Page 70 of Beguiled

Between my normal workload and the new report, I’d easily become pleasantly absorbed, so much so hours had gone by.

I only looked up because my cellphone buzzed indicating a text.

Tawny:Lunch on the promenade? My treat. I picked up a couple salads like you like.

Uh-huh. Why did I have a feeling she had yet another favor to ask? Since I’d forgotten all about packing my lunch after the night and morning I’d had, and I only had an old granola bar to munch on, the salad sounded delicious.

I glanced at my report, but that wasn’t the real hesitation. I’d need to come up with a plausible story on how the evening had gone. Would she discover I was lying when she went to work the next time?

A quick glance at my boss’ still closed office door reminded me that men inside crime syndicates didn’t open their mouths.Thinking about what Patrick had told me, let alone my… boss. I’d need to rip the Band-Aid off soon enough.

Me:I’ll be there in fifteen.

Tawny texted back the naughty devil emoji.

I sat back, chewing on my bottom lip. I’d simply concentrate on how exciting the fights were and that the money was great. No, good. Not good enough to do again, but. No, the money was shitty. Laughing, I glared at the ceiling. Now I was planning on lying to my bestie.

She was easy to find in her bright pink dress, sitting with her back to me and staring out at the skyline. She’d picked a table closer to the thick glass fence, which allowed for spectacular views while keeping the employees safe.

I’d thought she didn’t like heights, being this close far too uncomfortable. When I approached, she didn’t look up as usual.

“Hey. Tawny. Are you okay?”

It took her a few seconds, blinking even before she snapped out of whatever mental fog she was in. “Oh, hi. I’m sorry.” She laughed, but I could swear with more nervousness than I was used to hearing. Nothing ever bothered her.

I slipped into the seat, noticing she’d momentarily shuddered. “Why are you sitting here?”

“What?”

“You hate tables this close to the edge.”

“Our normal seat was taken. See?” She pointed toward our usual spot, her usual personality taking over. “They dared sit in our place.”

Laughing, my stomach grumbled as soon as I noticed the salad. “You are so predictable.”

“Brat.”

“Bitch.” We both laughed and she tossed me a package of disposable silverware.

“How was last night?” Her face brightened, her eagerness almost addictive.

“Not bad. I was very nervous, but the staff was very nice.”

Tawny narrowed her eyebrows. “Even Patrick? He can be a little… rough around the edges.”

“He’s very pushy and protective but I appreciated his attitude since the guests are…”

“Out of control?” She giggled as she leaned forward.

“Very. A fascinating premise. I don’t think I could do that all the time. Kudos to you.” I watched her reaction, bracing for a barrage of questions. At least I hadn’t lied up to this point.

Her shrug was noncommittal. “Did you make decent money anyway?”

“Quite a bit.”

“Good. I’m glad. Maybe you can breathe a little easier.”

As my best friend, she knew why money was important and it wasn’t for me to purchase a little house. That would be a long time coming.