Page 4 of The Love Hoax

“Fine. It will be fun!” Caroline said with a bit too much optimism.

I appreciated the attempt at excitement. Truth is, if I had another close friend who loved hiking, I’d still go with Caroline. She is my sister from another mister.

My phone buzzes, scooching across the tabletop. Caroline glances at the screen. “Roger is still calling? I thought you dumped him.”

“I didn’tdumphim. Dumping only fits if you’ve gone out on more than three dates and we have not.”

Sam says, “Debatable.”

Barbie purses her lips. “Evie’s right. Two is not enough to call it dumping.”

We all turn to Mo for the tie breaker. She shrugs. “I’m the last one to give dating input.”

She’s not wrong. Actually, the five of us are the walking wounded when it comes to men.

Clearly though, Roger and I left the last communication with vastly different take-aways.

“He gets points for perseverance, though,” Mo adds.

“That, he does.”

“So, will you give him another chance?”

I shake my head. “He’s nice but nice isn’t enough at this stage in my life.”

“You mean old age?” Caroline interjects.

“Yes. And besides, I have no time to date him or anyone else. We’re going out of town and then I’ll be overloaded at work.”

Caroline frowns. “Have you given any thought to leaving that firm with the jerk of a boss? You could start your own practice.”

The wild ideas of a woman with no money worries. “It’s too late in my career for that. I make a good living where I am and get to see you regularly after work.”

“That was when we were still allowed inside Le Marais.”

“This place is nearly as close to my office. We can move our club meet-ups to here.”

Sam says, “This place is actually better for me.” She doesn’t say why but we all know. Le Marais is pricey and while we’d be happy to help her, the risk of offending prevents us from doing so.

Caroline eyes the bartender, seeming to consider my suggestion. “I see your point. But still, life shouldn’t revolve around work.”

“Says the trophy wife set for life.”

“I work hard. I just clocked three miles walking from Park Avenue.”

We all laugh, Caroline joining in.

We eat and chat until I need to head home to pack. I pull out my credit card, happy to pay for my share of the bill. The others insist this is their contribution to my birthday celebration. After a bit of back and forth, I give in. “Thanks, ladies. This is going to be the best birthday ever.”

Everyone hugs, wishing me and Caroline a great time. Once Mo, Barbie and Sam leave, Caroline says, “I’ll have my driver pick you up at eight and we’ll head to LaGuardia.”

I feel a prickle of excitement. My epic birthday trip is about to begin!

Chapter Four

Adam

Iunhook the carabiner from my harness and wind up the rope. The rappel down the rocky mountainside was exhilarating and somewhat easier than expected after the long climb up. But I’ve been on an adrenaline rush since sunrise and it’s only a matter of time until I’ll need to crash. The sun is beginning its descent. If I leave now, I’ll be back home by nightfall.