Page 112 of Play Me
Gray : LOL We’re on our way home, but it’ll be late as hell when we get in. Want to come over tomorrow?
Me: I have to scope out a venue for Renn tomorrow morning at ten o’clock. It shouldn’t take more than an hour or so because I’ve already reviewed the catering options and security protocol. I can be out of there and across town to you by one.
Gray : Can’t wait.
Me: Ditto.
I drag my gaze up to my friends. They’re watching me, amused. “What?”
“I know that look,” Gianna says, tossing a crouton in her mouth. “You were just setting up a fuck date.”
“You don’t get bonus points for knowing that, because even I could decipher that one,” Audrey says.
Good to know I’m broadcasting my business all over my face.
Gianna sighs, picking up her fork. “It’s just strange that it’s you and not me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you. Thrilled, really. I want you to be the happiest little redhead in all the land, but my life is boring right now and I’m jealous.”
“What’s happening at work?” Audrey asks her. “I’m sure that’s not boring.”
“No, not boring,” Gianna says. “But not exciting in a good way. Remember the guy who I saw last weekend?”
“The guy screwing the other guy’s wife?” I ask, pouring my vinaigrette on my salad.
She nods. “Yes. Him. Well, I made it clear that we weren’t a match and told him—nicely, of course—to be on his merry way. He’s called, texted, and emailed me daily. I’ve blocked him on everything I can block him on, but he’s now making fake Social accounts to message me.”
“Are you safe?” Audrey asks, concerned.
“Yeah, I don’t like the sound of this,” I say, exchanging a worried glance with Audrey.
“It’s fine. I threatened him with a restraining order yesterday and haven’t heard from him since. Speaking of emails,” Gianna says. “Did you get mine about the extension for your column response, Astrid?”
I nod, trying to spear a crouton. “Yeah. I’ve been working on it, but I won’t rush until you tell me when you need it.”
“Perfect.”
Chessie swings by and drops off our check. I slide it next to my plate so I can ensure my friends let me pay the tab. Not only is it my turn, but I’m now making double my income thanks to Renn. If Joe comes through for me, my financial life just might be salvageable.
And, if the stars align, my personal life might be salvageable, too.
“Guess who I met in Sugar Creek, Audrey,” I ask.
She lifts brow, taking a drink of her lemonade.
“A fighter. He’s one of Gray’s friends. Brooks something.”
“I’ll have to ask Drew if he knows him,” she says. “Speaking of which, I’ve decided that I don’t want to wait until the Cape to make my move on Seth. I’m going to pop up in Boston and ask him to dinner and make a go at it. Do you think that’s a bad plan?”
Gianna leans forward and laughs. “No, it’s not a bad idea. It’s a great one.”
“And we’re here for you every step of the way,” I say. “Tell us when you need us and we’ll help you pick outfits, go with you to get your nails done—whatever you need.”
Audrey sits taller, her smile touching the corners of her eyes. “Thank you, guys. I love you so much.”
“Love you, too, Auddie,” Gianna and I say.
I sit back with my lemonade and listen to my friends go back and forth about whether Audrey needs to go shopping before her big Cape Cod weekend. It brings a smile to my lips. We have been there for each other through thick and thin. We’ve cheered each other on, held each other when we’ve cried, and shared more laughs than I could ever count. They’re a cheat code for life.
For a long while, I truly believed that if I had to survive the rest of my life with only Gianna and Audrey, I could be happy. And I still firmly believe that. They’re the greatest friends.
