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The ringing seems to get sharper. I force my eyes open, drearily grab my cell phone, and quickly answer it. I put it on speaker, then close my eyes again. I feel so exhausted.
“Lexi.” When I hear Mia’s voice, I immediately perk up. “It’s on.”
“What’s on?”
“The date, he wants to do lunch. I’m getting ready now.”
I open my eyes, sitting up, sleep forgotten. “Now, Mia?”
“We can’t miss this opportunity. The sooner we get something serious on this creep, the better. We can blackmail his ass. Show him the recording. Tell him the Marino Family will find out if he doesn’t move to the forest and live in a hut or something.”
She’s speaking erratically, reminding me a little of Ruby when she gets into a history frenzy. “Do you really think he’ll agree to that?” I say.
“He’ll agree to whatever we make him agree to. He bragged, Lexi. I keep thinking about it. How turned on he looked. I don’t know much about men, but even I could see that. I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I say. “ I think talking with you about it helps, Mia.”
“Are you still coming?”
“Are you kidding?” I say. “I’m not letting you go on your own.”
“My phone’s fully charged. I’m going to record every single word.”
“I’ll put on a hat and some glasses. Text me the address where you’re meeting. I’ll hide. Remember the other day? He was pretty clueless.”
“I’ll try to keep his attention,” Mia says. “I’ve never been on a date before, though.”
“Really?” I ask, shocked.
“Why is that so surprising? I said at the party: a-lone.”
“You’re just so bubbly and confident and friendly.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I want to go out with a bunch of guys or any guys… ever.”
“I said the same once,” I mutter.
“Yeah, but this is different, Lexi. You found your Prince Charming.”
My thoughts go back to last night, to the hunger in his moans, the urgency in his touch. I’m unsure if charming is the word I’d use to describe how he was, but then again, I didn’t want him to be.
“Ew, he’s just texted me,” Mia says. “Looks like he’s going to be a few minutes late. He offered me a ride, but there’s no way I am getting in a car with him.”
“No, good thinking,” I say. “That would be nuts.”
“I’ll text you the address now,” Mia replies.
“Okay. I’m going to get ready fast.”
“Let’s do this,” Mia says.
“Mia—”
“And don’t thank me again.”
I laugh. “See you soon.”
I pull up in the parking lot of the commercial Italian place, pulling my baseball cap down low. Luckily, the bar is one of those central rectangular ones, letting me sit in the corner, half hidden by the drink selection, but able to see Mia and Ralph in the far corner of the general seating area.
As I sip a diet cola, I almost want Ralph to do something weird. He looks so misplaced opposite the glamorous Mia. She didn’t even dress ultra stylishly or anything. Yet her confidence exudes through every movement, every smile. I want to march over there and hit the perv.
Ralph puts his hand on her arm. I’m relieved when she snatches it away. His body language tightens like he didn’t like that at all.
My phone vibrates, drawing my attention for a moment. How about an actual date this time?
I smile, then force myself not to reply. I need to focus on this entirely. What if Mia needs me? The urge to reply tickles the edge of my attention, trying to distract me from my duty to Mia.
After another minute of awkward conversation, Mia excuses herself and goes to the bathroom.
My phone buzzes again. From the notification window, I can see it’s Mia. This guy is a creep. This is way harder than I thought it would be.
As I text, I partly watch Ralph. He moves, drawing more of my attention. Oh my God! I quickly click on the camera and aim it, not even trying to be subtle. Luckily, he fumbles with the cap, but I watch it. I see the whole thing and get it on camera—Ralph cracking some capsule and pouring it into Mia’s drink. He even has the gall to stir it in the middle of a busy restaurant.
I end the video, then text Mia. He’s just spiked your drink.
What?! she replies.
I got it on video.
He SPIKED my drink?!
Yeah, it’s time to ditch this idiot.
No, I’m doing better than that. Whatever you do, DON’T get involved.
Before I can reply, Mia walks out of the bathroom, moving across the restaurant with an intense purpose in her stride and posture. I lean forward on the edge of my seat, getting ready to run over there if needed. Something about her reminds me of myself with the screwdriver. There’s the same wildness.
Ralph laughs too loudly, causing several people to turn and look at him, but he doesn’t notice. Then Mia points to the other side of the restaurant. I lean slightly around the center block of the bar, just about seeing Mia as she talks to Ralph. I think she’s talking about the large painting entirely covering one wall.
