Page 4 of About Last Night

“I know, I didn’t mean to…that was a stupid thing to say. I’m sorry. But you should have heard the crowd when you left. They were letting Shae with an E have it.” I put my hands in my pockets for warmth. I forgot my coat, too.

There is an awkward silence, and Audrey looks around nervously. “I should go. I don’t want Shae with an E coming to find me.”

“So, you call her that, too?”

Audrey laughs again. “No, but it’s perfect. It’s always annoyed me, the way she introduces herself.” She reaches for her car door.

I’m desperate to keep her here, but I have no idea what to say.

“Um, hey. Do you want to go grab a cup of coffee?” I blurt. I might be charming, but I’ve never been suave.

“Don’t you have karaoke night to DJ?”

“Max gave me the night off.” Not exactly a lie.

“When?”

“Um, earlier.” Three minutes ago is technically earlier.

Audrey tilts her head. “Are you trying to take me home, Toni D?”

“No. NO. Not at all. I just, well I saw your expression when you came up to the stage and I thought you might want to talk. Unless you have a friend to talk things out with. You probably do. Of course you do. I, um, yeah, I’m sorry. I can see how you would think I’m hitting on you. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Oh, really? Why not?” She crosses her arms over her chest as if she’s offended.

I open my mouth, then shut it. Does Audrey want me to hit on her? I decide to play it safe, turn it into a joke. “For the record, I’m not that kind of girl.”

Audrey laughs again. “I’ve seen you pick up plenty of women over the years to know that’s a lie.”

“Oh, so you’ve watched me?”

“You’re hard to miss since you’re the DJ.” Audrey studies me, then her eyes glance over my shoulder. I follow her gaze and see Shae rounding the corner. “Get in,” Audrey says.

I scramble to get into the low-slung two-door coupe. The door closes with the soft whump only luxury cars make. Shae knocks on the window, walking backward as Audrey backs out of the spot.

“Come on, Audie. Let’s talk. I’m sorry.”

Audrey stops the car, puts it in drive, and gives her ex-girlfriend the finger before she floors it. The tires squeal and the car fishtails out of the parking lot.

Audrey is grinning almost manically. “I’ve always wanted to do that. But it’s bad for your tires so I never have.”

“A-plus, Vin Diesel.” I run my hands along the leather seat and door. “Nice car.”

“Thanks.”

“It smells like you,” I say, and immediately regret it.

“I smell like a new car?”

“No, I mean, your perfume… earlier… and the… um…”

Audrey laughs, and I feel ridiculous. Why can’t I find my words?

“What perfume do you wear?” I manage.

“Essential oils. I layer them based on how I’m feeling that day. Tonight, I went for spicy. Did you like it?”

“Yes.” Maybe that’s the key. Simple words. Simple questions. “What do you do for a living?”

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