Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
“No,” he says, void of any humor. “The Harrison firm doesn’t need commercials.” I raise my eyebrows and nod. He tells me about his hot-shot firm the rest of the way, talking himself up the entire time.
Maybe he’s nervous and trying to impress me … or maybe this guy is just an asshole and that’s why his girlfriend left him.
La Cantina is on the outskirts of town, bordering the line between where I feel safe and where I’d never dare go alone at night. Or during the day. It’s just a part of town I’d avoid unless I had a sword-wielding Prince Charming at my side. And by sword I mean guns, because I’m pretty sure this is where the high school kids come to buy drugs.
We wait for a table in the busy restaurant, then get seated near the bar. Luke leaves me to talk to his bartender friend, and after ten minutes, I look around and see him talking it up with a pretty blonde behind the counter. So that’s his “buddy.” Interesting.
He comes back with two drinks in hand. I take a sip of mine and recoil. It’s so strong.
“So, Lauren,” he starts. “Tell me more about yourself. What do you do for fun?”
I dip a chip into salsa and look at Luke. Fun. My definition of fun probably isn’t his. “I like to read and watch TV. I’m a sucker for fantasy shows. And I foster dogs, so I spend a lot of time training them. I love anything Disney and have been getting into online computer games a bit lately. One of my friends raves about League of Legends.”
He keeps looking at me, and I realize he’s waiting for me to continue and tell him something he can agree is “fun.” But that’s what I like to do. I like to hang out at home with a good book or a good show. I like to cuddle with my dogs and pretend I’m going to go off on an adventure where I battle villains and meet Prince Charming.
“Do you work out or anything?”
I nod. “I jog with the dogs. I’m not really a fan of running. I mostly do it in case I find a wardrobe or something that takes me to a magical land. I want to be ready for an epic battle.”
Luke looks at me like I’m a circus freak. He’s never heard of Narnia? He’s the circus freak.
“What about you?” I say and eat the chip I’ve been holding.
“I hang with friends. Work out. Play video games on the weekend when I’m not playing football with the guys.”
I mentally sigh. He doesn’t need to go on to explain. He’s basic; one of those people who likes mainstream stuff just to be mainstream, and anyone who doesn’t blindly float down the river of social norms is labeled, and not in a good way. People like him still apply the middle school caste system, and he’s a jock and I’m a nerd.
Well, fuck you, Luke, and your high-paying job and good looks. I sit back and smile, covering up how crappy I’m feeling inside. If he doesn’t like me, his loss … blah, blah, blah, I know. But still … no one likes to be given that look.
We make awkward small talk until our food comes, and then he starts telling me about a case he’s working on. He knows his client is guilty of discriminating against pregnant women, and “can see why.” And now I just can’t with him.
“But that’s illegal,” I say. “And you’re supposed to uphold the law, right?”
He waves his hand in the air. “That’s what cops do.” He leans in. “And, honey, I make hell of a lot more than a damn cop.”
I almost choke on my taco. So he’s saying he doesn’t have to uphold the law as long as he gets paid, right? Wow. This guy is a winner. I have no idea why his long-term relationship ended. I roll my eyes, not even attempting to hide it.
“Hiring a pregnant lady cost my client’s company. Filling her position during leave takes away too. And when they have one, they tend to have more. Having a baby makes women all wack-a-do crazy with hormones and shit.”
I scoop up the last of my rice and beans, using my fork to push it onto my chip. I finish chewing, swallow, and take a big sip of my margarita. Then I grab my purse and coat.
“I need to use the bathroom,” I say. I get up and walk right out the door. I call Katie as I walk, and get her voicemail. She’s probably out with her friends and can’t hear her phone right now, and most likely isn’t in the position to drive anyway.
I step onto the covered patio, getting an instant chill. Misty rain is falling around me, and the air is thick with the threat of a storm. I put my coat on and call Jenny. She doesn’t answer either. She’s probably working and won’t be off until later. I try my brother next; still no answer. I sigh. I could call my mom, but I don’t want to make her drive all this way. Julie is another option, but it’s late and she has her kids.