Colt: Look. What are you up to tomorrow night? Friday’s probably a big date night for you, I’m assuming?
The second I hit send, my heart thumps against my ribs like it’s trying to escape.
The three dots appear immediately.
Disappear.
Reappear.
Stop.
Then, finally.
Elena: Wow. I… didn’t expect that.
A beat. I don’t say anything. I just…want to see her. Again. And soon.
Elena: And no. No dates tomorrow.
Another pause.
Elena: Why? You have an idea?
I exhale, rubbing my thumb over the edge of my phone, Diesel now curled at my knee like he knows I’ve done something reckless.
I start to type a dozen different responses, deleting each one.
The truth wins.
Colt: Just saying I can meet you. If you want. Just for the card.
A longer pause this time.
She knows it’s not just for the card.
And I know she knows.
My phone buzzes again.
Elena: Tell me when and where. I’m at your disposal, Sir.
I let my head fall back against the wall.
Oh, I’m fucked.
Elena: Sorry. Meant to type, ‘I’m at your disposal, LAMP MAN.’
Chapter Seven
ELENA
My phone buzzes.
I expect something simple.
A time.
A location.
