The Chase

“On Eighth Street?”

She nodded. “I prepaid for my room.”

“How much?”

“Twenty whole dollars.”

Gloria tsked. “I’ll give you a hundred to stay with me.”

Heavenly frowned. “That math doesn’t make sense.”

“It does to me. While we wait for Buddy, why don’t you tell me about Seth, honey?”

“He’s hot. So hot.” She got worked up just thinking about him. “And his tongue…”

“You gotta love a man with a good tongue.” Gloria winked.

“But he’s also strong. Spontaneous and funny. And so thoughtful. He makes me feel special.”

“How did you meet him?”

“At the hospital. When Raine—” She gasped, then remembered her promise. “Crap, I have to text her.”

Heavenly groped for her purse on the floor and, after some fumbling, managed to pull the unfamiliar burner phone free. Bless her, Raine had already programmed her number in.

I’m in Vegas. I’m fine. Leaving in morning.

Raine wrote back immediately. Thank god. I was getting worried. You okay?

Tipsy. Drinking wine with Gloria. She’s nice. Are the guys mad?

Her friend hesitated, then finally typed back. Worried.

Do they hate me?

I don’t think that’s possible.

Raine’s reply made Heavenly tear up and question all her decisions again. But she had Dad’s ashes in the car. She had to take care of him first. Then she’d figure out what came next.

Gotta go. I’ll text you tomorrow.

Thanks. Drive safe!

Heavenly tucked the phone back in her purse, her head swaying again. “All done.”

“Good. You were saying?”

“I…don’t remember.” The wine and Gloria’s bombshells had really hit her hard.

“It’s all right.” The other woman took her hand. “Tell me something. Do you have feelings for Ken?”

“Yeah. I have from the very first day.” She sighed. “Same with Seth. It’s been confusing.”

“Because you’re in love with them both?”

Heavenly nodded miserably. “I can’t help myself.”

“Of course you can’t. Love is love, right? Since you’re ass deep in it, maybe you should think about going home and making it official.”