As if to punctuate the point, she caught a glimpse of the famous Dr. Stone in the other VIP section. He glanced over the room and his eyes caught hers and, honest as all hell, there were not many things that would’ve made her choke on her Pink Paparazzi, but Dr. Stone winking at her from over in the other VIP section made the vodka just hit differently. She choked, totally choked.
"Don’t worry, you get used to it," Sam said, patting Darla on the back to help the vodka go down more smoothly. "They mix ’em strong. Go slow and you’ll be fine."
"That’s not true," Becca added, holding up a green concoction. "I’ve never gotten used to this no matter how slow I drink it."
"No." Darla shook her head. "It’s not the drink. I just saw someone, that’s all—"
"Who." Irina leaned in like this was intel she had to have.
"It’s no one," Darla assured. "I think I got starstruck and was staring a little too hard. Nobody look, it’s fine."
All four of the other ladies turned in unison.
"It’s either Val or Dr. Stone," Courtney announced, way louder than necessary.
Darla sucked in a breath. Her eyes got wide. "Don’t say it so loud."
"You know him?" Irina asked, turning her whole body that direction.
"Not personally." Darla’s eyes still felt too wide. "I mean, he’s just… he’s Dr. Stone. And I know who he is and he caught me staring and then he winked. I choked. That’s all."
"Your cheeks are as red as some of the Tens when they get to the front of the VIP line," Irina said with a laugh.
"No." Darla shook her head, trying to be composed. "It’s nothing. They’re red because the drink went down funny."
"What’d I miss?" Mach asked, his hand resting on Darla’s shoulder like he was making sure everyone knew she was with him.
Irina was mid-sip of her drink when she stopped. "Darrrr-lahhh has something to tell you."
Darla covered her lips with her hand. "It’s nothing. I have nothing to tell anyone."
Mach held her stare, not even blinking.
"Fine. Yes." She pursed her lips and shot a glare at him. "I was surprised to see Dr. Stone because I’m a nurse, he is a doctor, and I watch his show."
"She’s got a crush." Knox pointed to Darla and bounced on his feet. "She’s got a crush. I can tell."
"Stop." Darla rolled her eyes and squeezed Mach’s hand. "It’s nothing. I’m just…he’s just…"
"You are a Dr. Stone groupie?" Mach asked, a hint of teasing and a whole lot of disbelieving. "Never would’ve guessed that. I thought you didn’t do celebrities?"
She stared at him for a beat, because clearly that was not the case.
"Right, well...until..." He gestured to himself.
"I’m notdoinghim." She tossed back more of the Starburst flavored vodka drink. "Iusedto have a crush on him. I still respect what he does. But I am no longer infatuated by his credentials. I have matured in my celebrity desires."
"How ‘used to’ were you infatuated by his credentials?" Knox asked, as though that was the pertinent part of what she’d said.
"At least a whole week ago," Darla said, joking, mechanically. "And we all know how much can happen in a week, don’t we?"
She waggled her eyebrows at Mach.
He gave her a half-grin that was everything.
"What do they call this dude’s groupies? If we have Tens, does he have Stoners?" Linx mused.
"Ha." Darla glanced up to Mach to ensure he understood that Dr. Stone was nothing to her. That’s why they could all tease about it.
