ’em.”
She nods, red curls bouncing.
“It’s so weird . . . I’m kind of, like, not heartbroken.”
Mel narrows her gaze at me. “That’s because this needed to happen. Stephen was such a fuckwit.”
“And lazy.”
“Sooo lazy. Gah! Real men haverealjobs. If a guy wants to pursue a dream, I am all for it, but have the damn decency to work at a shithole in the meantime.”
She’s right about it all, and I lie back on her bed, staring at the peeling paint on the ceiling.
A strange sense of freedom settles over me. I have a good feeling that tonight could be a game changer for me.
CHAPTER 2
KATE
My dusty-pink dressis way too short. I’m average height, five foot five, but Mel is nearly a dwarf. She purchases all her clothes in the petite section.
“Can you see my ass cheeks when I walk?” I shuffle ahead of her in the nude heels, so she can check.
“No. Not at all.”
I’m ninety percent sure she’s lying. “What’s this new place we’re going to?”
“Divine Taste. You’re going to love it! It’s, like, all these rich-prick types. I go with Shay because she’s trying to find a sugar daddy for the summer.” Shay is Mel’s friend. I’ve only met her a few times, but she seems to be a few crayons short of a full box.
I’m not sure why Mel thinks I’ll love this place. I’ve never even dated a guy with a career, just one with unrealistic dreams of living off of me and Maddie for the rest of eternity.
“Your blonde looks hella amazing. I am so damn good.” She beams at me.
Having a best friend who is a hairstylist has its perks.
“I need a touch-up in a few weeks, but I’m thinking of cutting it.”
She nods. “You look good with long or short. Ah! Here it is. The bartender issoyummy.”
“I thought we were here for the rich pricks?”
As if to confirm my words, we walk right past a fancy black sports car with red rims. I don’t know anything about cars, but I know that one costs a pretty penny.
“I said, that’s why Shay comes. I make my own damn money.” She winks at me, adjusting her black dress so that the neckline showcases her well-endowed rack.
“You are blessed, my friend. Drive him wild,” I tell her as we walk through the door.
The interior has just enough light to reveal the slick suits and sleek dresses on flawless, toned bodies. It’s busy but not overly crowded. I don’t notice anyone in particular.
Mel and I settle at the bar. The bartender is absolutely delicious. Tattoos and a blonde man bun suit him well. He’s exactly Mel’s type. She leans toward him.
