Page 5 of Wilde About You

Can we make the slumber party another night? I've got Noah here.

I need to stay, please. Matter of life or death, and I'm not being dramatic. I'll explain when I get there.

Idropped the phone on the seat and started the car. My phone rang. I picked it up sure it was Gigi, so I didn't bother looking at the screen.

"I told you I'll tell you when I get there."

There was breathing on the other side.

"Gi?" I glanced at the phone. It was an unknown number. The knot in my stomach grew tighter.

"Gonna need that picture. That's all."

"You fucked up my place," I barked back.

Click. He hung up.

Gigi answered the door in a skimpy midriff and underwear. "Shit, get in here. What the hell is going on? And talk quietly, Noah fell asleep." Her eyes dropped down. "Nice sweatshirt. Are you shopping at the giant store now?"

I glanced behind me. On the drive over, my eyes had constantly scanned between my rearview and side mirrors. I wasn't prone to paranoia, but tonight's events had unlocked every dreadful scenario imaginable.

I dropped my bag near the couch. Good friend that she was, Gigi had already placed a pillow and blanket on the cushions.

"Want a glass of wine?" she asked as she walked into the kitchen. She picked up an open bottle and poured some in a glass. She held it out for me.

"No, as good as a slug of alcohol sounds right now, I need to keep my wits about me."

"Well, shit, I'm going to need a glass just to hear your story." Gigi walked over to the couch with her wine, and we both plunked down. "You look and sound totally freaked. What's going on?"

And as she asked the obvious question, I realized I couldn't tell her. I needed to keep this secret to myself. It wasn't safe to involve her. I could give her a few vague details without saying much, but I knew she'd prod me for more.

"I have a photo on this camera," I started.

She laughed. "Wow, you drove over here like a madwoman to tell me that your camera has photos."

"Come on, Gi. Look, it's an important photo. A life-changing one for both me and the subjects on the film." That knowledge had been nagging at me since I'd snapped the picture. It would mean certain ruin for the two fighters. That was a moral obstacle that I'd have to deal with.

Gigi drained her glass and set it on the coffee table. She turned to the side, tucking her bare feet behind her. "Did you get that killer shot? The one you're always talking about?"

"I sure as hell did. Total accident. Not expected at all but it's big."

Gigi smiled enthusiastically. "What is it? I'm dying to know."

I sighed. "I can't tell you."

Her mouth shifted side to side in annoyance. "You're kidding. It's me. Your bestie. The one who just left a very hot man in her bed to make up a nice comfy couch for you."

"You said Noah was sleeping."

"Trust me, it won't take more than my warm breath on his face to wake him right back up. That man can go all damn night and the things he⁠—"

I held up a hand. "No details needed." I glanced at her front door. "Did you lock that? Are your windows locked?"

Gigi blinked at me. "What the fuck have you done, Sadie? Am I in danger now, too? Just what the hell is on that camera?"

"I don't think I was followed."

"You don't think? Not exactly reassuring," she said loudly.