Read Online La Vie en Rose {Life in Pink} by Lydia Michaels - Free Book Online

suit took the stool beside her. “Hi.”
    Trying to calm her smile, she bit her lips and took a deep breath. “Hi.”
    “I’m Warren.”
    That was a nice name. “Nice to meet you, Warren. I’m Emma.”
    “You from around here, Emma?” He was cute. Dark skin, bald head, thick lips, deep voice, all things momma liked.
    “Actually, I have a loft a few blocks from here.”
    “My place is on the east side, but I’m also local. What do you do, Emma?”
    She twisted, pointing her lady parts in his direction. “I’m a personal assistant at a law firm.”
    “Really? I’m prelaw myself.”
    Her enthusiasm staggered. “Oh.”
    “Do you have an issue with lawyers?”
    No, she didn’t think she did. Except for the fact that Becket was preparing to be one and he was a big, fat, cheating liar. “My ex was prelaw.”
    “Really? When did you break up?”
    She laughed nervously. “Last week. He dumped me, actually. When the bell rang I thought it was going to be my wedding gown, but nope. It was him, there to rip out my heart and shit on my dreams. But don’t worry. The dress came later that afternoon. Just. In. Time.”
    Warren’s expression was blank and she realized she just turned into crazy girl.
    “Oh.” Shaking her head with regret, she explained, “I’m really sorry about that. I hadn’t meant to dump all my drama on your lap. I mean, God, talk about diarrhea of the mouth. Blah!” She laughed. “I’m really not crazy. I’m just not used to this.”
    Warren’s face was unreadable.
    Riley approached and she grinned, relieved. “Ask him. He’s my roommate. He can vouch for my sanity.”
    “I’m set.” Warren tapped the bar and walked away.
    She winced as he fled.
    Riley stared at her, eyes wide. “What the hell was that? Did I hear you use the word diarrhea?”
    She folded her arms on the bar and dropped her face into darkness. “I suck at this.”
    “Diarrhea is never a sexy word, Emma. Come on, you know better.”
    Nodding, she sat up. “Can I have a refill?”
    “Sure.” He replenished her drink and went to check on the other customers.
    A guy in a slate gray shirt with a deep V collar sat beside her. “Is this seat taken?”
    “No.”
    “I’m Mark.” He held out his hand and she turned to shake it. Well, hello Mark.
    He wasn’t as distinguished as Warren, but he also wasn’t hard to look at. “I’m Emma.”
    “You look like you’ve had a rough night. Can I buy your next drink?”
    She glanced behind him, about to agree, but hesitated as Riley waved his hands and shook his head mouthing no .
    Trying not to be obvious, she smiled at Mark. “Sure.”
    He turned and flagged over Riley, who now stood with his arms at his sides. “I’ll take a Strong Island Ice Tea and whatever the lady’s having.”
    “A what?” Riley was usually so cordial to the customers, but at the moment he looked like he was preparing for an enema.
    Mark chuckled and sent her a sidelong glance like they shared a secret. “It’s a Long Island with double the kick, if you get my drift.”
    “Loud and clear, champ.” As Riley mixed their drinks he scowled at the man. He returned and slid two glasses forward.
    “Thanks, bro.” Mark nodded and slid a twenty across the bar. “You go ahead and keep the change.”
    Riley rolled his eyes and walked away.
    “I always like to tip a little extra,” Mark explained. “Help out those working their way up the ladder.”
    She grinned without showing teeth, omitting that Riley was her friend and, although his longer hair and shadowed jaw made him look like an ordinary civilian, his lineage was practically American royalty.
    “Let’s you and I get a table and talk.”
    Was that a question? “Sure.”
    She followed him to a small booth in the corner. “So tell me a little about yourself, Emma.”
    Cautious not to spill her guts again, she spoke slowly. “Well, I’m newly single and I’m sort of just looking for something easy and fun right now.”
    “Right.