Page 7 of Forgotten Comeback

“Sure. Sounds like fun.”

“Why don’t you meet me in the employee lot, and you can follow me in your car?”

“Perfect.”

She disappears to the back, and I practically sprint to my car. Yanking down my visor mirror, I check my makeup and add another coat of lip gloss. Popping a peppermint in my mouth, I nearly jump out of my skin when there’s a knock on the window.

I roll it down for my bestie, Kat. “Who are you going home with?”

“Who says I’m going home with anyone?” I lift an eyebrow.

“You’re hanging out in the parking lot fixing your makeup after shift; of course you’re going home with someone.” She waves her hand. “The question is with who? Or is it with whom? I don’t know; you’re the one who took AP English in high school.”

“Whom.” I laugh. “And thatwhomis Mia. Unless I’m completely misreading the signs, and I wind up making a huge ass of myself.” Everyone knows I’m bi, but I’m unsure of Mia’s orientation. What I do know is there’s a delicious zing of sexual attraction between us; I just hope she feels it too.

“Oooh, the new bartender. I say go for it. You only make the shots you take, right?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s ‘you only miss the shots you don’t take.’”

“You know I hid behind the bleachers and smoked during PE and missed the daily motivational pep talks. Break a leg, how about that?”

“That only works for theater.”

Kat playfully huffs. “Good luck, you persnickety bitch.”

I laugh. “Love you too. Do you have plans?”

“Yes, indeed. I have a date with a bottle of wine and my bed.” She rubs her hands together.

“With or without a man?”

Kat snorts a laugh. “I’m not fixing my makeup if that tells you anything. Have fun. Check in with me tomorrow.”

“Yes, Mom,” I tease.

She makes a call me motion with her pinky and thumb to her ear before walking off.

A few minutes pass, and I worry Mia changed her mind about the invite…

“Hey,” Mia says, and I nearly jump out of my skin for a second time. “You ready?”

“Ready. You look amazing.” Mia’s changed from her casino uniform to a smoking hot mini dress.

Her cheeks flush, but I can’t interpret whether it’s because she’s uncomfortable or she’s feeling this attraction too. “Thanks. I’m parked over here.” She points out her car. “Follow me.”

“Sounds good.” I flash a smile.

Mia walks to her car, and I overanalyze every word I’ve ever spoken to the woman as I pull out of the parking lot and follow her to the outskirts of Atlantic City.

We arrive at a warehouse with the gravel parking lot nearly full, and I pull into one of the only available spaces beside Mia. “Whose party is this?” I ask when we step out of our cars.

“I’m not sure,” she admits. “Let’s check it out, and if it’s sketchy, I’m all for going somewhere else.”

“Good plan.”Like home with me.

We walk to the door, and Mia gives the bouncer her friend’s name. We’re checked off a list and enter a huge room with techno blaring.

I follow Mia across the dance floor, nearly getting separated by the crush of people. She reaches back and grabs my hand.Butterflies dance in my stomach to the beat of the music, but she lets go far too quickly.