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“So, does that mean you would be interested in dating other people?”

Erin’s cheeks blush. She looks between me and Lucille. “Um, that’s really flattering Lucille, but—”

“Not me!” Lucille barks out, laughing.

“Oh?” Erin answers scrunching up her face.

I am begging Lucille to shut her fucking mouth, but it’s too late. “I meant Amelia.”

The air is ripped from my lungs. The murderous rage I successfully calmed only seconds ago is surging through every molecule of my body. Frozen in place, I stare blankly at Lucille. I cannot believe she did that.

Erin’s throat clearing startles me. I’ve yet to look at her, afraid of what I will see.

“Anyway, just thought I’d ask. See you later, sis.”

My eyes track the traitorous hag all the way out of the club. Running away would be wrong, but I’m seriously considering it. That is until I feel warmth spread from my hand. I close my eyes briefly to bask in Erin’s touch. Shifting my focus back to the room, I turn and finally meet her eyes.

“Why did Lucille ask that?” Erin’s eyes are as soft as her voice. I swallow several times before answering.

“Because I wanted to ask you out, but I didn’t know where things were with you and Mack, and I would never want to put you in an uncomfortable position.” As I’m answering Erin, I am plotting Lucille’s demise. “I’m truly sorry if Lucille has made you feel that way. I’ll talk to her.”

“It’s okay,” she answers quickly. My heart feels like it’s everywhere but where it should be. I can feel the pulse in my feet, neck, and wrists. Oh God, am I actually having a heart attack? I know I made an offhand comment to my mother, but I didn’t really think Erin could cause my heart to explode.

“I…”

“Do you… um, do you still want to ask me out?”

The smooth version of myself is nowhere to be seen. I’m a mess. All I can do is move my head. Am I nodding? I hope so. A small smile graces Erin’s face. She dips her head to hide her smirk. A few seconds pass before she lifts herself up, looking me in the eye with a playful glint.

“You haven’t asked me anything yet.”

“Oh, um, right… Erin… will you… I mean, would you like to go on a date with me?”

“Okay.” One word is all it takes for me to feel like fireworks are whizzing around my chest.

“Are you free tomorrow?” My confidence is returning. Erin didn’t reject me. I didn’t realize how much the thought of that happening was weighing on me.

“I’m out with Mack tomorrow,” Erin begins. I ignore the stab in my gut. “I think it’s only fair that I let her know I’m planning on dating you.”

“Of course. Whatever you want.”

“What about Saturday? I have it off. My boss is good like that,” she smiles.

“Yes!” I blurt. I have zero game with Erin.

“That’s settled then. Should we meet here?”

“Yes, shall we say eight?” I’m already planning the perfect night.

“Great. Well, I should get the bar ready. We open soon.” We both linger a few more seconds.

“I’ll see you later,” I say eventually. I’d love nothing more than to stand there all night looking at Erin, but first I need to find Lucille.

Walking backwards, I give Erin my best smile before turning around and heading back up to the penthouse. Like the flip of a switch, I go from joyfully happy to searing mad.

Lucille is lounging on the sofa when I storm in. She looks as if she has no care in the world. I’m about to slap some into her. “What the fuck was that?” I scream. It’s not like me to lose all control, but with Lucille, it happens. “I asked you to let me do this my way, but oh no, you’re just like every fucker else who thinks they know better. This is my life, Lucille. Mine!” I roar. Lucille hasn’t batted an eye which makes me rage more.

“Did she say yes?” she simply asks, and all my righteous anger evaporates in a puff. God damn Lucille.