Page 5 of About Last Night

“I’m a business consultant.”

“Sounds exciting.”

Audrey chuckles. “Making it sound dull is easier than explaining it.”

“Maybe you’ll explain it on our second date.”

Audrey glances at me. “Is this a date? I thought you weren’t hitting on me.”

I want to knock my head against the dashboard. “No, of course not. I’m talking about the date after the date I’m going to ask you on after we get a completely platonic coffee at that little diner right there.” I point down the street at my favorite all-night diner. “I’ve drunk a lot of coffee and eaten a lot of pancakes at Annie’s. Breakfast for dinner is my favorite meal.”

“Mine, too. How did you know I was driving to Annie’s?”

“I’m a mind reader, didn’t you know?”

Audrey parks, turns off the car. Her eyes settle on mine. “You’re definitely not a mind reader.” She opens her door and steps out.

“How do you know?”

She leans back into the car and, with that sexy mischievous grin I already adore, she says, “Because if you were you’d know I’m not thinking about eating pancakes.” She shuts the door and heads to the diner door.

And now my tomboy briefs are destroyed.

CHAPTER THREE

AUDREY

Did I seriously just imply to Toni that I want to go down on her? If Toni’s darkened eyes, slightly gaping mouth, and searching expression when she settles into the booth are any indication then yes, yes I did.

Who in the world am I tonight?

My only excuse is that I’m still riding the adrenaline high from being on stage. I can’t believe I sang to a bar full of people. Not only sang but rocked out. I think about all the times I sat in the audience with Shae, embarrassed for the singers who were, by and large, terrible. Watching them makes my palms sweat and my heart race, and why in the world would I want to sit through hours of torture every single week? So, I avoided karaoke nights as much as possible. I occasionally went to make Shae happy, and to disturb her plans to take her latest side piece. But mostly I went to see Toni. I’ve lusted after her for a while, though before tonight she never gave me a second glance. And, despite what Toni said, I’m sure I looked ridiculous up there, but what’s done is done. Thank God Willa wasn’t there to see it. I’d never live it down.

My phone buzzes. Speak of the devil.

Willa 11:34 p.m. All clear.

That’s my cue to stop surveilling Shae and meet Willa at our new townhome. But coffee with Toni is too good to pass up. I text Willa that I’m going to be late. She’ll understand. There’s also a text from Shae.

Shae 10:15 p.m. I always knew you should get up on stage. You were amazing. Call me so we can talk.

I shake my head, put my phone in airplane mode, and stuff it in my purse. Not gonna happen, Shae with an E.

I look at Toni and smile. God, she’s young, gorgeous, and completely not my type, physically at least. She’s earthy and real, with curly dark hair that is constantly flying out of whatever ponytail or braid she’s wearing at the time, and she’s always dressed as if she might run across a hiking trail and wants to be prepared.

As gorgeous as she is, though, what’s drawn me to her, has made me brave a few hours of horrible singing every so often, is her charisma. There’s no other word for it. Quick with a smile and a laugh, Toni always struck me as someone who would be, well, fun. Shae, for all her intelligence and sophistication, is not fun.

So, here I am. Suddenly nervous about finally having a conversation with Toni because I’m not an idiot. She was hitting on me back at the bar. Who am I to turn down the attentions of a beautiful woman? It’s not like it will go anywhere. We’ll flirt a little (I hope), eat our breakfast for dinner, and say goodbye. Maybe exchange numbers. The last thing I need, or want, is to start dating someone right now.

“Is Toni short for anything?” I ask, jumping right in with the stupidest question imaginable.

Toni is staring at me with an expression that sends a rush of blood south. She drapes one arm across the back of the booth. Her forearm is toned and tanned, and my mouth waters at the thought of what the rest of her arm looks like. I haven’t had definition like that on my arms in…well, never. I lick my lips, hope Toni doesn’t see, and am thankful when the waitress brings us coffee so I can pretend my mouth is watering for that and not this sporty young woman sitting across from me dressed like a mountain guide. I cross my legs and hope my face isn’t turning red.

Get a grip, Audrey.

“Antonia. My dad’s from Italy. Mom’s from Germany. Italian first name, German last name. My sister got the reverse.”

“Different last names? That must have been difficult during school.”

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