Page 5 of Cara & Gian: The Guzzi Duet

Cara cleared her throat, more uncomfortable than ever. “I’m fine.”

“Well, that’s a lie.”

“Bambi—”

“You look like shit just came over and took another shit on your head.”

Ouch.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Cara said, grabbing the door to close it in the woman’s face. “It’s time for you to go.”

“Wait.” Bambi put her body into the doorway, effectively stopping Cara from closing her out. “One night, Cara. You can take one night to get out of this apartment, away from this …” Bambi waved at the darkness behind Cara. “Whatever this mess is, and do something. Maybe it’ll be fun. Maybe you won’t have to think for a while. Maybe you’ll even smile. What would it hurt to try?”

It could hurt a lot.

“I’m not even dressed or done up,” Cara said weakly.

Bambi smiled slyly, gesturing at herself. “That is why you have me.”

“I can dress and do my own makeup, thanks.”

“And I will be right here to make sure you actually do it. A new club opened up three blocks away, last week. I happen to know the owner is a great guy, and throws an awesome fucking party. Give it a chance.”

Cara was too mentally tired to argue. Or maybe it was that she wanted to feel normal for a minute. Even if that meant using alcohol and deafening music to do it.

That was that.

“All right,” Cara said. “Give me fifteen minutes.”

Bambi looked her over. “Twenty, at least.”

“You could be nicer.”

“You could look less dead.”

Bitch.