Page 361 of Small Town Firsts
“Absolutely, but they’ll be on me since part of the story involves you. Have a good time. Do everything I wouldn’t do and then give me some tips.” I hung up to the sound of my buddy’s laughter.
It was a great sound, one I hoped to hear a lot more often.
I smiled as I walked around my desk and found the box of my coffee pods sitting on my chair with a lipstick kiss on the box.
Ryan Goddess Moon was a godsend in more ways than one.
While I popped one of them into the brewer, I called my car dealership and made a few subtle inquiries. I was interested in a new vehicle. Something less…beige.
My account representative got very excited indeed and invited me to come by for a test drive in an hour. I started to say no, since it was only late afternoon and I still had a stack of paperwork waiting for me—and apparently, my assistant had taken her leave early.
Hard for me to get too mad there. Emphasis on hard. Especially since I intended to see her again this evening.
Wouldn’t this car make a statement when I did?
I agreed to meet for the test drive and hung up to take my first sip of my beloved. I sat behind my desk and let thesweet warmth slide through my system, prodding my already overstimulated nerve endings. In no time, I’d finished the cup and went back for a second. The substandard kind from the supply closet was no comparison to this.
Now that I was fully caffeinated, I glanced down at myself. I couldn’t go to the dealership like this. I needed a shower. Desperately.
I took one glance at my pile of files and grabbed my briefcase to sweep them inside. On the way to the door, I grabbed my phone again and texted Dex.
What’s the name of your tattoo parlor?
Dex:
Dude, don’t do it. Not if you’re going to tat something like ESQ on your ass.
I snorted.
Did Ryan tell you about her fascination with that word?
Dex:
No, but I know she has a fascination with you.
My typical response would be to change the subject. But since I had it on good authority she did have a fascination with me, I only sent back a quick reply.
And vice versa.
Dex:
Finally he admits it! Is she the reason for the tattoo inquiry? Not that your last tat choice wasn’t inspired.
I winced and wiggled the toes on my left foot in my shoe.
I’ve done questionable things while drunk in college. But I’m not drunk now.
Dex:
Sure about that? And why do you say that? Tattooing big beneath your big toe seems logical 2 me.
I rode the elevator downstairs and headed out to my car. The sunny afternoon was sweltering, and my shirt clung to my skin within a moment of stepping outside. I was already looking forward to that ice-cold shower.
It seemed smart at the time. Tattoo place, please? I’m about to drive.
Dex rattled off the address before sending over a followup question.
Dex:
