Page 3 of Enforcer's Obsession

I couldn’t help but compare myself, though I knew I would come up lacking.

Molly was a couple inches taller than me and a little heavier, but she was radiant and reminded me of how much of a mousy pudge I was, not that she’d ever agree with me.

I shivered at the thought, those words reminding me of the person who’d first called me that.

I hated him, but even still, couldn’t deny the truth of his words.

Iwasa mousy pudge, but I’d started to learn to appreciate myself.

Molly’s laugh pulled me out of my thoughts. “I do look good, don’t I? That’s why I decided to come here instead of going home. Like, I can’t waste all this,” she said, gesturing at herself and then laughing.

“I know you wouldn’t dream of it,” I said with a laugh.

“I got you a drink,” she said.

I eyed the open bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, the water clinging to the sides glinting in the light, and the two filled flutes.

“Molly.” I tilted my head in warning. My best friend was nothing if not a bad influence.

She tsked. “The champagne is for me. You have fizzy water, dork,” she said.

I smiled, and then she gestured toward the drink. I picked it up, and she did the same.

“What are we toasting to?” I asked.

“To dicks,” she said.

I gawked at her, but she nodded, her bangs flopping against her forehead as if to emphasize her point. The ends were dyed the same color as my braids and looked gorgeous.

“That’s right. To dicks. Out with the old and in with the new,” she said.

I giggled, then clinked my glass with hers, starting to relax.

“How did you find this place again?” I asked, looking around, though I was careful not to meet anyone’s eyes.

“It found me,” Molly said.

She refilled her champagne and took a big gulp before she continued.

“I was so pissed when I got a text to cancel after he specifically made the plans. A text? Not even a phone call!” She huffed, her eyes sharp with annoyance, though I knew itwouldn’t last. “Anyway, I was so distracted, I took a wrong turn, and found this awesome-looking place,” she said, gesturing around.

“So you just saw it and came in?” My eyes were wide as I looked at her, unable to believe someone could be so bold. Knowing Molly, though, it shouldn’t have surprised me.

She gave me an indulgent smile, and then nodded.

“Yes, Hope. I saw a place that looked interesting and decided to check it out. You know be adventurous. Live a little. Not just go to work, go to school, go home, and do it all over again.”

“Like me, is what you’re saying?”

“Yes,” she replied, taking another gulp of the champagne.

“But it’s so…”

I quickly scanned the place again, looking at the billows of cigar smoke, the pretty women, dangerous-looking men, and…me.

“I know,” Molly said. “But it is interesting. I mean beats going to Chili’s again, right?”

“I will hear no Chili’s slander in my presence,” I said.