Page 78 of Twisted Beauty

Jana looked…relieved maybe? Liv glanced over at Katie who bit her lip, like she was trying to keep her mouth shut about something. That lasted all of about ten seconds.

“Jana had a one-night stand with Nate,” she blurted out. “And he doesn’t even remember her.”

“Katie!” Jana slapped both hands on the table. “That was a secret. You promised! I’ll never tell you anything again.”

“Oh don’t be so dramatic.” Katie waved a hand to swat away the words. “Liv won’t tell anyone. We’re the only people here she even knows.”

Liv jumped at the opportunity to steer the conversation away from herself. “When did this happen?”

Jana sighed. “A few years ago. Back in San Francisco. I was at a bar with some friends. You know, drinking.”

“As people do at a bar,” Katie said, lifting her wine in a toast. Jana didn’t touch her drink. Out of respect for what seemed like a big confession on Jana’s part, Liv didn’t either. Katie shrugged and took a small sip. “Sorry. Carry on.”

Jana ran a hand through her dark ponytail. “I—” She let out a long sigh. “I was tipsy and he was cute.” She looked back and forth between the two of them, like she was deciding how much to say. She took a swig of her margarita and squared her shoulders. “I was a twenty-three-year-old virgin and I’d had enough, okay? I just wanted to get laid. Fortunately, I had blonde hair at the time. I’m glad he doesn’t recognize me. I’d be so embarrassed.”

“I don’t get that. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Katie said. “I bet Nate has a huge magic wand too.”

Liv put a hand on Jana’s arm. “I’m sorry she’s such a pain in the ass.”

That got a laugh out of Jana and seemed to relieve a little of the tension in her shoulders.

But Katie pouted. “Am not.”

“Well shit,” Liv said to Jana. “So he never even talked to you again? What a complete ass.” Her spidey senses were way off. She had Nate pegged as this super nice guy who would be a much better choice than the men she was attracted to. No wonder her love life was such a disaster. She was a horrible judge of character.

Jana laughed and shook her head. “No, I snuck out in the middle of the night while he was still asleep. He didn’t even know my real name. And I never told him I was a virgin either, so he probably just thought I sucked in bed. I don’t know. I freaked out and didn’t want to be there anymore. Not really his fault.”

Maybe that was true, or maybe he would have walked out on her in the morning anyway. Liv decided it was best to keep that thought to herself.

“But you and Matt, huh?” Jana said. “Maybe don’t tell Elle. She’s still sort of pining for him.”

“Elle?” Well, crap. That explained why she was hanging all over him at the barbecue. “You mean they’re a thing? I thought she was just being flirty.”

“They were only together the once,” Jana said. “But she wanted more. Still does.”

Liv had no idea what to say to that. Except to thank god she was only here for a short trip, and that this was just a fling. There wasn’t enough time for her emotions to get involved in only a few weeks. Definitely not enough time to get hurt. Right?

“I won’t tell her. I mean, Matt and I aren’t serious so there’s really nothing to tell. We both want the same thing, just to have some fun. We’ve been on the same page since the start.”

Liv felt a little sick to her stomach. But it wasn’t about her feelings for Matt. Maybe there was something wrong with her margarita. Or the guacamole she’d just put in her mouth. That was more likely. It had probably been sitting out in the heat.

“He’s a good guy though,” Jana said. “Anyone who helps out with the rescue dogs gets a free pass for everything else he’s ever done wrong.”

Liv forced a smile. She wondered when she could get Jana alone again to ask her more questions about Matt. If she asked in front of Katie, she might give her the wrong impression. That this wasn’t just a fling.

She touched the pendant again. Maybe she really should get rid of it. Maybe Katie was right, and she was getting in over her head.

“I’ve got a great idea,” Katie said as she set down her glass.

Liv groaned. Katie’s ideas were usually the opposite of great.

“No, really. It’s a good one. Zach and Nate are organizing a trip to Yelapa next week. If Matt joins us and the two of you come too, it’ll be perfect.”

“Not a chance,” Jana said at the same time Liv said, “Oh, hell no.”

“You’re no fun. Either of you.” Katie leaned back in her seat and frowned.

Liv laughed at her. “Didn’t you just get finished telling me to spend less time with him?” She did her best to mimic Katie’s voice. “Don’t fall in love, you said. The world will come to an end, you said.”