Page 58 of Unraveling the Truth About Love
“I didn’t mean that,” Mia said. She touched Riley’s arm. “Really, hon. I was just joshin’ with you.”
Joshin’? Crap.“Okay, yes, I have a boyfriend, and he’s great. I mean, we haven’t been seeing each other that long, but he’s…” She shook her head, thinking of the ways she could describe Josh: caring, loving, sensuous, gorgeous, smart, funny, an incrediblelover. Instead she took the safe route. “He’s pretty great.”
“Does Mr. Great have a name?” Simone asked. She finished her drink and flagged the waitress down again.
Mia grabbed her arm. “Slow down there, woman. I can’t drink as much as you.”
“You don’t have to. I’ll drink yours,” Simone said with a wink.
Riley was glad the conversation had turned away from Josh before she had to come up witha fake name for him. “Did you guys like the gown I designed, or did it pretty much suck?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Mia gave her a stern look.
“No, I really want to know.”Anything to get away from the subject of Josh.
“It was about the most original wedding gown I’d ever seen,” Mia said.
“I’d even consider getting married if I had that gown,” Simone quipped.
Riley let out a relieved sigh.“Oh, thank goodness. I thought y’all were just being kind in the meeting.”
“We allwere not just being kind,” Simone teased. “Especially Cruella. Did you see the scowl on her face when she saw your design? I thought claws were going to come shooting out from the ends of her fingers. Seriously. What’s up her butt with you? I see how she’s hot and cold with you. Any idea why?”
Because I’m sleepingwith Josh?Riley shrugged. “Don’t ask me. I just do what I’m told.” The buzz of the alcohol was beginning to settle in. She looked around the bar through the haze of alcohol, spying a dance floor she hadn’t seen earlier. She began swaying to the music in her seat. She closed her eyes and imagined Josh there beside her. Oh, what she wouldn’t do to make that come true.
“Okay, it’s time.” Simonesaid.
Riley’s eyes shot open. “What?”
Simone and Mia climbed from the booth and pulled Riley along with them.
“Dancing. It gets rid of all the chaos in our minds. Come on, country girl.” Simone tugged her along, and before Riley could protest, she was between Mia and Simone in the middle of the dance floor.
The more they danced, the fuller the dance floor became, until the three of them werepractically squished together. Riley had a definite buzz. She could barely hear past the music. She hummed to the beat, enjoying herself without care of who saw her, and it felt so good.
Mia tugged her arm. “Come on,” she said, and dragged her back to the booth. “Get your stuff.”
“Why? What’s happened?”
Mia showed her the screen of her cell phone. Riley squinted, pulled back, then drew in closeagain, trying to focus, but she was beyond focusing. “What does it say?”
Simone pulled her phone from her purse. “Me too. I wonder what went down.”
Riley scrambled through her purse, fumbling with her phone to read the sole text message. When she did, she was even more confused. Mia peered over her shoulder, and Riley shoved her phone back in her purse.
“We’ve got to go to the office. Did youget a nine-one-one text from Josh?” Mia asked.
Riley shook her head, wondering how Mia’s eyes could look so clear when she felt so light-headed.
“Are you okay to get home on your own?” Simone asked, slipping into her coat.
“Of course,” Riley said. “Why are you going to the office?”
“Dunno. But when JB texts nine-one-one, we go. See you tomorrow at the show? I’m sure Claudia will have someexcuse not to show up.” Mia threw money on the table, then draped her purse over her shoulder and looped her arm into Simone’s. “Hey, cowgirl, great to hang with you. We’ll fill you in tomorrow if there’s anything worth sharing.”
Simone shoved two twenties into Riley’s hand, then kissed her cheek. “You’re so cute when you’re shnockered. Be safe.”
“Thanks. I had a great time.” Riley watched themhurry out of the bar before taking out her phone and rereading the text from Josh.
We need 2talk. Home later than expected.J.
