“I’ll seduce a guy before Friday,” she continued, much to Molly’sshock and dismay, “and you’ll have to stay here until October and attend the reunion with me.”
She didn’t sound happy about it. But she did sound determined.
When Lise extended a hand across the table to seal their agreement, Molly shook it, because she was a woman of her word. Then, instead of ordering another half-priced drink, she signaled their server for the check.
That rhubarb shrub concoction was the cocktail of Satan, and it had tricked her. Beguiled her senses until she’d willingly entered into a devil’s bargain. Nay, proposed the bargain herself!
If Lise actually did sleep with someone before Friday, where the hell was Molly going to stay for the next month? Could she even risk remaining so close to Karl for all that time, or would she need to fly back home and return right before the cursed reunion?
Her head was spinning, and not in a good way anymore.
After paying the bill, she massaged her aching temples. “The next time I have to explain why socializing is almost always a terrible idea, I’m referring to this outing as Exhibit A.”
“Amen, sister,” Lise said, with feeling.
Two days later, Molly was sitting in a diner booth and finishing her tuna melt when she received a one-word text from Lise:DONE.Which obviously couldn’t indicate what it seemed to indicate, so she put down her sandwich, wiped her hands, and wrote back immediately.
What’s done?
My assignment.
Molly blinked at her cell.You seduced someone? Already?
A beep heralded Lise’s reply.Yup. We did it like they do on the Discovery Channel, as the kids say.
There were obviously more important matters in play, but...
The kids haven’t said that since the turn of the century, Lise.
Shut up. I’m old. And so are you, my good bitch.A pause, during which Molly handed her credit card to the hovering server.Need proof of my exploits?
No. I trust you.
An automatic response, but Molly meant it. Which was an odd feeling, because she could have sworn she didn’t trust anyone. Hadn’t she said as much to Karl on Monday, repeatedly?
She couldn’t quite pinpoint the moment when Lise had turned from a work acquaintance into... whatever they were now. Friends, obviously. Close enough friends that she couldn’t help probing for more information, both out of interest and to ease her sudden concern.
If her stupid bargain had gotten Lise hurt...Are you okay?
Yes.
No hesitation. Whew.
The uber-efficient server had already returned. After adding a substantial tip to the total and signing her receipt, Molly stood to go.
Was it good?she texted as she exited the diner.
Yes.Dots came and went on the screen.Yes.
Brows drawn in thought, Molly paused in the shade cast by the building’s brick exterior and stared blankly at the empty street in front of her.
Lise’s second yes could mean two things. Either she was unsure about the first yes and trying to convince herself—and Molly—that the sex truly had been decent, or...
Was it VERY good?
More dots.
Perhaps.Before Molly could press further, Lise texted again.So you’re coming to the reunion with me. Hooray!
