But that’s when Zora calls me, reminding me of my evening appointment.
Perfect day: shattered.
“We arranged it weeks ago,” she says, meaning the double date I have no interest in. But here’s the thing: the man Zora is pursuing has crippling social anxiety and refuses to go out with her unless he can bring his friend. And this friend refuses to go out unless Zora brings a friend. As lovely as she is, Quinny’s obviously not a viable candidate, meaning I’m stuck holding the bag. “What’s the problem? You know how much I like this guy.”
Of course I know. He’s a genius graphic novelist, or he’s going to be one day. They have chemistry. But so far, they’ve only seen each other at his apartment. Zora wants to go dancing with him.
“I don’t know …”
“Please-please-please!” Zora begs. “I don’t want to guilt trip you or anything, but we did agree. And you should feel guilty if you are even considering changing your mind. Just sayin’. No pressure.”
I can hear the desperation in her voice. I almost tell her about Angelo. But then, what does that even mean? Hey, Zora, I can’t go on this double date we arranged weeks ago because this guy who’s not my boyfriend, but, well, we had phone sex last night and … I shake my head. Even to myself, it sounds weak.
“I’ll come for moral support,” I tell her. “But that’s all.”
“Yay!” she cries. “Thank you, Dani. I owe you!”
I can’t help but smile to hear cynical, scathing Zora sound so girlish and carefree. “Yes,” I tell her. “You do—big time.”
I head through into the bedroom and think about touching Wyatt’s shoulder softly, letting him know I’m heading out. But he’s working like I haven’t seen in years, biting the end of his pencil as he stares down at the math problem with his headphones on and cranked loud.
I leave a note instead, and then quickly get ready. I don’t do anything fancy. I don’t want to give Zora’s friend’s friend any ideas.
Zora texts me the address of the club as I’m applying some light makeup. I laugh like a crazy woman when I read it.
Sole Nero. Angelo’s club.
I call a ride and get in, wondering if Angelo is going to be there. If he is, what is he going to make of seeing me with another man? I’m shocked by how much this worries me. Obviously, Angelo and I aren’t even close to—well, close to anything. But the idea of him walking in makes me shiver.
Zora and the men are already waiting for me at the back of the line when the Uber drops me off. Zora came straight from work, but even so, she looks drop-dead bombshell stunning. Fishnets, choker collar, and the fuck-you-very-much attitude to make the edgy look work. Her sort-of boyfriend is a skinny guy who’s always wearing a beanie and a grandpa sweater with the sleeves rolled up. They look cute together.
My date is named Chuck and he’s tall and has the air of a banker bro about him. He’s got a gold watch and glinting cufflinks and—well, I guess Angelo has those things, too. But Angelo wears them better. This man looks at me like I should be impressed that he has them.
“So you’re a social worker?” he says in the line. Zora and her boyfriend have already retreated into smitten little whispers.
“I’m an EMT,” I tell him politely.
“Oh,” he says, sounding inexplicably offended. “I thought Ben said you were a social worker. No, that’s the other one—the lesbian.”
I grind my teeth. Be nice. “No, Quinny’s in construction.”
“Seriously?” he laughs.
“They let women do that, you know,” I comment, a little too icily.
Zora gives me a look, warning me not to ruin this for her. We shuffle up the line so slowly it hurts. I can’t help but think about the first time I came here, how I was just whisked to the front. The club is clearly packed, as usual.
“I’m a lawyer,” Chuck says before I even ask. “Corporate stuff, mostly.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, the hours can be long but the pay is sweet. I just put a down payment on a yacht. It’s got a hot tub and everything. You wanna see a photo, sweetheart?”
Sweetheart. If it wasn’t for Zora basically screaming with her eyes, I don’t know what I’d do. “Sure,” I grit through clenched teeth.
Finally, mercifully, we make it into the club. I head straight for the bar. Chuck is close on my heels,