Acouple of hours later,Morgan was putting on a dress she’d scored at a local thrift shop for a faction of the price, mile-high shoes she’d borrowed from her roommate, and red lipstick. Lacey insisted they go to the new place in town. They had a college night, which meant drink special anddancing.
They found a great parking spot right out front and eagerly walked up to the club. Soon, they were sitting with two margaritas on therocks.
Morgan wasn't a big drinker, not that she cared that other people did it. She just happened to enjoy having full control over her faculties. However, tonight was a celebration. Lacey was back, school was going great, and the Date Maker was beginning to feel like a legitimatebusiness.
“So,” Morgan said after they finished their first round of drinks. “Tell me all aboutPeggySue.”
Lacey took a sip of herdrink. “Who?”
“The hillbilly who stole your man away. Obviously.” She giggled, twirling the straw in herdrink.
“Just what you'd expect—missing teeth, barefoot,pregnant.”
Morgan's hand flew to her mouth. “You'rekidding!”
Lacey rolled her eyes. “Of course I’m kidding. She's actually really great. We used to be friends in high school. She's smart, sweet, and gorgeous—the perfect girl for him, really.” She closed her eyes and gave a quick shake of her head. “And get this, she even called me when I first got into town so she couldtellme.”
“Like a jealousgirlfriend?”
“No, like, she knew there had been chemistry there, and didn't want me to get caught off guard—especially not in front of anyone. It's impossible tohateher.”
“I’ll find you someone. I've actually narrowed it down to two guys,” Morgan assured her, admitting for the first time that she was actively searching for a guy forLacey.
Lacey's lips pressed into a flat line. “I knew you were going to try to set me up. I should have told you that you weren'tallowed.”
“I would have done it anyway.” Morgan shrugged unapologetically. “I think you'll make an awesome girlfriend. I want to give you thatextrapush.”
Lacey waved her hands at her. “Fine. Set me up. You have my blessing. But let’s just be girls tonight, okay? Like, one more drink and meet me on the dancefloor.”
“How about this? A shot of something to celebrate, and then we go out to the dance floor. I'll even try to electricslide.”
Lacey glared at her. “Girl, if you don't know how to do it yet, there isn't any hope for you. That dance is as old as myparents.”
“Fine, but we're still orderingshots!”
Soon, the girls were out on the small dance floor. Small machines shone colorful lights onto the people gathered there. Lacey and Morgan laughed at themselves as they danced. At one point, Morgan even pulled out a dance move her parents had done called The Sprinkler. It consisted of putting one hand behind your head sticking your elbow out while putting the other hand straight out in front of you. It didn't even look like a sprinkler, and Morgan wondered if it was ever a legitimate dance move or just something drunk people did and thought wasfunny.
“Hey, Morgan,” Lacey yelled over the music, gaining her attention. “This guy says he knows you.” She leaned in and whispered loudly. “Andhe'scute.”
Morgan's head snapped up, causing the room to spin slightly. “Who?” When her eyes focused on the guy standing next to her friend, she was caught off guard. It wasDeclan.
Morgan's first instinct was to be upset that he was encroaching on her night out with Lacey. But he looked so good in his polo shirt and jeans, somehow looking dressier than the casual clothing should allow. His dark hair was styled in a way that made his eyes more visible. If possible, they looked greener than sheremembered.
She decided not to let him ruin her fun. Instead, she decided to embrace his presence—maybe even arrogant jerks could be fun on the dance floor. She’d enjoy an hour or so, then never see him again. Unless it was for an exit interview—if she ever found him amatch.
And of course, if she set him up, she'd be doomed for interview after interview, because Morgan knew his looks were all he had goingforhim.
Morgan gave her best attempt at a friendly smile. “Hey,Declan.”
The smile he gave in return made her heart skip a beat.Darnhim.
“You're smiling. I see you took my tip toheart.”
And there it was, the attitude that reminded her why he wasn't a good candidate for her services. She rolled her eyes but kept the smile on her face. “Buy me a drink and come dancewithme.”
At least if they were out there, she wouldn't have to listen tohimtalk.
Not only did he buy one for her, but also one for Lacey, which gave him an unintended point in his favor. Not that she was keeping track of his points. She already knew his type, and he would always end up in the negative inherbook.
