Page 69 of My So-Called Perfect Life

Ryan shakes his head and pulls me into him, wrapping me in a much-needed hug. “I think you should start checking the peephole before you open the door.”

“How on earth can he think I’d take him back?”

His hand runs up and down my back in a soothing manner. “Like I’ve told you before, the man is an idiot.”

I laugh. “You can say that again.”

Ryan steps back and asks, “Do you want to skip the fundraiser and stay home? I’m sure Evan would understand.”

“Hell no.” I shake my head. “I’ve been looking forward to this. I’m not letting Scott’s stupid ass ruin it. You’re just scared I’m going to show you up with my blackjack skills.”

Ryan was telling me about a fundraiser he was going to with his friend Evan. Some kind of casino night run by the PTA of his friend’s nieces’ school. I like cards. Love blackjack and poker. I’m surprisingly good at blackjack. I can hold my own in poker, but I really only know how to play five-card draw. Ryan invited me to the event, challenging me to put my money where my mouth was. I’m interested in meeting his friend as well. Ryan has spoken about him often, but I’ve yet to meet him.

“Well, okay, note to self: Danielle has a competitive side.” He smiles. “And by the way, you look beautiful. I like the lipstick.”

I purse my lips, doing my best duck face. “Thank you.”

He chuckles. “I also brought you a present.”

“Another STD?” I ask with a tilt of my head.

He smirks. “You know it.”

“Which one this time? Because I’m currently worried there are crabs in the box of stuff Scott left in the hall.”

He pulls the pink toy, which looks like a coiled snake, from his pocket. “Aren’t girls always saying how much they’d love it if the men in their lives gave them syphilis?”

“You brought me syphilis?”

He nods with a bright smile. “Yep. Just look at how cute and pink it is.”

“We’re moving into serious territory now. Syphilis is forever.”

“Nothing but the best for you, Dani Girl.”

* * *

“Wow,”I say, taking in the banquet room.

The school really did an outstanding job for this. A red, black, and white balloon arch fills the entrance. Different gambling tables are set up throughout the room with official-looking dealers standing behind them. Table upon table lines the outside of the room with prizes and baskets. Servers are making rounds with drinks on their trays.

“This is incredible.”

Ryan looks surprised himself. “This is much more than Evan made it out to be.”

“Do you see him?” I ask, curious as to what to expect when it comes to Ryan’s friends. I’ve met his employees, who he treats more like family, but that’s it.

Ryan scans the large room and then squints toward the far corner. “He’s over there, in the back.”

We make our way through the crowd toward the stage set up at the far end of the room. A group of people is standing there, chatting. A tall man with sandy hair takes notice of our approach and grins.

“You made it,” he says.

He and a small woman next to him step away from the group. The man, who I’m assuming is Evan, looks from Ryan to me, and a frown mars his face.

“Evan, this is Danielle,” Ryan introduces us. “And this is his sister, Cara.”

I smile and offer my hand despite the weird vibe I’m feeling from Evan. “It’s so nice to meet you.”