Page 61 of What I'm Looking For

I set down my coffee cup. “How about coming to opening night of Will’s playwith me? There’s a party after.”

Alice’s round face widens into a grin. “Hot guys onstageanda party? I’m in.”

“Well, I can’t guarantee hot guys. Like I said, I haven’t met anyone but his roommates.”

“Are they cute?”

“They’re girls. Women,” I correct.

“You’re not jealous that he lives with women?”

“They’re… together. Like a couple.”

“Oh. Well, that’s cool, I guess.” Her fork’s poised over the sausage I haven’t touched. “You gonna eat that?”

“Nah, go ahead.” I finish the last dregs of my coffee and consider asking for more.

Her mouth full, Alice says, “I don’t think I’ve ever met a lesbian couple.”

“I hadn’t.” I picture the bickering pair and their beautiful home. “I like Deb and Pam, though. They’re funny.”

Alice nudges me under the table. “Speaking of jealousy, is Will worried that you’re going out of town with Steve?”

“I haven’t actually told him.” I slide my empty cup back and forth across the table. “I mean, it’s a work trip. Why should he care?”

Perfectly plucked half-moon eyebrows rise as Alice gives me a skeptical look. “Because the guy you’re going with is so good-looking you nicknamed him Hot Steve?”

“I didn’t give him that nickname.” I wave the idea away. “Anyway, Will knows I barely get along with the guy. That reminds me—I have a lot to do today to get ready for the trip. I’m meeting Steve at two to go over everything. We should get the check.” I crane my neck and catch the waitress’s eye, mouthing “check” to her with a hopeful smile.

“You’re not going to hang out with Will today? Won’t he be disappointed?”

“Can’t risk him turning to salt or whatever it is vampires do in daylight.” I straighten up my plate and utensils. “Seriously, though, it’s just as well I have to work. He has something called ‘ten-out-of-twelves’ this weekend, which means rehearsal all dayandhalf the night. Both days. Then I head out of town early Monday.”

“Cosmowould be proud of you. Keep your guy guessing; keep him on the hunt to drive him wild. But I think I’d better find a cute actor to take home after the play so you can skedaddle with Will.” She pulls a credit card from her fanny pack. “If you’ll get the tickets, I’ll get this.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Do you want to run tomorrow, too?”

“If you can, that’d be great. It’ll help me with my nerves about the trip.”

“So would more sex,” she sing-songs.

I huff out a laugh. “That’s you, not me.” According to Alice, sex cures all ills.

“There’s research on it somewhere. I’m sure I’ve read it.”

I throw a napkin at her. “What, inPlaygirl?”

“Well, it probably wasn’t in theNew England Journal of Medicine.” She smirks and then tips her head to study me. “I’m glad you’re finally getting laid. You look… satisfied.”

Even though I know it’ll open the door for more ribbing from her, I nod. “I kind of have to agree. This… thing with him is not a thing I ever pictured myself having.” I run a finger around the edge of the coffee mug. “He’s not at all intimidated by my ambition. He seems to appreciate… all of me.”

I shake my head at a memory from Will’s visit last night. Our lovemaking started in bed but ended on the floor in some very creative positions.

“Oh my,” Alice purrs. “I want to know what you’re thinking about.”

“I can’t tell this story in public.” I shudder with the remembered pleasure. “But it’s a good one.”

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