Page 145 of Fury

“I love them!” Mary Lynn said over coffee at the Meager Grand Cafe down the block. She shuffled through the proofs I’d brought with me to show everyone. “You are quite the wildcat—look at this one, you guys, prowling through the forest on all fours hunting down her man.”

Cassandra laughed. “Damn, look at that. Roar, baby.”

Alicia took off her reading glasses. “Why didn’t you show that beautiful face of yours in any of these? It’s a crime to keep your face hidden in every shot. My God, your eyes, woman! Your ass is certainly a holy gift, don’t get me wrong, and your legs, your back, but—”

“Right? What workout do you do? I need to know,” said Dee.

“I’ve been doing yoga for years.” I jumped on Dee’s question, avoiding Alicia’s. “But I really like the Cardio Pump and Burn class Craig teaches at his studio down the street. Being a former stuntman, he totally knows what he’s doing.”

“Ugh, I’m too chicken to take that class,” said Dee.

“No thanks. Pilates and running for me,” murmured Cassandra.

“We have a treadmill in the garage, but I keep forgetting to use it. Kicker loves reminding me that I was the one who insisted we spend the money on it.” Mary Lynn rolled her eyes.

“Why don’t you tag along with me and try Craig’s class, Dee? You’re going to feel on top of the world after, I promise,” I said, sipping my double espresso with a hit of cream.

“Okay, you’re on,” said Dee.

“How can you not have a man, for Pete’s sake?” asked Mary Lynn. “You must be fighting them off.”

“We can introduce you to a few men,” Dee said.

“That’s all right. Really,” I replied.

“You don’t like bikers?” Dee laughed. “Golly, why?”

“I had a biker boyfriend once,” I said. “First love. Didn’t end well.”

“Really? Which club?” asked Mary Lynn.

I ignored Mary Lynn’s question. “I was sixteen, ran away from home with him, lots of fun, lots of trouble, then he took off with someone else.”

“What a jerk, sorry,” said Dee.

I shrugged. “Real life.”

Alicia studied me, her fingers stroking the handle of her coffee mug. I averted my gaze and focused on Mary Lynn’s lively chatter.

“Well, that’s all right,” Mary Lynn said. “We know tattoo artists, rodeo cowboys, bartenders, restaurant owners, a doctor, lawyers, a beer brewer, a landscape designer...” Her eyes danced. She was on a roll.

“I appreciate it, but don’t worry about me. I’m not a nun or anything,” I said.

“Oooo…Names,” said Mary Lynn on a giggle.

“I’ve been out with Caleb from Ronny’s shop a few times,” I said.

Dee blinked. “Whoa, really?

“Caleb?” Cassandra said.

“Uh oh. Why?” I asked.

“Everyone tries to score with Caleb, and very few have achieved the dream,” said Mary Lynn.

“I didn’t realize,” I said.

“Fuck,” Alicia muttered. “He’s so damn hot.”

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