Page 46 of My So-Called Perfect Life

Friend-One starts to speak, but Friend-Two interrupts. “Danielle is so embarrassed about, . . . well, you know.”

“No. I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her.” I probably know, but I still can’t figure out what’s going on here, so I’m going to make them spell it out.

“The accusing you of giving her chlamydia. Then puking all over you,” Friend-One says.

“Oh, don’t forget about actually giving him chlamydia. She really feels like shit about that,” Friend-Two chimes in.

I can’t help but shift in my seat. “Ah. Yeah, she apologized. It’s fine. Water under the bridge.”

Friend-Two smiles. “Good. I’m glad you feel that way, because, like I said she feels bad because of . . . all those things. She’s mortified. So mortified that she won’t make a move on a guy whom she really likes. If you catch my drift.” She waggles her eyebrows at me.

“I know I don’t know her very well, but the last word I would use to describe Danielle is shy. She doesn’t seem to have any problem doing exactly what she wants.”

Friend-One chimes in. “You’re right. You don’t know her. The Danielle you’ve met is an anomaly. She isn’t the type to just fuc—”

Friend-Two elbows her again. “We’re getting off track.”

Friend-One elbows her back. “How do you like it, huh?”

They get into an elbow shoving match.

“Ladies,” I shout. “I have a bar to clean, so can we stay on topic?”

Friend-Two pulls a pen out of her bag then scribbles on her cocktail napkin. “Long story short, you should call her.”

I narrow my eyes. “So, you two are here to play matchmaker? I’d think if Danielle wanted me to call, she’d give me her number herself. That’s what everyone who’s graduated junior high does.”

Friend-One rolls her eyes. “Haven’t you been listening. She gave you an STD, embarrassed you, and ruined a sofa with her puke. She wants to see you again, but she’s too humiliated to come out from under her rock. So, you need to be the bigger person and make the first move.”

“Well, when she gets over it, she knows where to find me.” I stand up. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to clean up. Thanks for coming in. Come back anytime.”

Friend-One jumps up. “Wait! You two have chemistry. Had you not met her during the worst week of her life, this would have all gone really differently. Give her a do-over. You have no idea how much she deserves one.”

Friend-Two stands up then pushes the napkin with the phone number into my hand. “Just call her, okay?” She looks at Friend-One and nods toward the door. “Let’s go.

Chapter Sixteen

Danielle

My phone buzzes on thecounter. The moment I see the message, my eyes stay glued to the screen, as if the words will somehow change or perform some kind of trick.

Unknown:Things got a little busy last time I saw you and we didn’t get to make new plans. So, about that dinner?

I don’t have to ask who it is because I already know. What I really want to know is where he got my number. Ignoring the dinner ingredients on the counter that need to be put away, I decide to play the game a little bit.Why does he want me to come back?You’d think the man would want me to stay as far away from him as possible.

Me:How’d you get my number?

Unknown:I have my ways.

A feeling deep in my gut tells me that Mercy had something to do with this. She couldn’t just leave well enough alone. Ryan didn’t magically get my phone number, and she hasn’t brought up fate pushing us together again since the other day.

Me:Did Mercy give you my number?

Unknown:I don’t know a Mercy.

Me:Maybe not by name, but she’s a feisty brunette who has a habit of sticking her nose in places she shouldn’t.

Unknown:Doesn’t ring a bell. Now, about that meal?