Page 93 of Flawed

My bestie questions, "Can your mom watch Zara tonight?"

I pick up my glass of water, take a sip, and then reply, "You just missed her. She snuck in here and stole my daughter again."

Pina laughs. "Well, guess it's your lucky night, then."

"Why?"

"Time to get you back in the saddle."

"Sorry?"

"Now that Jeff's out of the picture," she says.

I peel a banana. "I'm not interested in a blind date."

"Who said anything about that?" she asks.

I relax. "Okay, good. That last guy was a creeper."

Pina scoffs. "I told you not to blame me for that. My sister claimed he was amazing."

"Yeah, well, he gave me goose bumps, and not the good kind. I couldn't run fast enough," I admit.

"Noted. Put on something hot. We're going out," Pina orders.

I laugh. "And where are you taking me?"

"Not telling."

"Why not?"

"Surprises are good," she claims.

"Then why are the hairs on my arms rising?" I quiz.

She chirps, "Because you need excitement in your life, and I'm your most exciting friend!"

"Well, that's true," I mutter, then take a bite of the banana.

"Okay, pick you up at nine. That green minidress you have would be good to wear!" she suggests.

I swallow the banana, inquiring, "Are we going clubbing?"

"Ummm... well..."

"Pina, where are we going?"

"I wouldn't say clubbing, but dress like that's what we're doing. See you soon. Bye!" She hangs up before I can ask any more questions.

A club but not a club.

Where the heck is she taking me?

I finish my fruit then toss on workout clothes. I use the gym in my building, make dinner, and eat alone. I try not to think about my predicament with Zara, but it's hard not to.

What am I going to tell her about Luca?

I get a piece of paper and a pen. I write down a list of all the good things about Luca. When I'm done, I study the long list, surprised at how many good parts of him I remember, and fight tears.

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