AllFreeNovel
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I sigh and zip the bag back up. I mean, heisjust dropping me off at my condo. Why bother with the whole process of transformation? It’s another habit I need to break.
Made-up Cindy is one of my many masks.
Not wanting to get into that, I ask, “How’s the salon doing?” I cross my legs and lean my head back as he fills me in on all the gossip.
Apparently, Dolly and Doug are finalizing her hair product line. I knew they were working on it but had no idea it was so close to launch. It makes me realize how much I’d checked out on them. How much I’d let them down.
Resolving to be a better friend, to be worthy of them, I cheer, “Doug, that’s amazing news! I’m so proud of you two.”
He flashes me a grin. “It happened fast, but I’m happy. Your hair will love the leave-in conditioner.”
“You going to give me a PR box?” I tease.
“For my best girl, of course.” He grins again. “You hungry?”
He doesn’t wait for my answer as he exits the 405 Freeway and pulls onto Ventura Boulevard. Then, he drives past my street.
What the hell?
“Where are you taking me?” I demand.
“Someplace that’ll feed you,” he drawls. “You look hungry. And sad.”
When he leaves it there and doesn’t fire off questions at me, I mutter, “Just lay into me, get it over with. I know you want to. I mean, I disappeared without warning and asked you to water my plants. I’m aware that I suck.” Then, I sniff. “Though why Axel had to break into my apartment if you have a key, I don’t know.”
“It impressed the girls.” He snorts. “Those are your issues, baby girl. If you want to tell me all your shit, I’m here to listen, but I’m not going to push when you look so...” He shakes his head. “I’m being serious. You don’t need a lecture. Plus, it’s easier if you tell us everything together. That way you don’t have to repeat yourself.” He drives into the parking lot of Casa Vega, our favorite Mexican food restaurant/happy hour hangout.
When I look around and recognize the tribe’s cars, I groan. “No. No way, Doug. I’m tired.” I did not mentally prepare for this.
Doug ignores me and pulls up to the valet.
“Me too. Fucking brutal week.” Still ignoring me, he takes the ticket from the valet and snags my purse as he gets out of the Range Rover. “You’ll feel better after a couple margaritas.”
“It’s barely noon!”
He snorts as he peers through the driver’s window at me. “Since when did that stop us?”
“One drink,” I snip, joining him on the sidewalk and snatching my purse from him.
Unapologetically, he holds the big wooden door open for me. “Of course.”
“I knew I should have put on makeup,” I grumble, running a hand through my long hair, which probably looks wild. “You’re a jerk for stopping me.”
“You’ve never looked more stunning.” His earnestness calms me down before he propels us into the dark restaurant and my eyes adjust to the dimness.
Dolly waves at us from our usual booth to the right.
“About time, beyotch,” Dolly screams and leaps up, throwing her arms around me until I’m almost choking. God, that feels good.
“Okay, give her room,” Doug teases.
As he untangles Dolly’s arms from my neck, I look over at the table. Eve, Charlie, and Antoinette are seated with margaritas and nachos in front of them…
No incoming hugs...
“Hey,” I greet as I slide into the booth next to Charlie, who takes a sip of her drink as she studies me like I’m a lab rat that needs to be monitored.
“Okay, I’m getting all of us shots,” Dolly declares. “Edge is taking care of the kids. I pumped my breast milk, and I’m going to enjoy myself. You are too. This is an alcohol intervention before this”—she waves her hand at us—“all turns into an argument.” She sashays toward the bar area as I turn to my friends.
