“It was an observation. That’s all. I could probably tell you what half the people in here do during the day.”
Caroline scanned the room, women who loved women were enjoying what was likely to be a wild night. “Their girlfriends?”
“Okay, I like you.” Eva laughed from deep within her belly. “But, given the fact that we’re in a lesbian bar, you’re practically stating the obvious.”
“Mm. True.” Caroline studied Eva. How much could she ask here tonight? “Can I ask what you do? Or is that off the table?”
“I…do this.”
“Right. Yeah. I wasn’t sure if you had another job.”Don’t ask stupid questions.
“I did. But then I lost it. Hence why I’m here drinking wine with a beautiful woman this evening.”
As much as Caroline loved that, Eva was being paid to say those things. She had to remember that above all else. It didn’t matter how lovely Eva appeared to be; it was her job to be flirtatious and say what her client wanted to hear.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
Eva shrugged. “Redundancy. It happens to most people at some point.”
“I’m sure you have plenty of time to find a career you love. Unless, of course, this is where you see your future.”
Eva held up a hand, sipping her wine, “Not at all. I have a daughter to take care of. And I don’t want her to wonder where I am at the weekend once she gets older and becomes wise to the things that go on around her.”
“She’s only a toddler?”
“She’s 14,” Eva explained. “She’s my world.”
Caroline smiled when Eva’s eyes brightened further. It was clear she loved her daughter very much, and that was already a score in Caroline’s book. If nothing else…Eva had a heart. “I’m sure she’s proud of you.”
“I’d hope she is.” Eva twisted her wine glass on the tabletop, eyeing Caroline. “So, Caz. Why me?”
“My friend set it up. Says I need to get out more.”
“You have good friends.”
“You know what, I really do. And it’s something different to what I usually do. It’s a nice change.” Damn right it was different. Caroline hadthemost uninteresting life behind closed doors.
“Well, I’m glad we met. Your friend certainly knew what you wanted. At least, I think she did.”
Caroline winced inwardly. Gail had no filter, and while she loved that about her best friend, it could get them into trouble at times. “What did she say?”
“That I’m to sweep you off your feet for the night…and that you love to dance.”
“Oh, I haven’t danced in a long time. A glass of wine and some company is perfect, but thank you.”
Eva held up her hands. “Hey, I’m just doing as I’m told. But whatever you prefer. I won’t tell if you don’t.”
Caroline grinned. The weight of the uncertainty she’d felt all day was quickly slipping away. Eva was very relaxed, and that was exactly what Caroline needed. “I like you. Gail picked well.”
“You really don’t want to dance?” Eva leaned in, lowering her voice. “What kind of woman doesn’t like to dance?”
A woman who was repeatedly belittled for ten years of her life,Caroline thought. “It’s just not really my thing anymore.”
Eva eased back in her seat, running a hand through her hair. “Okay, fair enough. I’ll just have to convince you before this night is over.”
“Oh?” Caroline quirked an eyebrow, a hint of flirtation fighting its way through the doubt and the fear. It had been a long time since she felt a blush creep up her neck, but it was happening now, and she didn’t care. “Is that so?”
Eva winked. “I’ll have you dancing. Don’t you worry about that.”