Page 5 of Stepping Up to the Plate

“Would you stop stressing?” she laments. “You are hot as fuck. Philly boy is going to be jealous that he isn’t here to see you in that outfit. We should send him a picture.”

“We don’t need to do that.”

“Disagree,” she huffs. Grabbing my phone, Tiffany wraps her arm around my shoulder and makes a kissy face. “Smile, Lo!”

Relenting, I smile with her. Before I can stop her, she shoots the picture off to Phil and sends it to herself.

“Damn,” she sighs. “It’s almost a shame I look this good and no one will get to enjoy it. Maybe I can convince Valentino to have a little fun at the club.”

“Tiff,” I scold. “You hardly know the man.”

“We can’t all have found a winner on the first try. Some of us are still out here kissing frogs.”

“Why do I get the sense you’re doing way more than kissing and you’re hoping none of these frogs turn into Prince Charming?”

Tiffany gives an innocent shrug before announcing our ride is here.

This club is packed and not my scene. Everyone here appears to be model or model-adjacent. How can there be this many beautiful people in one place? I know I am pretty, but around this crowd, I am practically a troll.

Despite that, I am having a lot of fun. I can’t remember the last time I went out and enjoyed myself with friends. When Phil and I go out, it is usually to stuffy client dinners or one of the fancy restaurants downtown. We never go dancing and I am always limited to two glasses of wine because ‘being sloppy’ would reflect poorly on the business.

Speaking of my husband, my phone vibrated in my hand and I realize he finally responded to the picture Tiffany sent. I’m surprised he is up this late. Unless he is gaming, he is typically early to bed to be up for his morning run.

10:49 PM

Phil

You’re not seriously wearing that out, are you? It’s hardly decent.

Me

Is it that bad? Tiffany said it’s cute.

Phil

Tiffany’s version of cute is about the same as a hooker’s in Vegas. Or Miami in this case.

Me

Are you saying I look like a prostitute?

Phil

Don’t put words in my mouth. You’re too innocent for anyone to think you’re a prostitute. You definitely don’t look like someone’s wife, though.

Me

I have my ring on.

Phil

Like that stops men.

I don’t have time to argue about this right now. I have to get up early. Behave, tonight. I know how wild Tiffany can get.

Me

Okay. Love you.

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