Read Online Losing to Win by Michele Grant - Free Book Online Page B

things don’t change.” She sucked her teeth.
    â€œYou don’t know the half,” Mac muttered and I shot him a look.
    â€œJordy, the food’s here! You betta come get it before it’s gone,” Suzette screeched out from the other table, while sending me a look that all but screamed for my imminent demise.
    Jordy leaned in. “What the hell is that woman’s story and why does she hate you so?”
    â€œThere was some Mean Girl –type drama back in high school; she’s still not over it,” I whispered.
    â€œWhoa. Stuck in high school over a decade later. All right, then.” He ran a hand across my shoulder as he moved away. “Love to spend some time with you while I’m here, girl. If you’d like.” His hand lingered, one finger slightly grazing my collarbone in a blatant caress.
    It wasn’t at all unpleasant. In fact, it was quite a nice surprise. Hmm. I hadn’t seen that one coming. I met his eyes and raised a brow. He was interested, he was serious, and he wasn’t hiding it. The idea intrigued me. Someone who put their cards on the table? No games? Tempting. “I don’t see why not,” I answered in a slightly breathy voice.
    â€œGood. That’s real good. I’ll talk to you later.” With a last smile in my direction and a nod to the rest of the table, Jordan walked away.
    â€œUm, Miss Thing?” Ruby asked, sliding into the seat Jordan had vacated. “What was that?”
    Taylor had jokes. “At last count, that would be Guy Number Two who hit on Carissa Melody today.”
    Mac added, “In the last two hours. In front of witnesses.”
    Sugar leaned in. “What? Rissa’s getting her groove back?”
    â€œYou do know no one really says that anymore, right?” I informed her.
    â€œI know when you’re avoiding a question, cuz,” Sugar said with a gleam in her eye.
    â€œDo tell?” Ruby nudged my arm. “You ’bout ready to give up your dry spell?”
    Taylor cackled. “She has been keeping the goodies on lock for a while now.”
    â€œYou’re a fine one to talk,” I countered.
    â€œWe’re talking about you and your epic dry spell, ma’am.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Could we all lower our voices? I see no need to discuss my self-imposed celibacy with this entire restaurant.”
    â€œDid someone over there say ‘celibate’? Did I hear that right?” Bliss, the producer who could apparently lip-read, squeaked from across the room. The entire restaurant fell silent and eyes swung toward our end of the table.
    I quickly pointed at Taylor. “She’s not getting any. It’s tragic. We’re going to work on that.” I ignored the kick in the shins she sent my way as I smiled innocently. “Who’s ready to order? This being my last supper and all.”
    Laughter rippled through the space and most of the patrons went back to minding their own business. I glanced up to catch Malachi cheesing with all of his teeth at me. Last damn thing I needed him to overhear.
    â€œProblem?” he mouthed.
    â€œNot at all,” I mouthed back with a “shoo-fly-don’t-bother-me” wave of my hand. I determinedly turned my head.
    Ruby whistled. “You and Mal? You and Jordy? Are you about to turn our wholesome town show into some hot mess TV? Love triangles and relationship drama?”
    I closed my eyes. “God, I hope not. Can I get the catfish platter with a mixed green salad and the bread pudding for dessert? Oh, and wine. Lots and lots of wine.”
    Ruby stood up as her waitstaff came over to get the rest of the dinner orders. “Girl, I hope you know what you’re doing.”
    â€œI don’t have a clue. But you guys got me into this; I expect you to help me navigate whatever comes next.”
    Niecy smiled. “We got you, girl. I mean, how much drama could one former prom queen