Page 2 of One Big Little Secret

I’m fine.

My next big idea is out there, I just know it.

And maybe I’ll even have a chance at finding it if I can get off this casino riverboat with Kayla and her rich friends.

“Salem!” Kayla’s scream splits the air. Everyone turns to stare as she throws herself at me like an overdone kitten, her white-blonde hair curling around her ears. She’s gone for a Marilyn Monroe look tonight and I kinda hate that she’s nailed it.

Beside her, I look like I just clocked off a long night shift at the loser factory.

“Hey, Kay.” I summon a smile from the tips of my toes. “Having a good time? Are you winning anything in there?”

“Lady, we’re just getting started! But why aren’t you playing with us? And why aren’t you drunk yet?” She scoffs at my half glass of mimosa, jerking my arm until I follow her inside to the velvet interior and the longest bar ever.

A cute bartender glances at me for a second. He has a piercing in one ear and a dark tattoo curling up his forearm.

“Lemmy, loosen up! You could be having fun for once,” Kayla croons in my ear.

I try not to shudder.

“I didn’t want to go too crazy tonight. Long week ahead, y’know,” I start, but she’s already leaning over the bar, pushing her ample cleavage half out of her dress.

The cute bartender coughs and spills a big scoop of ice all over the floor, trying not to stare.

Presto boobo, I’m forgotten.

“Shots!” Kayla demands, banging her fists on the counter.

“Huh?” I look at her.

“Tequila. You’re slamming it with me. Right the fuck now.”

Wow. So this eveningcanget worse.

“…I dunno. I really do have an early morning and—”

“No, Lemmy. No.Wehave a double date with a top-shelf hottie made of glass and a lime and we’re not standing him up.” She leans back and laughs at her own joke. “You’re gonna have fun here, babe. I promise.”

Inside isn’t much better than outside.

Worse, in here, I can’t just mope around in a corner and imagine swimming home.

But maybe she’s right.

Maybe I need to stop worrying and relax a little.

“Okay, okay,” I tell her. There’s not much elsetosay to Kayla.

She’s got the rich girlboss vibe down pat with her big brown eyes and full lips and carefully accented face. Tomorrow, she’ll be back to impersonating another celebrity, and doing it so well everyone around her will pretend to be impressed.

“Stop being so awkward. You lookgorgeous.” She runs a hand down my arm, laughing again. “Look at your dress. The red really suits you. I bet you never get to dress up like this much, huh?”

“I mean… you picked it out. And no, I don’t get out enough,” I say dryly.

“You’re welcome, Lemmy. Didn’t I tell you I’m a genius? Look at yourbutt.” To emphasize her point, she slaps my ass. “Babe, you’re going to pull tonight.”

Holy mother of cringe.

I wonder if the security guy in the corner carries so he can shoot me right now.

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