Page 132 of Thorns of Malice

But I'm not letting Michelle's stupidity steal my joy though. I step into the elevator and hold the envelope tight to me, whistling, feeling the giddiness that I've felt too often lately. I thought it was dead inside of me, but not anymore. Things are finally starting to turn around and go my way.

The elevator dings, and the doors open. I step out, nodding at security as I pass them.

My car is parked at the curb where it always is. I get in it, rev the engine, and take off.

The bumper-to-bumper traffic would normally irritate me, but not today. I've waited patiently for Dick's phone call and the confirmation I could deliver Avery another blow.

I pick up the phone and call Ivy. It rings three times.

She answers, "Hello?" There's a lot of noise in the background, as if she's in a restaurant.

My red flags go up. I question, "Where are you at?"

I hear a familiar giggle I can't quite place.

"I'm out," she replies.

"Who's with you?" I inquire.

"That's not your business," she declares.

My gut flips. "Don't play games with me, Ivy."

She groans. "You're so dramatic, Dax. I'm with Lilly."

Lilly.

The hairs on my neck rise. "What are you two doing?"

Ivy scoffs. "Not what you think we're doing."

I blow out a relieved breath. "Okay, so where are you at?"

"It's not your business. We can talk later tonight if you want. When I'm back."

It's a step forward for Ivy to permit me to see her, so I drop my inquisition for now. I state, "I'll pick you up at six, and we'll go out for dinner like we were supposed to the other night."

She hesitates, then says, "I don't know, Dax."

"Why not?" I ask, my chest tightening.

She lowers her voice. "I don't know. It sounds like a date."

"It is a date," I claim.

She inhales sharply.

"Ivy, let me take you to dinner, please," I beg, my giddiness completely zapping away.

"I don't know."

"Ivy, it's just dinner. You have to eat anyway, right?"

She caves. "Okay. I'll be ready by six."

My giddiness reignites.

"Great, baby girl, I'll see you then. And don't do anything with Lilly," I add.

---