“Starting the party early?” Drey slid off the stool, his eyebrows pulled together. “I thought you were working tonight.”
She shook her head, and a silly-wide grin filled her face. If she didn’t try so much, she could be beautiful. Plastic surgery was not her friend. And she couldn’t have been more than thirty-years-old if I had to guess.
Really sad.
“Lesssdance.” She reached for my hand, but I dodged out of range, and she frowned.
“Sorry, Sarah, heading out to get my girl.”
She lurched forward. “Your girl’sssright here.”
The stench of hard liquor, mint and perfume nearly suffocated me it was so thick.
“Oh man.” Drey stepped up and grabbed her hand. “It’s not even eight o’clock. At this rate, you’re never going to make it to the ball drop.”
She went to pull out of Drey’s grip, but he held tight and said, “Head out, man. I got her.”
I ducked out and hustled to the door hearing her call after me. She’d made me late.
Our big trip for New Year’s Eve would be a trip to the candy shop. That’d be fun, too, and no drunks breathing nasty breath on me or groping me. Yeah, a quiet night in with Lina would be great, especially if she wanted to try being close again like she’d said on Christmas.
I wouldn’t mind starting the New Year in her bed.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Angelina
“Wow, girl, you arehot!” Beth high-fived me as I walked by the front counter.
I was nowhere near hot, but I appreciated her compliment. I felt good—strong—and I had my black, kick ass boots on with a red dress that was tight up top with a little flare starting at the hips. The hem angled from my knee to the floor. Not to mention my leather jacket…
I owned this outfit tonight. For once I didn’t worry about how it was shorter in the arms than my other clothing. The kick ass black, leather wristbands I’d ordered last week had come in today, so I was feeling brave.
It was way overdue that I show Hunter my self-inflicted scars, anyway, and since I was feeling so invincible tonight, I may show him later.
Dang I loved this empowerment, and I knew exactly what it was.
Love.
I’d never been in love before, and it totally rocked.
“What’s the plan?” Beth asked. “Dancing?”
“Not sure I’m ready for that, even in my kick ass boots.” I laughed as I checked my phone. Hunter must be running late. “A trip to the candy store, though, I’m ready for that.”
“Candy store?”
“It’s our thing.” I checked the front door, but the bellhop wasn’t jumping up to get the door for anyone.Strange. He always told me, nearly to the minute when he’d be home, and he was rarely off by more than a couple of minutes…and usually on the early side.
“I have to tell you, he’s so sweet. And strong. I was at the Christmas Eve Ball…he was incredible.”
I nodded. “Sure was.”
Dale jumped up and hustled to the door.
“Oh, I think he’s here. Happy New Year!” I hollered out as I nearly sprinted to the revolving doors.
A blast of frigid air hit my face, and my chest tightened. I coughed through the cold and hustled to Hunter’s SUV. The door pushed open from the inside, and a wave of warmth met me along with a mix of scents.