Page 80 of Whatever Lola Wants

“Today was fun,” Ginger said.

“It was,” Lola agreed. They were in a ride share, headed back to their apartment building. It was nearly nine-thirty, and Saturday night traffic was thick. She tapped her hand nervously on her thigh, eager to pick up her bag and get to the club. “I’m glad you came along.”

“I am, too.” Ginger smiled. “It’s nice to have girlfriends.”

“I know what you mean,” Lola said with a little laugh. “I mean, I love my brothers, but I was so happy when I went to school and there were other girls there.”

“I love my sisters, too,” Ginger conceded. “Except when I have to share a bathroom with them. I practically had to take a number to get any mirror time.”

“There’s a good argument for staying here after the summer,” Lola pointed out. “Your own bathroom.”

“Don’t think it’s not on the list.” The light from the streetlamps flickered over Ginger’s face as the car wove through the streets. “I’m going to start apartment hunting this week, just to see what’s out there. I figure it can’t hurt to see what it will cost me in rent if I decide to stay, and it’ll give me a good idea of what I’d need to make to pay the bills.”

“Smart.”

“I just hope I can find something I can afford,” Ginger fretted.

“If you want, I’m happy to help you look.”

Ginger’s face brightened. “That would be great.”

“Just let me know when you want to start, and I’m in.” Lola looked up as the car pulled up in front of their building.

“You coming up?” Ginger asked.

“I have to get my bag, so yeah.” Lola unbuckled her seatbelt and pulled her phone out of her purse, wincing at the time. “Then get another car and get to the club in eight minutes or I’ll be late.”

“I can get it,” Ginger offered.

“You sure?”

“Sure. You can keep this car, right?”

Lola turned to the driver. “Can you add a stop?”

“You gotta do it in the app,” she explained, “but yeah, sure.”

“You add the stop, I’ll get the bag.” Ginger opened the door curb side. “Where is it?”

“On the kitchen counter. It’s a small leather overnighter.”

“Got it. Be right back.”

“Thanks,” Lola called after her, and Ginger waved over her shoulder as she trotted up to the building entrance.

Lola opened the app, went through the steps to add another stop to her ride, then opened her texts to send Simon a quick message. If he was already in the club, he wouldn’t get it; cell phones, and their cameras, were strictly prohibited. But at least she’d have let him know she’d be late, and he wouldn’t be able to fuss at her too hard.

She glanced up as Ginger trotted up, bag in hand. “That was fast. Thanks.”

“No problem.” Ginger shifted her purse on her shoulder, leaning in the open door. “I’m going to walk down to the market to pick up a few groceries. Do you need anything?”

Lola shook her head. “Simon says I’m hopeless in the kitchen, so he’s taken over my grocery shopping.”

Ginger’s eyes went soft. “Aw.”

“Aw, nothing,” Lola said with a laugh. “He’s just doesn’t want to go hungry.”

“Right,” Ginger said with a knowing chuckle and stepped back from the door. “Have fun tonight.”

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