“Any plans today?” Penni chirped.
Evie stared at her balefully. “I have some research I need to take care of today. What are you up to?”
“I have to go out of town for two days, looking at the venue for a Mouth2Mouth concert. It’s under renovation, so I want to make sure it’s on schedule to be completed in time for their concert or we’re going to cancel.”
“Going alone?”
“Yes.”
“Girl, you need to get a life.”
“I will. I have a plan. I’m going to focus on my career for the next two years, meet someone, date for three years, then get married.”
“I need another cup of coffee,” Evie proclaimed. “I hope you scheduled an orgasm in there somewhere.”
“As soon as I see a man capable of giving me one, I’ll let you know.”
“You're surrounded by rockers,” Evie said helpfully.
“Too much competition. You should see how many women chase after them.”
“I’ll pass.”
“I have a date next week.”
“Who with?” Evie asked, topping off her coffee; Shade’s sister was too freaking perky first thing in the morning.
“Lily’s old boyfriend, Charles.”
Evie burned her tongue on her coffee at the same time she accidently spilt it. Turning away from Penni, she grabbed a paper towel to clean up her mess. “When did this happen?”
“Lily gave me his number when she found out we were having a concert there.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He’s a nice guy, according to Lily. Goes to church and everything.”
“He sounds like a prince. When’s your date?”
“Next Saturday. I’m meeting him after the concert. We’re going out to eat, and he’s going to take me back to my hotel afterward.”
“Sounds like he’s got it all planned out.”
“I know. It’s really convenient.”
“That’s what I’m thinking.”
Penni looked at the clock on the kitchen wall. “I have to go or I’m going to be late. See you later.”
“Call me when you get off your plane.”
“Yes, Evie. Jeez, you sound like my mom.”
A knife of pain shredded Evie’s heart.
“Evie…?” She gave her a smile.
“You better go. You’ll miss your flight.”
“You sure?”
“Go, girl, have some fun. Get laid, but be safe,” she added sternly.
“I’ll try.” Penni laughed, her natural exuberance coming back.
Evie waited until the door closed before picking up her phone on the counter, hitting Shade’s call button.
“What’s up?”
“Guess who your sister has a date with next Saturday?”
“Who?”
“Lily’s ex, Charles.”
The phone disconnected.
“He could at least have thanked me,” she said to herself, carrying her cup to the computer desk.
Opening her computer, she began her search. Several clicks later, she had a list of names ready. Picking up her phone, she made some calls to a few old friends in the military then stood up. She was about to get another cup of coffee when she heard the intercom buzz. Walking over to the wall, she hit the button.
“Yes?”
“King is here to see you. Should I let him come up?”
“No.”
“Do you have a message for him?”
“Tell him to fuck off. You can pass that along verbatim if you want to.” She hung up the phone, reminding herself to tip him the next time she saw him downstairs.
She had poured herself another cup of coffee, pulling the chair to sit down again when a knock came at the door.
“Evie, let me in.”
Evie closed the computer’s windows, going to another screen to erase her browser. She then shut the computer before going to answer the impatient knocking.
“What do you want?”
King came in through the door as soon as she opened it, casting her an angry look. “Why didn’t you let me up?”
“Because I didn’t want to see you,” Evie snapped.
“Why?”
The man couldn’t be that stupid, could he? “Because you dumped me in your car last night and sent me home.”
“I was mad as hell. You challenged a dangerous group of men.”
“Well, I’m mad now, so we’re even.” Evie put her hands on her hips.
“Whose t-shirt is that?”
“What?” She was briefly confused by the change of subject.
“Whose fucking t-shirt are you wearing?” King looked furious.
Evie licked her lips. “Train’s.”
“Take it off.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Take it off!”