Page 41 of Not Safe For Work

Of course, it’s followed by another adorable picture of Churro, and then another text.

Gavin Scott:

Left your keys on the kitchen counter

My brain is trying to quickly figure out what this text means. Gavin was in my apartment? This is when I realize I’m still wearing my dress from last night. He must have brought me back here after I passed out or something.

I guess it could be worse but I’m still a bit rattled by it. I rarely drink that much. But I also rarely have that much fun. And then I remember Lucy.Oh no…

(232) 018-9779:

THIS IS LUCY GOLDS PHONE. YOUR PHONE DIED BUT SHE WANTS YOU TO HAVE HER NUMBER. YOURE BASICALLY BEST FRIENDS NOW OMG OMG OMG

Oh my god. Do I message her back to apologize? Or never use the number in hopes that she doesn’t actually see this message? I decide to let that simmer, but I save her name in my phone, just in case. And then, to my absolute shock, a new message comes in.

Lucy Gold:

Hi Olivia! It was great meeting you last night. We’re in town until tomorrow and decided it would be fun to visit wine country. Could you recommend some places that are dog friendly? And if you’re free, I’d love for you to join us. Let me know!

I chug a glass of water to clear away the tiny daggers in my throat and pull up her contact. I may feel like I spent thenight being pummeled by a stampede, but I will not turn down another chance to hang out with Lucy Gold.

Me:

Mind if I call you?

A few moments later my phone rings.

“Hey, Lucy.”

“Liv! I’m so glad you’re not one of those ‘I only text’ people. It’s so much easier having an actual conversation sometimes.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I know we aren’t hosting any events today so I tell Lucy that I can give them a special tour of Diamond Sky, and that there are several other wineries close to my family’s that we can check out. And while Napa can get a little snooty, most places in Sonoma are dog friendly.

“Amazing!” She squeals over the phone. “Henry’s finding us a limo now, so no one has to drive. I’ll text you when we have an ETA.”

I jump in the shower even as my body is screaming at me to go back to bed. Adrenaline is my best friend right now.

Trying to decide what to wear, I can’t help thinking of Gavin and his comment about my dress last night. I should text him back.

Me:

I’m so sorry if I fell asleep on you. Thanks for getting me home safe!

He immediately responds.

Gavin Scott:

Isn’t that what fake boyfriends are for?

I’m sure he’s sick of me by now, but I feel compelled to invite him. We were all together last night, so I doubt Lucy would mind.

Me:

Going to stop by the winery today with Lucy and her friends. Do you wanna come?

Promise I won’t be drinking too much – no fake boyfriend duties

The typing bubble appears but minutes pass before I get an answer.

---