“I’m sorry.” I was too. Sally was one of the most carefree people I knew and always assumed the best in people. Most of the time, she was spot-on too. “So now what?”
“I don’t know. It’s not as though I can’t work, but it’s akin to taking a depressant each time I sit at my desk.”
“Why don’t you go out on your own? I’m making stupid money this year. I can back you. Then you can inspire people in your own way. You’ve always wanted to blog.”
“You’re sweet, but no, thank you. It’s a great idea, and I’ll think about it, but I’m not taking your money.” She waved her hand between us. “Enough about me. I talked to Cami earlier, and she’s coming over tonight. I would have preferred to go out. Despite your new love life, mine is like a lawn in a drought… if I don’t take care of it myself, it won’t get any action.” When I giggled, she shook her head. “Yeah, laugh it up. It won’t be funny when my hoo-ha shrivels up and dies.”
“Oh my God.”
“Who died?” We both turned to see Collin behind us. Rather than answer, all we could do was break out in hysterics.
“My hoo-ha,” Sally voiced through hiccups.
“I’m sorry I asked.”
After I caught my breath, Collin informed us he came back to grab something that he had left in his room. Practically flying up the stairs, he was instantly out of sight.
“Well, that was fun. I’ve missed my brother.” When I smiled and glanced up the stairs, she shook her head. “Man, do you have it bad.”
“Pfft. I do not.”
“Right. Tell me you’re not in love with my brother.”
“Will you please keep your voice down? And you know how I feel about your brother.”
“Yeah, yeah. I know. He’s your dream guy, and now he’s your reality.”
Footsteps caught my attention. “I’ll catch you two later.”
“Okay,” Sally quickly replied.
“Have fun and stay out of trouble, Sis.”
“Whatfunwould that be?”
He shook his head and walked out the door.
“Do you always need to give him a hard time?”
“What are little sisters for? Anyway, let’s go shopping and get some killer outfits. Who knows, maybe we’ll hit a bar rather than stay here, and I’ll find a landscaper to take care of my grass.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Possibly, but you love me anyway.”
It was true. I loved Sally, but what she said about me loving Collin? Yeah… maybe him too.
###
It didn’t take long for Cami and Sally to talk me into going to McNulty’s tonight. I thought about messaging Collin, but Sally and Cami asked me not to, and between the two of them, I knew I didn’t stand a chance.
We showed the bouncer our IDs and walked into the bar. I could barely hear myself think over the chatter and music blasting. A neon chalkboard above the bar hadLADIES’ NIGHTprinted in large letters, explaining the crowd.
Cami had met us shopping, and Sally’s black-leather pants and Cami’s miniskirt were in complete contrast to my skinny jeans and favorite pink Converse. Cami reached back her right hand and grabbed my left one as she led me and Sally through the crowded bar. We wove our way toward the back of the room, where the band was playing.
“Aren’t they great? I’ve heard them before. Plus, their drummer is delish,” Cami shouted above the loud chatter before coming to an abrupt stop, making me crash into her.
“They’re really good!” Sally bellowed behind me.