Mother’s was packed for a Wednesday. On the sidewalk, Caroline and Emma skirted a group of smokers and two guys having a heated argument, while the bouncer, Jorge, watched as they pushed into the bar. Caroline wore frayed white cutoffs, Chucks, and a black T-shirt that bore the caption: it’s polite to wait until you’re asked. Emma was in a flowy white camisole, torn up blue jeans and flip flops. JT was out front chatting with Jorge.
Emma ordered her usual club soda and cranberry and a light beer for Caroline. The bartender, Jake, waved off her money; he and Caroline were friends. She left a tip on the bar and returned to her bestie, who had nabbed a small table.
“Okay, talk. How was it?”
“Good. Productive.”
“Em....”
“He’s different now.”
“Well, let me think.” She tapped the middle of her forehead with two fingers. “He’s not twelve anymore, could that be it?”
“He’s a playboy,” Emma despaired.
“He’s hot. Of course, there are going to be women.”
“You know his rep.”
“I know, but the tabloids love him,” Caroline soothed. “If he went for a walk in the park with a girl, it would be in The Star, and it would be salacious.”
“True.”
“What else?” Caroline probed.
“He might have a death wish.”
“I’ve read about some of his pastimes. He missed his calling as a stuntman.”
“Get this, in September he’s going to free solo in the Atlas Mountains.” Emma shuddered.
“Huh.” Caroline paused in thought and took a swig of her beer.
“What?”
“It’s just an odd location. Why there? I mean, you can rock climb anywhere.”
“Maybe he’s going to party in Marrakesh after.” Emma rolled her eyes.
“I guess.”
Something about the way Caroline said it gave Emma pause. Making a mental note to revisit Nathan’s background, she returned to her train of thought.
“He’s bad for me, Car.”
“How so?”
“When I’m with him I’m...”
“You’re what?”
“I’m Emily.”
Caroline gasped but covered it quickly with another swig of her beer. Caroline hadn’t heard Emma say her real name in fifteen years.
“What’s she like?” Caroline asked with a sincerity Emma rarely saw.
“Terrifying.” She shuddered and sucked on her straw. “And terrified.” Before Caroline could peel the onion on Emma’s response, a voice boomed from the door.