Page 32 of About Last Night

“Goddamn right you were,” Willa says.

“I don’t know what came over me.”

“Whatever it was, tap into it more often. Especially if you’re tapping into Toni Danzig.”

“Willa.”

“Finally, you’re interested in someone I approve of.”

“You barely know her.”

“She’s much better for you than Shae.”

I stop abruptly. “How in the world could you decide that on two minutes of conversation?” I hold up my hand. “And don’t give me that gift of discernment bullshit.”

Willa grins. “I might not know Toni, but I know Shae and she was wrong for you from the start.” I glare at her. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Let’s talk about Toni instead.”

“Willa, there’s nothing to talk about. We had a one-night stand. Now we work together. I’ve explained to her why nothing at all can happen between us and she gets it. So, no playing matchmaker.”

“Me? I would never. You’re right. No hanky-panky while we’re on this project. But after…”

“Oh, hey, look,” I say. “Here comes Kris Kringle to get you out of my hair.”

Willa waves at Ned and says, “Give me two minutes.”

“Meet you in the lobby.” He hitches his pants up over his dad belly and ambles through the office, smiling and waving at everyone along the way.

“He really is a perfect Santa Claus,” I say. I wish I was working with Ned. No distraction there at all.

“Truer words have never been spoken,” Willa replies.

My phone buzzes again, like it has dozens of times since Saturday night. I regret my decision each time it does. I should have known that she would double down on her efforts to convince me to come back, not rethink her shitty behavior. Note to self: never publicly humiliate someone with narcissistic personality disorder. Or a Pisces.

“Shae with a new number?” Willa asks.

“Yes.” I block the number and delete the message.

“Hey.” Willa puts her hands on my shoulders and turns me to face her. “Take a deep breath.” I do it because it’s easier than arguing. “Do you want me to talk to Shae?”

“No. I want to ignore her and pretend she doesn’t exist.”

“That’s probably not the right direction to take with her, but OK.”

“She’ll give up eventually.”

Willa nods but doesn’t look convinced.

“Now,” Willa says, “about Toni. I really do like her, and you can’t ever have too many friends. As long as I’m always number one, of course.”

“Naturally.”

“Promise me you won’t be all business.”

“But this is?—”

Willa puts her fingers on my lips to silence me. “I’m not saying bend her over the conference table and show her who’s boss, just relax and be yourself. Don’t be gruff business Audrey.” She removes her fingers.

“Can I talk now?” I ask.

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