haotic mix of espresso machines hissing

a lifeline. The caffeine was making her hands shake wo

te her, scrolling through

id, not looking up. "Claudine is posting passive-aggress

of foam spilled onto he

y. "I'm commenting with vomit

nd. As she moved, the cashmere scarf she

ea g

he next table turned around. Azalea droppe

t is that o

the tender spot just below her ear. A da

ght was hazy, obscured by alcohol. She remembered stumbling. She remembered Dallas catching her. Had he he

ling the scarf tighter. "The car doo

re wide, predatory. "That's not a door, that's a hickey. A wor

ribs. She couldn't say Your Dad.

iza said, looking down at

shot up. "Older? L

Eliza w

r phone cut her off. It began to ring, vi

ID flashe

contact nam

, her posture straightening

las's voice on the other end, though she couldn't make out t

ght now? But we hav

ew seconds, then sighed. "

d looked at El

the flagship s

ach dropped.

d 'appropriate attire'

" Eliza

ed her bag. "Come on. You d

ver Aston Martin was gleaming in the sun, dr

molding to her body. She pushed the start button, and the engine ro

life, eventually," Azalea l

ain road toward the city. The skyline loomed ah

earview mirror. She adjusted the scarf

e, Dallas had left a mark on her. And he ha

like a

it up. Eliza had paired her phon

popped up on the center co

: Anso

ing games. Come ho

. She let out

head. "It's actually creepy. Good thing yo

eering wheel tighter

ity, between herself and Anson. But she was driving straight towar

no idea what