“What the hell was that?” Her voice ishoarse.
“Cole called it: Death in The Afternoon.”
“It’s death all right, but I’m alreadyfeeling better.”
I take another sip of my drink. “Uh—hellonew friend.” I say to my drink. “Here, try this.” And I shove the drink inLaura’s hand.
“Holy—much better.”
“And Cole assures me there is just asmuch alcohol. Are we okay?” I glance up at Laura, biting my lip, still unsureof what she’s thinking.
“We’re great, ya hooker.”
“Good. Now give me back my drink wench.”
“Ladies.” Cole reaches an arm around eachof us. “Is everything good?”
“We’re good.” I’m so lucky to have a guylike Cole. I hook my arm around him, kissing his cheek.
“Good, how about we head back to thebooth?” I tense for a second, but then nod my head yes.
“I need another drink. Laura stole mine.”
“You gave me that nasty black stuff.”
Cole raises his eyebrows at me. “It’strue I did, but I didn’t think she’d drink the whole thing, sheesh.”
Cole orders me another Caribou Lou and himselfsome sort of whiskey. We make our way back to the booth. Kit has found a randomwoman to grope. I’m not sure how he does it, but then he is very nice looking,and maybe the women are as easy as they seem. Laura scoots in next to Race, whoputs a casual arm around her. I really hope Laura figures out what she wants,for her sake. I only want to see her happy, and it seems my happiness hasflipped her life into a whirl. Not that things have been all chocolates androses for me.
But nonetheless, it has all definitelybeen worth it. I scoot in next to Cooper, who gives me a sympathetic smile. “Ohstop it, I’m done throwing my tantrum. In fact, let’s pretend like it neverhappened.” Cole sits down next to me and I am hoisted onto his lap. I pull atthe hem of my dress, making sure they cover everything since I’ve lost myundies for the second time tonight.
“Hey baby.” He kisses my shoulder.
Luke comes around the corner, sittingdown next to Laura, not looking thrilled. “What’s wrong Luke?” Cole asks.
“Just a problem at the Empress, but theygot it under control. I don’t know why they called me.” Luke eyes a drinkacross the table and Cooper pushes it to him.
“I know. It’s because you are the best atyour job.”
“Thanks, Kate, but even the best deservea night off.”
I lay my head back against Cole’sshoulder. “Oh, that’s good, so you didn’t hear about the blonde drag queen atthe strip club?”
Luke laughs. “No, I heard.”
I hear a couple of wet smacks and thenKit’s face appears from behind his busty brunette. “Wait, I didn’t hear thisstory.”
Cole’s hand trails up my legs and undermy dress, settling on my hip. “Neither did I.”
Luke drains his drink, chuckling again.“I think you just opened a can of worms you’re not going to be able to close.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” I say lazily.
“Cookie,” Cole rumbles in my ear.
“It was nothing, just a run in with a notso nice woman or man, who for some reason didn’t like me. I mean seriously, whowouldn’t like me? I’m the most likable person on the earth.”
“This is true.” Laura rests her headagainst Race’s shoulder. “And I would know.”
