Page 16 of Worship

I look out the window of the car, resting my head to the side, and look at the city through the window as I pass by. I love downtown. It feels as if nobody ever sleeps, like the world is always there waiting for me. It’s nice, especially when I’m alone.

We pull up to Charlie’s on First in front of the growing crowd. Lyla was right about this place: it has serious character.How have I never seen it before?I open the door and exit the car, smoothing down the dress I bought earlier today.

The silk halter clings to my body and is completely backless, making a bra impossible. The hem stops right above my knees, keeping it classy but sexy as hell. Almost as sexy as my red Jimmy Choos. I hope this idiot I’m being set up with is worth it.

I walk inside the packed bar and look around for Lyla, palming my phone in case I need to text her. She waves from a high-top table near the dance floor, where she’s sitting on a barstool next to two very attractive men.Not bad, Lyla.

I weave through the high-tops and take in the speakeasy feel of the place. It’s a spacious joint with a stage for live music, currently occupied by a beautiful woman in a deep red velvet dress singing a bluesy song. The dark cherry wood bar runs along one wall and looks like something from the forties, with sconces at the ends and engravings along the bottom. I half expect for someone to light up a cigar and order a scotch. Luca’s face immediately floods my thoughts. This place is so him.

I push the thought away immediately as I walk up to Lyla. She reaches for me and pulls me into a hug, whispering in my ear, “Oh my god, your guy is so much hotter than mine.”

I pull back and smile, rolling my eyes at her silliness.

I turn my attention to the tall drink of water standing and staring at me.

“Hi. I’m Gretchen, the awful hag you’ve been stuck with for the night.”

My smile is flirtatious, and I reach around and pull my hair over my shoulder, extending my hand to shake my date’s. Lyla isn’t wrong: my guy is hot.

“Josh. I’m happy to be stuck with you, gorgeous. What can I get you to drink?”

Tonight is going to be a good night.

“Gin and tonic. Two limes. Tall glass.”

He leans in conspiratorially to the shoulder free of my hair, and I match his posture.

“I read an article that said girls that drink gin are more likely to be psychopaths. You gonna kill me?”

He draws back and bites his bottom lip.Josh has game.Gretchen might get laid.

I just shrug. He shakes his head and winks before heading to the bar, and I turn to introduce myself to Lyla’s date. They’re both staring at me like I’m an alien.

“Hi. I’m Gretchen,” I say, extending my hand to Lyla’s date as she covers her mouth and giggles.

He shakes my hand.

“Phillip. It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad to see you and my cousin hit it off.” He smiles.

“Ladies’?” Lyla asks, tipping her head in the direction of the bathrooms.

“Sure.” I smile. I’m sure she wants to give me the rundown about Phillip and Josh.

She says something to Phil, and we make our way to the bathroom. I follow her into the ladies’ room, which is decorated just as exquisitely as the main room. It feels very Marilyn in here. I walk to the mirror to check my face while she goes into a stall.

“This place is amazing! How’d you find it?” I say loud enough for her to hear.

“Drew, actually,” she answers from behind the stall door.

“Huh, she never said anything to me,” I answer.

I smooth my skirt while I wait wondering why Drew never brought it up. Lyla emerges from the stall and comes to wash her hands as I begin to reapply my lip gloss.

“Yeah, I guess Dom told her about it because he’s thinking of buying it.” She shakes her hands out and grabs a paper towel, and I prop a hip against the counter.

“He and Luca are buying this place?” I’m not surprised, just curious.

“Yeah, guess so. Why?” I just wave her off as if it’s nothing.