Page 62 of Slumming It

This was a sore subject and a good reminder of why I was here. "Right.Youleft. Nobody pushed you." I gave her jeans a pointed look. "And you've got my apology in your front pocket, so consider us even."

I expected her to argue. But all she said was, "You know what? You're right."

Nice try."What's the catch?"

She gave me a puzzled look. "What catch?"

"Nobody says 'you're right' and ends it there."

"But youareright," she said, looking disgusted to admit it. "You offered me money, and I took it. It's not like you forced me."

"Gotthatright."

She gave a humorless laugh. "Yeah. I mean, you bought my forgiveness fair and square, so I can't really complain, can I?"

It was time to set her straight. "I don't want your forgiveness."

"So, whatdoyou want?"

"Your cooperation."

"In checking out the nightlife? I'm not shirking it if that's what you think. I'm just saying, it'll be hard for me to cooperate if I'm sitting in the car." In a lower voice, she added, "Unless that's what you want."

I did. And I didn't.I kept my tone neutral as I asked, "Why would I want that?"

"I don't know, but trust me, that's where I’m gonna end up. The thing is, I know the owner's daughter. We're the same age, and she's hated me since second grade."

I'd known Emily for less than three days. She seemed likeable enough. "And why's that?"

"It's a long story and kind of silly, actually. But let's just say, we run in totally different circles."

This, I understood – and better than Emily knew. "Tell me."

"You mean the story?" She let out a low scoff as she returned her attention to the road. "Sure, I'll tell you in the club."

She was gambling, but I knew the game. She figured she wouldn't need to pay up because she would be cooling her heels in the car – as if I'd ever let that happen.

Shewouldbe going inside, even if I had to cause a real shitstorm to make it happen. But it wouldn’t come to that. I was a gambler, too. And right now, I was liking my odds.

I kept one eye on the road as I studied her profile. "Deal."

She turned worried eyes in my direction. "Sorry, what?"

The look in her eyes bothered me more than it should have. What Iwantedto see was the flash of fire I'd come to expect. But hey, the night was young, and one way or another, I always got what I wanted.

With a knowing smile, I said, "You can tell me over the first drink, because trust me, youwillbe getting in."

Chapter 23

Emily

What I wanted was a drinknow– anything to soothe my ragged nerves.Did I believe him about getting me in?

Yes and no.

From the set of his jaw, he was more than willing to put up a fight. But even if Ididmake it inside, this only meant that I would be at the mercy of Morgan and Nikki, who practically ruled Solitaire's every Saturday night.

Sure, I had never seen this dynamic in person, but I'd heard enough through the local grapevine to realize that heading into the lions' den wouldnotbe pleasant for a lone gazelle like me.