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Sighing, I go to the bar and lean on it as I pull my phone from my bag. I flick through messages I haven’t answered for days. There are some from my parents, asking when they can visit next. My brother, who just sends me question marks now. And then there are a few from my best friend, who left me that night at the bar before I was drugged.
“Oriana.” Speak of the devil. I turn at my name being called by my best friend, sliding my phone in my purse as I smile at her. “I thought that was you. You haven’t replied to me, and I was getting worried.” Her long blonde hair falls down her back in neat curls. She’s wearing a black dress that is a little too tight, but she pulls it off amazingly.
“I’ve been busy,” I tell her as the bartender steps over. “A margarita and a scotch on the rocks, please,” I tell the bartender.
“You changed your drink,” Simone comments next to me. I met Simone through Kyler. She was an agent who was trying to pitch Kyler, but he already had an agent, and we became fast friends instead.
“Yes, figured it was time for a change.” What I usually drink would only remind me of that night, and that’s the last thing I want to think about.
“Did you have a good time on our girls’ night? I had so much fun and the man who I went home with… Well, let me tell you…he was amazing in bed. Like, hold the sheets amazing.”
“Hmm,” is the only response I care to give.
“He called me yesterday. He wants to meet up again.”
“That’s nice.”
The bartender brings my drinks, and I lift mine to my lips. The salt hits me first, and I take a sip. My eyes go wide at the taste of the tequila. Wow, now that is a drink.
“Have you never had a margarita before?” she jokes.
I haven’t. I had one drink I liked, and I stuck to it. Maybe that’s what I’m good at? Sticking with things, even when they no longer suit me.
“I gotta get back to Kyler. Chat later?” I ask her.
Simone lays her hand on my arm as I lift both drinks. “Are you mad at me? You seem—”
“I’m fine, just tired. I had a busy week.” She nods at my words before I walk away.
I find my husband talking to a bunch of men I don’t recognize. Then again, I hardly recognize anyone he speaks to. I tend to zone out and politely nod my head at things he says at functions like this, hoping I am nodding at the right times. Sliding up behind him, I squeeze in and hand him his drink. He takes it without thanking me, and I stand there quietly.
“This must be Oriana.” I smile at the voice as Kyler looks down at me.
“It is. Oriana, meet Sergio.”
I smile at the new chief of police.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about you.” He takes my hand and kisses it.
My smile remains in place as I pull my hand back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I reply.
“I’m looking forward to bidding on you tonight,” Sergio says, and I glance up at him, confused.
Kyler places an arm around my waist. “Oriana doesn’t know yet. I was going to leave it as a surprise, but you just gave it away, Chief.” I catch my husband’s hazel eyes as he peers down at me. “You know how you wanted to raise money for the children’s cancer foundation?” I nod in acknowledgment. “They asked for an item to bid on, and I suggested a date with you.”
“A date?” I gasp.
Kyler squeezes my side as I gape at him, shocked.
“I’ll be sure to win it, Oriana. Maybe we can go out on patrol together. I’ll show you what a real man does.”
Kyler laughs as he excuses us and leads us away.
When we are out of earshot, I turn to face him. “Have you lost your mind?” I seethe as I push away from him, and he glances around to make sure no one can hear us.
“Figured you may like this.” He shrugs. “And keep your voice down. Someone may hear you.”
An announcement comes over the speakers, and I lock eyes with the man I love. Loved? Which is it? I don’t even know anymore.
