Page 91 of Unexpected Hero

Putting my fists on my hips, I cut a glare at my phone and stick out my tongue.

Her finger lowers. “Attorney says it’s good to go.”

I walk away from the mirror and grab the phone from the dresser, bringing it close to my face. “How’s my makeup?”

She narrows her eyes at the screen, then closes them dramatically while batting her hand toward me. “Oh my god. Make it stop. Turn the camera away. Turn it away now. You’re hideous.”

I barely flinch at her sarcasm since I’m totally used to it by this point in our friendship.

“Violet Anastasia Holt,” she bellows like an angry school marm. “Why are you freaking out about your appearance? This isn’t like you.”

When I exhale, my lips flap in a raspberry. “I know it’s not. But I’m so damn nervous I’m pitchin’ a hissy fit with a tail on it.”

All traces of her teasing fall from her face. “Talk to me, hun. What’s got you worried?”

I roll out my shoulders, trying to dispel the tension. “The better question is what hasn’t got me worried.”

“Okay, close your eyes and breathe with me. In for four and out for four.”

Together, we take a few steadying breaths.

She coaches me through a mini meditation. “Feel the solid earth underneath your feet. Concentrate on your steady pulse. Notice the oxygen filling your lungs.”

My eyes pop open. “But it smells like stale smoke and terrible decisions in here.” I sniff the air pointedly. “And also regret, shame, and... I’m pretty sure the last odor is sexual frustration.” Lowering my nose to my chest and armpits, I inhale again. “Yep. Those last three are coming from me.”

Stella giggles with me but soon grows serious again. “How long until you need to leave?”

“Ten minutes.”

“Good. Sit down for a minute.”

I follow her instructions, trusting she won’t steer me wrong this close to my first night on the job at Club Bask. “Sitting.”

“Excellent. I’m going to ask you a series of questions. Try not to overthink the answers. Just give me the first answer that pops into your head.”

“Is this a test?”

She chuckles softly, shaking her head. “First question. Ready?”

I nod. “Ready.”

“What’s something you’re looking forward to about tonight?”

The first thing that comes to mind probably wouldn’t paint me in the best light, so I skip him and move on.

“Earning money.”

“Good. What’s something you’re scared of happening tonight?”

“Looking like a fool.”

“How did you feel when you found out you got the job?”

“Relieved and happy.”

“What’s that face for?”

I crick my head at her, my lips pursing. “What face?”

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