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Don’t forget last year when you and that Latino hottie went off together when we were in Miami. This is my time to have some fun.” Taking risks and going off with strange men was not her usual style, but why not? She was a grown ass woman and she had never taken a chance. On anything. Ever.
    Always the responsible one, she could count on one hand the number of times when she had been the one her friends had needed to talk off the ledge. And what had that gotten her? Not a damn thing. She was a single woman over thirty and had no one to call her own. Sure, her job was nice and she was independent and able to do things on her own, without the help of anyone. But sometimes, the regrets plagued her.
    There was that time she backed out on going on that weeklong trip to Cancun with her friends after graduation from high school. Oh yeah, and the Caribbean cruise she had declined to go on for no other reason than feeling that she had not wanted to be seen as a party girl. The handsome lawyer that had asked her out at the coffee shop a few years ago, and she refused because he had the gall to ask her out in a coffee shop.
    Long story short, she was tired of acting like a prude. And it was about time she shed that moniker. Penelope was done being the boring friend who never took risks. Turning slightly to look at the table where Gabriel lounged, she allowed her gaze to linger on his face for a few seconds. She took a few deeper, fortifying breaths. Maybe her sanity would return any moment and she would walk the hell away from this man who made her want to do things so outside of her nature. Why him? Why now? Was it just his looks, his voice, his undeniable confidence and swagger? Whatever it was, she wanted more of it.
    “This is it ladies. I’m going to do something just for me tonight.”
    “Girl, he could be a damn serial killer.” Rosalind was trying to look out for her, she knew that, but this was something she needed to do. Just for her. Glancing over at her friend Crystal for help, she continued to listen to Rosalind as she gave her all the warnings she had already given herself. “I know this place is known for its politicians and businessmen, but this is crazy!” Rosalind was clearly agitated, but there was no changing her mind.
    Turning back to Crystal, Penelope knew that if anyone would understand, it would be her. “Crystal, you get this right? I need to see where this night goes. Hell, it may turn out to be nothing and this was all for naught, but I want to take that leap and see what happens.”
    Shaking her head, Crystal pulled her close, giving her a hug, “Have fun girl. What did you say his name was again?”
    “Gabriel Turner. He’s in town for business and doesn’t live here.”
    Wrinkling her brow, Crystal glanced at Gabriel and gave him a thoughtful look, “That name sounds familiar. Hmmm. Okay, hon, go have fun. But we stick to the rules of engagement.”
    Rosalind chimed in, “Yes, exactly. I want you to call us whenever you get where you’re going and I want a call or text when you get home.” Typing something into her phone, probably Gabriel’s name, Rosalind put the device back in her purse and smiled, “You may be an old maid past your prime, but getting the cobwebs knocked off is not worth foregoing our safety rules.”
    Guffawing loudly at her friends’ words, Penelope shook her head and took a sip of Crystal’s drink. Grabbing her small bag, she straightened her dress and prepared herself to walk toward whatever the night brought.
    “Wish me luck, ladies.”
    Arriving back at the table where Gabriel sat, she was about to sit down when he adjusted his legs and placed his hands on his thighs, as if motioning to stand, “Are we ready to go?”
    “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Her voice had a slight tremble. Was she really brave enough to do this? Yes, dammit. Yes, she was.
    Standing from the table, he buttoned one button of his suit jacket and motioned to their waitress that they