“How many women did you set me up with this summer? Huh?”
Freddy shook his head and frowned. “And how many dates did you go on with each of them.”
“I didn’t need more than one.”
“Pfft.”
“You saying I’m picky?”
“No, I’m saying you aren’t giving anyone a chance.”
“Says the man who’s currently dating three women.”
“Hey!” Freddy threw his hands up in defense. “That’s the only way I can give them all a fair chance. Time crunch.”
The waitress brought the check, and Marc gave her his credit card while Freddy continued to grill him.
“So you still haven’t explained why this Sierra person’s digits are on your hand.”
“We’re having lunch tomorrow to catch up. Her suggestion.”
“Nice.”
“It’s nothing,” Marc said, assuring himself as much as Freddy.
“Nothing, huh? So you didn’t shower, or are you leaving that ‘nothing’ on your hand for a reason?”
Marc wanted to smack the smug grin off his friend’s face. If, you know, Freddy hadn’t been completely right.
“I showered.” He rubbed at his palm. “Dang stuff just doesn’t want to come off.”
Freddy downed the last of his beer and let out a long, satisfied sigh. “So where you taking this nothing girl?”
“I’m not taking her anywhere. We’re gonna meet for lunch. Haven’t decided where yet.”
“Sure.” He grinned again.
Marc signed the receipt and stood. “If you’re done riding my butt, I’m gonna go to the office for a bit before the game.”
His phone rang. Marc glanced at the number. “That can’t be good.”
“Is that Miss Nothing?”
Marc shook his head. “Denise.”
He’d called to assure they were okay before he left for lunch. Then he'd made her promise to call if she found any more problems.
“What’s up?”
He listened carefully. She was calm and clear, but rage and terror trilled at the edge of her voice.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“Trouble?” Freddy stood to walk out with him.
“Yeah,” Marc said. “A whole lot of it this time.”
* * *