The absolute fucking gall of that man.
My original dream for my fortieth? A trip to Europe to visit all the grand castles dotting the landscape.
Not that it’s going to happen anytime soon. European vacations cost money I don’t have, so I resigned myself to spiraling solo as I crossed the line from hot young commodity to over-the-hill artifact.
“Not sure what reaction he was hoping for, but telling him to kiss off before chucking my phone at the wall probably wasn’t it.” I study the cracked corner of my phone. Thank God for military-grade cases, right?
Billie’s mouth curves in a slow smile. “I’m proud of you. Now, on to the second—and more important—part of my statement.”
“The get fucked part?”
“You need to get laid.”
I choke on a laugh. “Oh, is that all?”
“Actually, it’s the bare minimum,” she replies, propping her chin on her hand. “What you really need is an out-of-your-head, see-stars, best-in-the-Milky-Way kind of experience. Orgasms aplenty.”
I snort, sputtering my drink in a totally unsexy maneuver. “Right. Because that kind of man is so readily available.”
“I suppose I could have gone the easy route and gotten you a vibrator.”
“See? That’s the optimal gift. Did you get me one of those newfangled ones? The kind that lights you up from the inside… or did you cheap out?”
Now it’s Billie’s turn to snort. “Someone has been doing their homework, and to answer your question, no way in hell. If I’m spending hundreds on a battery operated boyfriend, I’m keeping that shit for myself.”
I pivot on my stool, fixing Billie with a mock glare. “You’re heading off on some fantastical vacation tomorrow with scads of single men. What do you need a vibrator for?”
“Backup plan,” she replies with zero hesitation. “If I don’t meet some hot island boy, I’m not about to leave my satisfaction up to chance.”
“Smart woman.” I lean down, sipping my drink as my eyes dart around the murky bar interior. “Besides, you’re getting me out of the house. Partying with me in this fine establishment. That’s gift enough.”
Billie sucks her teeth, rolling her eyes at the shoddy surroundings. “We’ll go with that, but let it be known, I offered to take you wherever you wanted to go. You insisted on heading to this monstrosity instead.”
But she knows why I chose this dank place. Anonymity. It sits near a regional airport, frequented by travelers passing through by air or car. Although they might have read about Drake in the papers, they aren’t actively searching me out. Too busy passing the time and drowning their sorrows.
Hey, I’m out of the house. That’s something, right?
“At least they’re heavy handed with their drinks.” Billie catches the bartender’s attention with a wave and cheeky smile,and the man damn near trips over his tongue rushing to her side.
No surprise, really. She’s a stunner. Tall with curves for days and a mouth that is positively filthy. She’s every man’s wet dream and this guy is no exception as he sets down a new round of neon pink drinks with a flourish.
On the house, because of course they are.
Billie never pays for a drink. At one time, I had as much moxie as she did, with only a slightly cleaner mouth.
Now, I’m a sad old hag. Gah.
“What about this Eddie guy you’re always hanging out with? What’s going on there?”
I pause mid sip. “We’re friends,” I mutter, my lips still wrapped around the straw.
But Billie isn’t content to acceptthatexplanation. “So he must be nice, then, right?”
I nod. “Very.”
Billie taps her chin thoughtfully. “Okay. Is he a deadbeat? Lives on his mom’s couch, makes his living by collecting cans?”
Once again, I sputter my drink. “Hardly. He owns a contracting company, which you know, and he’s an amazing dad to his son, Theo.”
