Page 32 of Lethal Seduction

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“You didn’t mention you were a detective. I don’t know why it seems unusual for me, but it kind of does.” I don’t know what I’m trying to get at. Not like he should have led with his occupation, I certainly don’t.

There’s a pause on the other end. Had I said something wrong?

“Sorry, Patrick,” he says. “I hadn’t thought too much of it, but to be honest, I don’t usually tell my dates about my job until we actually go on the first date.”

Duh, makes total sense. “For sure,” I say. “Like I said, I don’t know why it seemed weird to me.”

“I hope it’s not going to be a big deal? Do you dislike the police?” His tone is playful, but it still gives me pause.

“Oh, no. I don’t dislike anyone, really. Pretend I didn’t say anything and we can discuss it during our date tomorrow evening.”

“Great,” he says. “What time should I pick you up?”

I’d planned to meet him wherever we decided so I could escape if needed, but something about him seems safe, old-fashioned, even. “If the concert is at seven, you’d probably want to pick me up by six. Traffic on the way to the venue from my place is a shit show.”

“Six it is.” He pauses for a moment, and I don’t interrupt the silence like I normally would have. “Patrick?”

“Yeah?”

“I am truly looking forward to spending time with you,” he says.

My heart melts at the sincerity in his voice. “I am as well.” Tina turns off the water and begins singing old one-hit wonders from the 80s—my cue to get off the phone.

“Well,” I say. “I should get going. I’ll text you my address and see you at six tomorrow.”

“Perfect,” he says and hangs up the phone.

The bathroom door flings open, and a cloud of steam billows out into the bedroom. Tina stands wrapped in a towel with another one tied up around her head like a fabric beehive. “Tell me everything. Does Michael want an accurate accounting for your whereabouts? Take down the exact details of your story? Frisk you for weapons of mass pleasure?”

I laugh to the point of tears. “Bestie, you are truly the best thing in my life. You know that?”

She dives onto the bed next to me, nearly losing the towel in the process. “I feel the same way about you.”

“I think we should go stuff our faces at Woofles and Wags at ten.”

“That place is exclusive. I heard they have a line out the door every day… even when it’s raining.”

“Ugh,” I say. “You’re right. If only we were famous Hollywood elite.”

“I heard they filmed an episode ofThe Real Househusbands of West Hollywoodthere. Ever since, it’s been the in-place to eat towering stacks of dog-bone-shaped waffles. Although, that’s a lot of carbs for someone like me trying to get into acting.”

“Now that you mention it, I do remember that episode. It was pretty dramatic, if I remember right,” I say. “Where should we go then?”

“Oh, I know,” Tina says with an earsplitting squeal. “Let’s go to Eggtastic Breakfast King. The guy that owns it donates money to homeless animal shelters.”

“But didn’t he get in trouble for using canned cat food in some of his dishes?”

“Yes, but I have a list of what not to eat, plus there won’t be a line.”

How could I argue with that kind of logic?

We laugh before I jump out of bed and rush into the bathroom to take a shower. Before closing the door behind me, I turn and say, “I’m going to have to use the emergency change of clothes I leave here. I won’t have time to go home and freshen up.”

“Bottom drawer of the dresser.” She points to the huge dark antique dresser against the wall. “You’ve got a change of clothes and a fresh uniform in there for later.”

“Perfect.”

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