Page 25 of Faking the Pass
Pretty remarkable considering the empty bottle in my recycling bin and the way her head must have been pounding.
“Good morning,” I said. “How’re you feeling?”
“Like I drank all the wine in Rhode Island. What was I thinking?”
“Youweren’tthinking—you were self-medicating, and you did a thorough job of it.”
“Yay me.”
Rosie slid onto a barstool at the kitchen island, and at this close range I could see that she’d removed the bejeweled bra at some point during the night.
Yayme.White t-shirt for the win.
As soon as the lewd thought crossed my mind, I ordered it away.
She’s a friend in need, asshole—not your slumber party guest.Not that I’d had many of those lately.
It was a good thing Rosie wasn’t planning to stick around. I wasn’t sure my current commitment to celibacy would last very long in her presence.
Yep.Distracting.Then and now.
“I made you some food. Think you can eat?”
She gave the plate of eggs and bacon a doubtful glance. “Maybe. I’m sort of hungry and not-hungry at the same time, you know?”
I nodded, pushing the plate toward her and handing her a fork. “Have some. It’ll help.”
“Thanks.”
She stirred the eggs but didn’t lift them to her lips. Lips that were heart-shaped, full and pink, even without lip gloss. I’d forgotten how tempting her mouth was.
“I probably should just hit the road,” she said, setting down the fork. “I’ve troubled you enough.”
“No trouble,” I lied. This woman was trouble with a capital T.
“I came in to ask if you’ve gotten your backup phone working. I need to call for a ride,” she said.
“Not yet,” I said. “I was planning to do it in a few minutes—at least IthinkI can set it up through my laptop. Where will you go?”
Rosie shrugged. “Home, I guess. Although…”
“What?”
Leaning one elbow on the counter beside her plate, she rubbed her temple.
“I’ve just now realized I don’t exactlyhavea home—not unless I want to shack up with Randy and his baby-mama.”
She picked up the fork again and shoveled a hearty bite of eggs into her mouth, chewing and swallowing quickly.
“At least I assume she’ll move in now that I’ve ruined hisgrand promo planfor the movie. Either way, I can’t exactly keep living at his house. My clothes and things are probably out on the lawn at this very moment. These are good.”
She took another bite of eggs and then bit into a piece of bacon.
“Thanks,” I said. “Glad you like it.”
Rosie shook her head. “I still can’t believe it all happened. Please be my new best friend and tell me it didn’t happen.”
I gave her a small smile. “Afraid I can’t. So… you’ll just go back to L.A. and get your own place then?”
