Lush by Chris Adonn Read Free Book Online Page B

“Um, no. Don’t
get me wrong, there was some definite talent, but I just wasn’t
interested in scoring.”
    “But you’re always
interested in scoring.” The woman was all about milking every last
drop of pleasure out of life. And men were a source of great
pleasure for Kirsten.
    She laughed wryly. “I
know, right. I must be coming down with something.”
    Her impending non-date
with Michael totally forgotten, Julia focussed all her attention on
her friend. “What’s wrong, Kirsty-pie? Is it the flu or does it
feel more serious? Come to think of it, you’ve been less crazy than
usual for a while.”
    In fact now that she
really thought about it, Kirsten hadn’t been totally herself since
the one-year anniversary of her aunt’s death. That was back in
April. At the time Julia had thought that her friend was simply
re-mourning Beatrice Winthrop’s passing because that was the kind
of thing that generally happened when you were reminded of the loss
of a loved one. Only now she found herself wondering if it was
something else entirely.
    “It’s definitely more
serious,” her friend replied sombrely. “Maybe even incurable.
Certainly the end of life as I know it.”
    “Oh my God! What’s
wrong? Do you need me to come over?”
    “I think I’m growing
up.” This was followed by a hoot of laughter. “Relax chick. I’m
totally fine.”
    Julia slumped against
the wall in relief. “You just took ten years off my life,
Kirst!”
    “Damn. I was aiming for
twenty.”
    “Well tell me what’s
really up with you and you might get your wish.”
    “I swear, nothing’s
wrong. I just wasn’t in the mood to get it on with some guy who was
desperate enough to try speed dating. Actually it’s more than that.
You’re right, speed dating blows. It’s way too formulaic. Plus I
thought about what you said about competing for attention along
with a bunch of other women and I drew a startling conclusion: I
don’t do competition.”
    “Aw man! Did I ruin it
for you with my big mouth and nasty comments? I was just in a
rotten mood. You know I say the dumbest things when I’m
grouchy.”
    “Well this time you
actually said something smart. But seriously, don’t sweat it, I
still had fun. Some of those guys were cool to talk with and I did
enjoy myself. I might even take the time to get to know a few of
them if it turns out that we’re compatible. Lush sent out the
emails yesterday.”
    “Did you stay till the
end?” That would be a sure way to tell if Kirsten was still her old
self.
    “Of course, Silly. I
wasn’t going to leave early when the Cosmopolitans were so
delicious. I must have ordered a new one every three dates.”
    Okay Kirsten was
definitely still the same old Kirsten. “Hey, how did your date with
Finch go? I was kinda worried when I saw that he was there because
I know he’s your type. Please tell me you didn’t make him fall in
love with you.”
    “Don’t worry, girl. I
remember the rule you imposed on me after I screwed things up with
your stupid project manager. Thus it goes without saying that I did
not unleash my irresistible charm on Finch.”
    Phew , that was
cause for relief. “Thanks Kirst. Did he mention anything about
work? Maybe something that I should know.” Like resenting that she
wasn’t giving him the design freedom and promotion that he was
chomping at the bit for.
    “Anyone ever told you
you’re manically nosy? All I’m sharing with you is that he loves
working at InVision. As for me, I think he’s really nice. It’s kind
of hard to reconcile the guy I spoke to with the pain in the ass
you’re always whining about.”
    “I hope you didn’t let
that slip.”
    “You bet I did. He’ll
be quitting next week.”
    “Ha-ha.”
    “So,” Kirsten
continued, her voice starting to rise with renewed excitement.
“Tell me more about you and my gorgeous brother. What did you crazy
kids get up to after I abandoned you sports lovers for round
two?”
    “We played a few