“You can’t blame us for wondering what the hell is going on. It’s not like you to be so closed off,” Juliette said.
“I know, and I’m sorry for that. I was too busy arguing with myself to bring my relationship with Levi to the table,” Evonne said. She swirled her margarita and peered into the glass.
“Why? What’s going on?” Juliette said as she placed a hand on Evonne’s arm.
“He’s rich. Sickeningly so, old money, blue blood, trust accounts that he could live off for the rest of his life without working,” Evonne said. She ran a hand through her hair and frowned.
Red flags waved in Joey’s mind, and alarm bells went off. It couldn’t be a coincidence, a guy like that coming around after Peter. Joey glanced around at her friends. None of them looked overly concerned. Maybe I’m paranoid.
“And that’s a bad thing, why?” Hil said, eager to defend her friend if she put herself down.
“Because it made me wonder what the hell his game was. I mean what would he want with me? I’m sure his future wife has been picked out since he was born,” Evonne explained in a subdued voice, tinged with uncertainty.
“You should’ve told us. We would have reminded you how intelligent, independent and sexy as hell you are,” Joey said. She wanted to offer her friend support. Even if everything in her said Evonne should approach the situation with extreme caution.
Evonne laughed. “I knew that, but I wasn’t ready to hear it, so I sort of dodged all of you. He called me out. We talked about things openly and I decided to give things a chance.” Evonne glanced down bashfully.
Joey smiled. Technically it all made sense. They had their explanation for why she’d been so secretive. It should take the sinister tone away from the situation, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her bones.
“I’m happy for you. You deserve this, E!” Hil said as they all hugged her.
“When can we meet him?” Juliette asked.
Joey glanced at Juliette, and saw the concern in her eyes. So I’m not the only one still worried.
“As soon as we can sync our schedules. Truth is, I’m lucky if I see him once a week between the two of us working so much,” Evonne said.
“Leave it to you to find another workaholic,” Hil said.
“Hey, go with what you know, right? I did a pros and cons list before I agreed to do this, you know?” Evonne said.
Joey laughed. Their friend was doing just fine, regardless of how this played out.
The familiar electronically altered voice floated outside, and Joey quickly downed the last of her strawberry margarita. “This is my song, guys. We have to get out there.” Swaying her hips to the beat, Joey closed her eyes as Take It Off by Kesha drifted to her ears.
Like a child enthralled by a pied piper, Joey danced her way through the people to the center of the dance floor. Arms held above her head, she lost herself to the syncopated beat. She rocked her body down to the floor popping her chest as the freedom only music could bring flooded her. A warm, muscular body sidled up next to her, and she did the practiced spin and the smile all girls mastered in their club days. The sight that greeted her made her snicker. Like attracts like, I suppose.
The golden-skinned warrior had a tattoo sleeve, a broad forehead, and a face that would make you think twice about trying him. The leather cut he wore boasted a yellow-and-black emblem she didn’t recogn
ize.
“Sorry, friend, I’m very taken,” she said over the music.
“I don’t see a ring, pretty lady.”
She rolled her eyes. “We both know that doesn’t mean anything.”
Joey saw the others approach and danced away, gesturing to them. They formed a protective wall, flanking her as they moved deeper into the crowd.
“What was that about?” Juliette yelled over the music.
Joey shrugged. “Barking up the wrong tree.”
They danced for a few more songs before they headed to the bar.
Hil waved down the bartender.
The kind-faced brunette woman hurried over and smiled. “What can I get you ladies?”