Fly on the Wall by Trista Russell Read Free Book Online Page A

down . . .”
    â€œOh,” she remembered, “before I forget, I’m having a small dinner party next Friday for Marcus’ birthday. Nothing big, just a few people over.”
    â€œOkay.” I needed to get out of the house. “Who’s coming?”
    â€œThe usual, Derrick and Kim, Nikki and Nate, Fred and Melinda, and Michael and Jason.”
    I had changed my mind. “And me?” I asked. “Am I the only person coming alone?”
    â€œYeah,” she tried to be of comfort, “but you won’t be by yourself. We’ll all be here.”
    â€œYou have a husband,” I said. “All the names you mentioned are couples, Toni.” I hated being the token single friend now. “I’ll just keep the twins that weekend so that you guys can have fun.”
    â€œThey’ll be at Marcus’ parents’ house.” She added, “I know that you’re not trying to get out of coming.”
    â€œToni, I refuse to be the only single person there.” I remembered the last time well. “Michael will use this as another opportunity to try to analyze me, and I don’t have time for that shit.” He needed to analyze himself because it made no sense for a man that damn fine to be bragging about how well he could suck a dick. “I’ll pass.”
    â€œWhy don’t you bring Doran?”
    The idea tickled me, but before it surfaced, I drowned it. “I am not asking him out.”
    â€œNot like it’s a date. Just invite him over.”
    â€œAre you serious?” I couldn’t even imagine it. “I’m not asking him.”
    â€œWhateva!” She sounded frustrated. “All I know is that you better be here next Friday.”
    â€œToni, I don’t think you understand how awkward it is being the only single person in the midst of four or five couples.” I added, “That’s hell.”
    â€œIt was hell being married to that asshole, too, so make up your mind.”
    â€œI never said that I wanted Craig back.” I was getting upset. “And please stop bringing him up every two minutes.”
    â€œIt’s every three minutes, thank you.” She continued with a smile in her voice. “Paige, just find someone and invite him.”
    I whined, “It’s not that simple, Toni.”
    â€œIt’s not that damn hard either, Paige. You’re a good-looking woman. You’re too hard on yourself . . . live a little.” She paused but continued carefully. “The ball is in your court, now dunk that muthafucka.” For the next ten minutes, Toni praised everything about me: my personality, intelligence, physical attributes, etc. When she was through, I touched myself to see if I would sizzle, ’cause she described me as a Red Hot Mama.
    I sat silent in my car for a few seconds. “All right.” I smiled and made myself comfortable in traffic. “I’ll be at the damn party.”
    â€œThank you.” She blew me a kiss. “Hurry up and call him.”
    â€œBye.” I hung up and dialed Doran’s number while still on that cocky high that Toni created.
    â€œChanged your mind?” Doran said as he picked up. “Come on, let’s sweat.”
    â€œActually, I wish I was there.” I giggled nervously. “Instead, I’m stuck on the turnpike.”
    â€œThat’s your punishment.” He continued, “What’s going on?”
    â€œNothing.” All of a sudden, I needed Toni’s cheerleading. “Nothing much.”
    I could tell that he was pondering the reason for my call. “Is everything all right?”
    â€œYes.” I wanted to hang up. “Yes, everything is fine.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œUm, I just wanted to know if you would be free next Friday evening.” In dropped the uncomfortable silence that I thought I could handle by doing this over the phone instead of in person.
    â€œNext