Page 35 of Hot Shot

Dad shrugs. “Well, there was definitely an adjustment. But maybe it’s different for men.”

“I would’ve thought the opposite, that men would have a harder time, since a lot of their identity is wrapped up in their career. But I guess Mom’s was too.”

“Yeah. And I think she had closer relationships with the people she worked with than I did.” He rubs his chin.

“So not only did she lose her career, and the self-esteem that went with that . . . she lost her friends.”

Dad nods thoughtfully. “You’re probably right about that. Smart cookie.”

I smile at Dad and he grins back.

“Are you staying for dinner?”

I glance at my watch. “I could be persuaded, since I smell Mom’s roast beef.”

After dinner with my parents, I go home to change, then head over to Conquistadors to keep Hayden company while Beck works. For some reason I find myself tingling with anticipation as I dress in a sleeveless coral blouse that I tuck into jeans. I buckle a pair of metallic gold flat sandals and inspect my reflection in the long mirror in my bedroom. Not bad.

I add a little eye shadow to the mascara I already wear, eyeing my curling wand sitting on the bathroom vanity. Why am I bothering to get all glammed up just to go see my best friend?

I know why. I just don’t want to admit it.

I slick on a coral lip gloss then smack my lips together as I grab my purse and keys.

Sure, I’m happy to see my friend again. And yes, Conquistadors is a fun place to hang out. Hayden and I are getting to know some of the regulars there. But as I slide onto a stool at the bar next to Hayden, my eyes are roving around searching for . . . Marco.

However, none of the three conquistadores, as I’ve started thinking of them, are evident. “Where is everybody?” I ask Hayden.

“Back looking at some video. Someone vandalized the restaurant again last night.”

“Oh no. Is it bad?”

“Just graffiti, but they’re pissed. It’s happened before, and also to a bunch of other businesses in the area.”

“That sucks.”

“Yeah. So. Last night was fun.”

“It was. I’m glad Beck is still making you do things outside your comfort zone.”

Hayden smiles and stirs her cocktail with the straw. “Oh yes, he is.”

“Hey, never mind, I heard enough about your sex life last night.”

Alex, one of the bartenders, approaches.

“I don’t know what to have,” I say. “What are you drinking?”

“A Paloma.”

“Okay, I’ll have one of those. Can you make it with diet soda?” I ask Alex.

“You bet.” He flashes a smile and turns away to mix my drink.

“So what were you up to today?” Hayden asks. “Working?”

“No . . . oh my God! I have to tell you what happened!” I tell Hayden about the message I received from Jessica Farris and the response I’ve already had. We’ve arranged for me to go to L.A. next week for the photo shoot. “She saw the picture I posted the other day of Savannah. You know the one I took of her with James holding her?”

“Yeah. That’s an awesome picture.”

---