“OK,” I agreed, really hoping she was telling me the truth. “Tomorrow.”
“Cherry, you fucking little firecracker. We’re going out, and your ass is coming with us!” A deep voice boomed out over the line.
She groaned, and there was shuffling.
“Cassius, no,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not.”
“Who the fuck are you talking to? It’s party time. You promised. Is that Evan? Tell him it’s party time. He’ll understand. Come on. Put pants on. Let’s go! Ryder and Trent are coming with. Anson gave the green light.”
I listened as she laughed and argued with the guy I was sure played in her band.
She squealed for a moment before a deep voice came on the line.
“Evan, it’s party time, bitch?—”
“Hey,” I said, clearing my throat.
“Oh shit. Fuck, Cherry. My bad.” The guy laughed. “Hey, bud. I’m Cassius. I’m the guitarist. I’m the object of Rosalie’s obsession. She dreams about me each night?—”
“Nice to meet you,” I said awkwardly.
“How do you know our Cherry?” He pressed. I could hear her in the background demanding that he give her the phone, and him laughing at whatever she was trying to do.
“We’re friends. Since high school.”
“Ah, OK. That’s cool. She’s married, so don’t get any weird ideas.”
“Right. To Evan. I’m aware,” I said.
“Evan would beat your ass. I mean, Anson. Fuck, my bad. I’m so fucking wasted, man. Did she tell you he does Krav Maga with Anson and fucks shit up with Silat? Dude carries a bat and would beat your ass if you got too close. No lie, dude. The guy is ripped as fuck. Trust me, you don’t want him on your doorstep. Head-to-toe tats and a bad attitude regarding our little firecracker.Plus, he’s hot as hell. I’d lick his abs if Rosalie would move aside long enough?—
“Cassius,” Rosalie shouted. “Knock it off.”
“I’m just putting it out there. We don’t need a scandal. You told him you’re married to Anson, right? Or Evan?”
“There won’t be a scandal. Yours overshadow everyone else’s anyway. You’re drunk. Get out of here.”
He let out a loud laugh. “Touché. Get ready. High school friend, it was nice meeting you. No nudes, bro, unless you’re sending to me too.”
I blinked rapidly as Rosalie came back on the line.
“I’m so sorry about him. That’s Cassius. He’s… wild.”
“I can tell,” I said. “I’ll let you go so you can watch him. He probably needs it.”
She laughed at that. “He does. He’s really protective of me. I’m his cash cow.”
“Miss Bishop!” Cassius’s voice boomed out. “How dare you speak the truth!”
She laughed again. “It was nice talking to you. Really. We’ll talk soon. Promise. Night, Ethan.”
“Night, sweetheart,” I whispered as the call disconnected with a soft click before she could hear me.
I sighed and flopped back on my bed.
I couldn’t believe she’d taken my call. A smile tugged at my lips.
At least she didn’t hate me.
