Page 8 of XOXO, Valentina

The server put our drinks and a basket of bread on the table. I grabbed the bread first, suddenly starving.

“Why the hell didn’t anyone tell you your ass was out?” Lacey asked. “Mike Collins? Or Chelsea Taylor?”

I clapped my hand on my forehead. I’d forgotten about Chelsea Taylor. Son of a Monkey! She’d seen my mom panties too, and she was always so gorgeously done-up. How embarrassing.

“Mike Collins is one of those passive-aggressive types,” I said. “I always knew he hated me.”

“He doesn’t hate you. He was probably too scared to tell you.” Mia slathered butter on bread and pointed the knife at me. “Everyone is terrified of you.”

“I’m five foot three!” I protested. “I’m hardly scary.”

“Own it,” Mia said. “You’re tiny but mighty and scary as hell.” She bit off a chunk of bread. “I say that with love.”

“So, did you fire him or not?” Lacey asked.

I swirled my beer. “Not,” I admitted. “I couldn’t do it. He was so passionate about the Fun Festival.”

Mia nodded knowingly. “He sounds very passionate.”

I didn’t pretend not to understand her meaning. My friends knew all about the accidental hummer incident and took every opportunity to tease me about my crush on Mr. Morales.

“Give the guy a break,” Thatcher said. “Maybe he was attacked by the woman. You don’t know the situation.”

Mia laughed. “I can guarantee there isn’t any evidence pointing to a BJ bandit on the loose.”

“Maybe it was an accident,” Lacey said. “Maybe he tripped, and his dick fell into her mouth.”

My friends erupted in laughter.

I set my beer glass down with athunk. “It’s not funny. I can’t even look at him without picturing the scene.”

“I bet that’s not the only time you’ve been picturing it,” Lacey said, grinning.

My cheeks flushed, and I fanned my face. “I’m horrible, aren’t I?”

Mia rolled her eyes. “I’m dealing with thieves, rapists, and murderers. In comparison, accidentally spying isn’t so bad.” She tore off another piece of bread. “And I don’t think dating a teacher is criminal behavior. Unless it’s against the rules?”

“Technically no, but it wouldn’t be right.” I buttered another piece of bread. “Plus, I’m too old for him. He’s not even thirty.”

Thatcher’s eyebrows pulled together. “You’re thirty-five. What’s the big deal?”

“You should get laid. It will take the edge off,” Lacey said before I could answer. “That’s the advice you gave me, remember?”

“It was stupid of me to suggest. Having sex with Mr. Morales wouldn’t solve anything.”

“If not the Spanish teacher, then how about someone else? Look who’s working tonight.” Mia nodded at the bar. “He might be exactly what you need.”

Aaron was behind the bar, shaking a cocktail tumbler with enthusiasm. The handsome bartender always flirted with me, but he probably flirted with every single woman at the bar. Hedidwork for tips.

“Aaron is such a hottie,” Lacey said. “Check out those biceps.”

He did have nice biceps. They bulged as he shook the tumbler.

“Go talk to him,” Mia said.

I took a gulp of my drink. “Not tonight,” I said. “It’s Wednesday.”

“What’s that got to do with anything?” Mia asked.

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