Guess what. Vesper’s cheeks turn a rosy shade of pink.
“Anyway”—she clears her throat—“about you offering to?—”
“Oh, no!” I declare. “No chance are you getting away that lightly. I want to know when I can expect a six-foot-five, blue-eyed hockey player knocking down my apartment door for sexy fun time with my new roommate.”
Vesper’s own blue eyes grow wide as she glares at me in disbelief.
“Excuse me.” A petite woman with ash-blonde hair approaches our table, bottom lip pinned nervously between her teeth.
We both pause our conversation and smile at her. She’s pretty, with green eyes that turn different shades the longer I look at her.
“This is really embarrassing actually,” she says, thumbing behind her toward the restrooms. “But my friend already left, and the tampon machine in this place has run out, and I didn’t anticipate …” She pauses, and her cheeks turn pinker than Vesper’s. “Well, I didn’t anticipate starting my period. My cycles are all over the place at the moment, and I wondered if …”
I swear I can hear a French accent when she speaks. Maybe she’s visiting on vacation, and she didn’t pack any supplies. Either way, we can all relate to that moment when you head for a pee and get a whole lot more than you bargained for.
Vesper immediately holds up a hand, the other reaching down to pick up her purse. “Girl, I got you. CVS was having a sale on tampons, and I stocked up. Do you need mid-flow or something not to be messed with?”
The girl smooths a hand down her long hair, eyes flicking between us. I get why she’s shy. I would be if I approached two random people and asked them for a tampon.
Vesper’s eyes soften as the blonde girl’s fill with unshed tears.
“Hey,” I say, reaching out and running a hand down her forearm. “Honestly, it’s okay.”
Vesper takes out her phone and wallet and hands over her purse to the girl. “Use what you need and bring it back to me when you’re done. Truly, it isn’t a problem.”
She tentatively takes the bag. “Thank you so much. Without giving you my whole life story, I’ve had my head up my ass these past few weeks, and I should actually be back in northern France right now, but I’ve been staying with a friend, trying to work out what to do about my failing marriage.” A tear tumbles down her left cheek. “Kindness like this sets me off all over again. I think I’m just hormonal.”
So, she is French, even if she speaks perfect American English.
Vesper studies the girl for a moment. “You look familiar. Have you ever been to Riley’s Bar?”
The girl’s eyes light up. “Oh my God! You’re their new bartender, aren’t you?”
Vesper nods and gives me a quick glance, like this impromptu exchange is precisely why she loves her job so much.
“I am.”
Vesper continues talking with her, and I zone out when my cell buzzes next to me on the table, lighting up with a message from Will. He knows I’m out tonight, and we agreed to talk in the morning.
A wave of dread washes through me as I open it up and read while Vesper continues rambling about cocktails.
Will
Hey, Baby. Can you call me ASAP? There’s something really urgent I need to speak with you about.
Me
I’m still in the restaurant. Can it wait?
His reply takes less than five seconds to land.
Will
Really, no. But I need to explain to you on the phone first.
Whenever I speak to my boyfriend, every nerve feels like it’s alive with excitement. This time, it feels like they’re on fire with worry.
I turn back to a delighted Vesper as the blonde girl heads to the restroom.
