Page 30 of Degrading Her

“We needed a break,” I said, exchanging eye contact with Erica.

“New boss,” Erica explained to Maisie.

“This is my friend, Erica,” I said.

Erica held out her hand. “You must be the famous sister.”

Maisie pulled Erica in for a side hug, then cocked a brow at me. “I’m famous now?”

“I told her about your anniversary party,” I said.

“Sounds like it was glamorous. But where did my invitation go?” Erica laughed.

Maisie held out a hand toward Bambi. “This is Bambi, my bestie.”

Bambi nodded at the two of us. “Let’s go. We’re wasting time!” she yelled.

“All right. Let’s go!” Maisie said, pulling me out.

Erica grabbed my hand. “Fi, you want me to order you something?”

“Sure!” I laughed, trying not to trip over my own feet.

“What do you want?”

“Surprise me!”

The music changed, and Maisie twirled me around, yelling silly compliments like a cat-caller. I giggled and closed my eyes, trying to enjoy myself even though I was rhythmically challenged. This was a nightclub, not a presentation. It was about showing off.

What would Sawyer think if he saw me like this?

“Is your husband here tonight?” I asked Maisie.

“Coming later,” she shouted back. “Why?”

I opened my mouth to say that I didn’t think Wilder would let her out of his sight, but Maisie spun around to face Bambi, and I didn’t have it in me to scream a lie over the music. That wasn’t the real reason I was asking.

Erica joined us, handing me a shot glass.

“What is this?” I yelled over the music.

“And where’s mine?” asked Maisie.

“Let’s go to the bar,” Bambi said. “Next round on me!”

“Wait! Take it,” Erica said, bobbing her head at the shot. “I’ve almost spilled it twice! This crowd is wild!”

I wrinkled my nose at the clear liquid. “Vodka?” I yelled.

“Yep!” she said. “You said you wanted a surprise.”

We clinked glasses. All I wanted was to get my mind off of him. And if that meant shots, then I would keep them coming.

“Bottoms up!” Erica said.

I took the drink, the alcohol burning my throat. I groaned.

Erica yelled: “I knew you could do it!”

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