I filled my lungs with air, taking her in while she downed another drink at the bar. “Thanks for calling, man.”
“Anytime. By the way, Jared isn’t so hot for you.”
“I know. I fucked up last night. Did he see or talk to her by any chance?”
“Don’t think so.” He squeezed my shoulder. “You got this.”
“Wish me luck.” I made a beeline to the bar. She was ordering another shot. I gave Dmitri, the barkeep, a look that meant close the tab. “Let’s go, babe. The bar is closed.”
She squinted at me for a second as if she was trying to identify me. Then she gasped. “Fab. You’re here.” She tipped her head back, glancing at Dmitri, almost falling off the stool. “I told you he was going to be here tonight.”
I held her back before she fell, asking her to leave with me again.
“They said you weren’t on tonight’s show. But I told them you were. You had to be. It’s your job. You can’t blow it because of me.” She blinked glistening bloodshot eyes at me. “I’m not worth it.”
My palms held her face steady, trying to get her to sober up a little bit to hear me when I said this. “You are worth it, Gabriella. You’re worth everything.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. You don’t even know me. You don’t know what I’ve done.”
“I know everything. Zoey told me what happened that day.”
“Zoey?” She blinked a few times before she burst into laughter. Then she touched my chest, feeling me up. “You’re so pretty. I want you so bad.”
I’d imagined this moment so many times before, the feeling of her touch on my body, the confession that she wanted me, but never had I thought she’d have to be drunk to do it. “Gabi, please just let me take you home.”
“Nope. I paid for a private dance.” She poked my shoulder twice. “You have to dance for me. Naked.”
“I’m not working today, but I’ll happily do it in the privacy of your place. Just come with me.”
“No! Mama wants her lap dance now.”
“Basta, Gabriella. Andiamo.”
“Did you know I was a mama?”
A pang set in my chest. “Yes, babe. I’m so sorry.”
She was about to cry, but then shook and waved her hands at my face as if telling herself and me no. Her finger jabbed at my shoulder again. “But you were right. Edward was screwing Vivian. I have to screw Vivian.”
“Allora, you leave me no choice but to do this.” I held her waist and threw her over my shoulder.
“I must screw Vivian!” she shouted at the top of her lungs all the way out. Then she passed out in the car.
I drove us to my apartment because it was closer. Tiara hollered and wagged her tail, jumping to reach Gabi.
“Easy, girl. She’s a friend.” I dropped Gabi’s purse and walked to the bathroom, Tiara in tow, and put Gabi in the shower. “Here comes the fun part,” I mumbled, taking off her jacket. “I’ve always wanted to see you naked, but never like that.”
Tiara sniffed at Gabi and then licked her face. I smiled. “You like her?”
Bark.
“You want me to keep her?”
Bark.
“Me too, tesoro mio.” I brushed the back of my hand against her cheek softly. “She’s the only one I wanna keep.”
As I took off her shoes, Tiara had to help. Gabi was gonna kill us both when she knew her Louboutin heels were between my dog’s jaws. I scolded the little thing and told her to wait outside. Then I shut the door and crouched back next to Gabi.
