Payback

“I don't know about that, I'm not really into the club scene. I’m a mom now, Jules,” I say.

As if on cue, Ella whines to go to the bathroom, and I send her, reminding her to wash her hands and flush. Glamorous mom life, party of one.

“I don't mind, go ahead, have fun. I’ll watch Ella for the night, no big deal,” Ty says, winking at Julie.

She hasn't changed a bit—she still gets excited at the smallest things. I just stare at Ty, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“What?” he whispers.

“I have to admit I'm surprised that you’re ok with this,” I reply with suspicion in my tone.

Ty picks up on it quickly and rolls his eyes. “There's nothing to be suspicious about,” he says, his tone soft. “I figured you two would like to catch up and have a little fun. Besides, Ella and I haven’t had a night alone in I can’t remember how long.”

Bars and clubs are not my idea of fun. I'm more of a relax at home with a good movie and pizza kind of girl.

“I'll think about it,” I finally say, looking back and forth between the two of them.

Julie frowns at me and gives me puppy dog eyes.

“That doesn't work on me,” I reply, taking a sip of my coffee.

“Well… I'll just have to bug the ever living shit out of you until you agree then,” she replies with a huge grin, raising her eyebrows at me.

I laugh, knowing she means it—that's how persistent this woman is. In my freshman year of high school, she convinced me to sneak out and walk almost five miles to her house so we could have a secret slumber party. I did it, only to find out it was a make out party. I got the grounding of my life for that, but it was worth it to play spin the bottle with Michael Smith. I would have gotten away with it if he knew how to kiss, but his braces cut my lip.

“Besides, it’s not a regular club, invite only. I think you’ll like the scene more than you care to admit.” She eyes me devilishly.

“I'll consider it, but right now, I've got to get ready for work,” I say, heading to the bathroom to start my day.

I take my time getting ready. I wait until the last possible moment before heading out, leery of leaving these two alone with each other. I drop Ella off at preschool and have to give her a quick kiss goodbye. I wasted too much time procrastinating, and now I have to take the back roads to work, but I make it on time. Barely.

Maia helped me get a job as medical transcriptionist at the hospital after I finished my degree as an administrative assistant. I am so lucky she was sleeping with the head of human resources at the time. Ella gets to go to presc

hool and I finally have some adult time, and the money is pretty good. Maia thinks I’ll be able to run my own department one day, just like her.

I’m sitting at my desk charting when Maia stops by. “Hey you. Wanna grab some dinner with me tonight?”

I glance up at her, caught off guard. I haven’t ever gone out after work with any of the other employees, much less my boss. “I’d love to, but I can’t tonight. I have company in town,” I say.

“Family?” She asks.

“Yes, my cousin actually, she’s kind of a mess. Long story.”

“Well you just take care of yourself now,” Maia says in her sweet southern drawl.

“Yeah, I’ll try.”

I sigh as she nods slightly and turns to walk away. I try to focus back on the chart in front of me. After what feels like an eternity, I look up at the clock, realizing it's after six. Shit, I’m late for Ella. The preschool is going to charge me again. I grab my bag and rush out of the hospital, leaving my papers behind.

12

Cami

Two Days Later

Julie meets me at the door, and then follows me around the house like a lost puppy dog, begging for a treat.

“Oh come on, Cami.” She collapses onto my bed, groaning. “It's going to be fun,” The enthusiasm in her voice makes me roll my eyes.