Page 13 of Love Deep

Rosey grins at me, and all I can do is shrug. It’s not like we’re going to date or anything. He lives in New York. That might as well be the moon. I’ve never been outside of Colorado before, let alone a city as big as New York.

“He just needs a woman to be his partner in crime,” she says.

“Well, I’m sure he’ll find someone.” I imagine there’s more than one who’s interested in fulfilling that particular role.

“I think so,” she says. “Hey, would you like to come up to the Club for dinner? Tonight even?”

“The Club?” I ask, trying to buy myself some time. I’m ninety-nine percent certain my mom would come and sit Riley, but I have no idea what I’d even wear to a place like the Colorado Club, and I’m one hundred percent certain I don’t own it, whatever it is.

I don’t know if my expression gives me away, but Rosey follows it up with, “It will be super relaxed. In our lodge. So, just jeans and sweaters. No need to dress up.”

I want to ask her whether Fisher will be there, but it seems rude. Would it be? I’m not sure of the etiquette when it comes to dinner invitations. And if she says yes, would that make me more or less likely to want to go? Maybe it’s better that I don’t know.

“We’d love to have you,” she says.

I’ve spent the last eight years trying to make sure Riley’s life is as stable and consistent as possible. Especially since her dad left town, I’ve worked hard to keep all her otherroutines in place. To make sure she always knows what comes next. Riley feeling safe, secure, and loved has been andismy absolute priority. A last-minute change of plans shouldn’t be a big deal. Riley’s routine wouldn’t change. It would just be my mom in my place.

I wouldn’t normally go out during the week, but talking to Fisher the other evening shifted something. Swapping stories with someone who didn’t already know everything about my life and I didn’t know anything about theirs—well, it was kinda refreshing. And I don’t think it was just because he was hot. It was as if something long dormant inside of me woke up. Like maybe I could have something for me.

“I’d have to check whether I can because?—”

“I don’t think I have your number.” She pulls out her phone. “No pressure. Just let me know by six. Does that work?”

We swap numbers.

“Oh, and don’t worry. I’m not cooking. Owner’s perk is getting delicious food delivered right from the Colorado Club kitchens.”

“But will you have Grizzly’s chicken wings?” I ask with a smile. “I don’t know if I can come if you say no, Rosey. It’s a deal-breaker.”

She laughs. “If it means you’ll be at our place at seven, I can make that happen.”

It’s so nice of her to invite me. She seems so insistent.

“Okay, well, I’ll let you know. Thank you for the invitation.”

Eva appears from wherever she was, and she and Rosey say hi and bye to each other again.

Then Eva turns back to me, her mouth hanging open. “I think I made that happen,” she says.

“Made what happen?”

“Rosey appear and invite you up to the Colorado Club. With Fisher.”

“She didn’t mention Fisher.”

“You’re going on a double date!” She looks like she just found out she won the lottery.

“First, I haven’t said I’m going yet, and second, I have no clue if Fisher will even be there.”

She rolls her eyes. “I can watch Riley if your mom can’t. And where’s your phone? You need to text her right away and say you’ll be there.”

“Eva!” I say. “You can’t go around just making decisions for me. I need to think about it. And ask my mom.”

“There’s nothing to think about. You’re going. Riley will be looked after by either me or your mom, and you’re going to go and enjoy yourself. I swear to god, Juniper, you never do anything for yourself.” I go to speak, but Eva cuts me off before I can get any words out. “And a night out at Grizzly’s twice a month doesn’t count. You’re going to have a great time. Time to blow some cobwebs out of your vagina.” She pulls her eyebrows together. “Out of your vagina? From your vagina? Whichever way, the cobwebs in the vicinity of your vagina shall be gone.”

I groan. “Stop saying vagina.”

“Vagina,” she says. “I’ll only stop saying it if you promise me you’ll go tonight.”