Page 210 of The Baby Twist
“He asked that?”
“His exact words were, ‘Is Marley, the barista, working today?’” Penelope spoke in a manly voice.
“We told him that it was your day off. He looked disappointed,” Olivia said.
“Day off? I don’t even work here.” I laughed.
“So what?” Olivia shrugged. “I think he wants to ask you out. Next time he comes in, we’ll give him your phone number.”
“Don’t you dare. I’m on a sex/dating hiatus.” I pointed at them.
“Since when?” Penelope’s brows furrowed.
“Since that asshole in Chicago.”
“Oh my God, I forgot to tell you girls. My cousin invited us to a party tonight. Her boss is throwing it. I guess he just moved into some fancy-ass penthouse and is having a housewarming party,” Penelope said.
“Where is her boss’s penthouse?” I asked.
“133 East 73rdStreet.”
“That’s right by where we live,” I said.
“Exactly. We could walk. Say you’ll come. It’ll be fun. I’ve never been to a penthouse party before,” Penelope begged.
“You know I’m in.” Olivia grinned.
“I guess I’ll go.” I smiled. “But I can’t stay late. I have to be up early tomorrow morning and make sure everything is ready and set for the Lake’s party on Sunday.”
“Which one?”I asked my girls, holding up two short black dresses.
“That one.” They both pointed to the left.
My phone rang. Walking back to my bedroom, I grabbed it from the bed and saw my mother was calling.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Why haven’t I heard from you?” she asked.
“I’ve been swamped planning an extravagant party for a five-year-old, Mom.”
“It doesn’t matter, Marley. You should make time to call your mother. I’m cooking dinner Sunday and would like you to join us.”
“I can’t. I’m working all day.”
“On a Sunday?” she asked with irritation.
“Yes, Mom. The party I’ve been planning for months is on Sunday. We’ll have to do dinner another time.”
“I haven’t seen you in almost two months. And the last time I was in the city, you weren’t answering your phone and nowhere to be found.”
“I told you I was working that day. Mom, I have to go. I’m getting ready to go out.”
“We’ll set something up for next week. Have fun tonight.”
Sighing, I threw my phone on the bed and slipped into my short black fitted dress.
“You can’t avoid her forever, Mar,” Penelope said, standing in the doorway, holding a bottle of whiskey.
