Page 33 of February

“This is ridiculous. I can just give her my number.”

“Give her the wrong number,” Bridgette suggested.

“That’s bad, too, though. She’s nice.”

“Well, I was about to leave, anyway, so if you want an excuse to go, now is the time.”

Monica sighed and nodded.

“Okay. I’m going to put my arm over your shoulders,” Bridgette said. “Wrap yours around my back, and let’s do this.”

Before Monica could protest, Bridgette’s arm was over her shoulders, joining them at their sides.

“I’m going to put my weight a little on you, too, so this looks real, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.”

Monica wrapped her arm around Bridgette’s waist and felt when Bridgette rested against her. They walked through the hall and over to the bar, where it was showtime.

“Amina, I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?”

“This is someone from that company I’m thinking about buying.” Monica paused and went to correct herself, “Thecompanyis thinking about buying. I guess she’s taking the news harder than I thought. I just found her in the bathroom. She’s pretty drunk, and she drove, so I’m going to get her home.”

“Oh, okay. Do you need any help?” Amina asked genuinely.

“I’m going to throw up,” Bridgette announced, placing her head on Monica’s shoulder.

“No, I think I can take care of her,” Monica said. “Sorry about this. And thank you so much for the drink. I owe you one.”

“I never got your number.”

“Vomit. Vomit,” Bridgette added, pretending to heave.

“So sorry,” Monica told Amina quickly before she and Bridgette made their way down the stairs and out the door, where Bridgette stepped away from her.

“You owe her one? Really?” Bridgette laughed.

“I’m out of practice. Anyway, do you need to say goodbye to your friends in there?”

“I did before I went to the bathroom. But how did you know I had friends in there?”

“Oh,” Monica let out, feeling caught. “The woman who was with you upstairs before… I just assumed there were more of you.”

“Well, I told them goodnight already, so I’m good. I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess.”

“Where’s your car?” Monica asked as she pulled up the app on her phone and ordered one for herself.

“I walked tonight. I don’t live that far, and I knew I was going to have a drink.”

“Let me drive you home, then. It’s only fair; you saved me up there.”

“It’s fine. I make this walk all the time. It’s ten minutes. I’ll be home before your car gets here.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

“I’m sure. I have pepper spray if I need it,” Bridgette told her.

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