know you’ll badger me until I do.” I stared at her.
“You’re right, I will. I’m waiting.” She tapped her foot.
“Are those my Prada pumps?” I’d saved forever to buy those.
A sheepish grin curved her lips. “You don’t mind.”
“Um, it wasn’t a question. It was a statement. It would be nice if you’d ask, but you never do.”
She grinned again.
“Okay, you’re right. I don’t mind.”
She plopped down in the chair. Her blond curls bounced with the movement. She looked so stylish in a black wrap dress and my black sexy heels. A bit on the diva side, but stylish, nevertheless.
“So, spill it. Did a tornado blow through while I was upstairs? How in the heck did your door get like that?”
“Won’t you be late for work?” I shuffled a few stray papers on my desk.
“I’ve got time. Now quit stalling and tell me what is going on around here.”
“Some crazy man knocked it down.”
“What? Shut up. Are you kidding? I can’t believe my ears.” Her mouth gaped open.
“Close your mouth before you catch a fly. After Lily attacked me and I ran Jack off, a man burst through my door, knocking it down and me with it,” I said, looking her right in the eyes.
“Stop.” She made a time-out signal. “What? Either my ears are filled with wax and I heard you incorrectly or you’re pulling my leg. Seriously, what happened to the door? And, oh my God, you shunned Jack? Are you insane? Have you lost your ever-lovin’ mind? He’s gorgeous. Delicious. Irresistible.”
“I get it. Enough already. I told you. A man knocked it down. And no, I am not insane.”
Her brown eyes were wide like saucers with shock.
“My gosh, Rylie. What is going on? Is it safe for me to be here?” She glanced over her shoulder.
“Don’t be silly. Of course it’s safe. The man was looking for my Uncle Ernie, that’s all. He wants him and nothing else. I’m not sweating it.” Not much.
“And he can’t knock like a normal person? I’m beginning to wonder if you know any regular people besides me. Ever since you opened this business the crazies have come out of the woodwork.”
“No, apparently he can’t knock.”
She did have a point. I had met a few people who were less than sane.
“I guess that explains why I found your purse on the floor.”
I nodded.
“So what happened with Jack and Lily? She attacked you?” She fidgeted with the tie on her dress.
“She was in werewolf form when I came down the stairs. Growling at me, baring her shiny fangs.”
I’d never forget the day when I told Jennifer I was a werewolf. I thought for sure she wouldn’t be my friend anymore, that she would call for the men with the little white coats. To my relief, she hadn’t. Although I feared she never believed any of the tales from my supernatural life and was only humoring me. She had never seen me shift before. I didn’t like to change in front of humans.
“Are you all right?” She frowned.
“Oh yeah. She only scratched my hand. When Jack came in, she ran away like a scared little girl. It’s not serious. She’s all bark.”
“Oh my God. Hot guy saw Lily as a werewolf? What did he say?”
“He thought it was a huge dog or coyote attacking me.” I giggled.
“Rylie, your life is like a movie. No, it’s better than a movie.”
“My life is like a horror movie that never ends.” I clucked my tongue and eased my head back to rest against my chair.
“Oh, come on. Your life is great. Well, except for the werewolf thing. But that seems to be working out all right for you, I guess. You have a great business, a family who loves you, and you live in a great apartment with a fabulous roommate.” She gave a wide grin.
“You’re right. I suppose it’s not so bad. I mean, business is so-so. That’s a plus, right?” I tried to remain optimistic. Jennifer nodded. “You’d be surprised at how many single werewolves are running around this town.” Sounded more like I tried to reassure
Laurence Cossé, Alison Anderson