As if it weren't enough that Avery's car reeked of vanilla and pine forest air fresheners, she would not shut up about the night's events. "That butcher smelled like bologna, even though I think he had showered. I guess when you're around all that meat, it gets absorbed into your pores or whatever. What did you think about the vet? I mean, he can’t be perfect, since he’s Jesse Maddox’s brother, but he's a freaking millionaire. Makes me wonder why he's even working. He must really like animals. He's kind of an ass and totally not into commitment, but you know what? I'm thinking that's not so bad.”
A few seconds of silence passed. Avery’s excitement sank into seriousness. “I about shit myself when Jesse stepped in my booth. I know he’s a deputy now, but honestly—would he really expect me to date him after all the shit he put me through in high school?” She glanced at Leigh, her nose wrinkled in disgust. “I mean literal shit—he put it in my lunchbox. I don’t know if it was his or not, but shit’s shit, isn’t it? He called me all kinds of names too. Metal-face, Midget… God, I’m glad I’m not in high school anymore. He actually started to apologize for all of that, but I told him to go fuck himself and went for another drink.”
More silence. Leigh picked at her cuticles. There was no way to tactfully admit that she felt something for her best friend’s past tormentor.
“Why are you so quiet?" Avery asked, nudging her.
"I don't know. I'm glad you had fun."
"And you didn't? Come on, I bet there was a guy or two you liked, besides Jesse. Didn't you circle yes for anyone?"
Leigh kept quiet, staring out the car window at the passing headlights and the rows of yellow-lit windows signaling the entrance to her neighborhood. Behind those windows, moms and dads were reading bedtime stories to their kids, washing up dinner dishes, talking about their day, anticipating the moment when they could finally retreat to their bedrooms and make love.
“You did, didn’t you?” Avery prompted, nudging her again.
Leigh lightly slapped Avery’s hand away. “It doesn’t matter. I threw the card away.”
Avery hit the brakes hard. Tires squealed and crunched along on the pavement of the quiet neighborhood street. The seat belt dug into Leigh’s chest as she was tossed forward, then back against the seat. She gripped the car door handle, sure she’d see a body or a deer slam onto the windshield at any moment. The only thing she saw, however, were lights coming on in some nearby houses. Once her heart slowed down enough and she realized they hadn’t collided with anything or anybody, she slapped Avery hard on the shoulder.
She tried to sound stern, but it came out as a shriek. “What the bloody hell? Are you insane?”
Avery crossed her arms, her narrowed eyes staring out over the car hood. “No, but I think you are. Why waste an opportunity like that? I know there had to be at least one guy you could connect with.”
“Fine.” Leigh squeezed the car door handle to keep from strangling her crazy best friend. “There was one, but he’s off-limits.”
“Why? Is he married?”
“No.”
“A Satan worshipper?”
“No.”
“Is he a felon or what? You’re not giving me anything to go on here.”
“He’s my client.”
Avery was quiet for a moment then met Leigh’s gaze. “Elaborate.”
"He’s the one I told you about in the shop.”
“Oh, so which one of those guys was he, and what’s wrong with him? Does he have a toe jam fetish or something?”
With a loud sigh, Leigh fiddled with her earring and surrendered to Avery’s interrogation. “It’s Jesse Maddox."
Avery’s jaw dropped. Then she laughed. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No.”
“I have no idea what to say.” Her voice had grown quiet, uncertain. Not like Avery at all.
“That’s a first.”
“Past aside, do you think he’s actually turned over a new leaf? Even you weren’t immune to the shit he pulled, and you were homeschooled.”
“He seems sincere with his actions, but I suppose it’s possible he could revert back to his old behavior."
"You’re way too good for him, and you had nine other guys to pick from. Not the vet, though. He’s mine. But I know you can do better than Jesse Maddox. Call up one of those guys, go out, have fun, be friends at least, and if it turns into something more, go for it.”
"I don't know."
"Please. For me. It would be my greatest pleasure to get you fitted in a gorgeous Justin Alexander wedding gown."
“Let's not jump the gun, shall we?” Leigh took a deep breath and watched the light from the closest house spill from an open front door, and a silhouette peering out. She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly through pursed lips. “Fine. I'll think about it."
"Well, that's a start, I guess."
“Now, let’s get out of here before somebody calls the cops. I don’t need Jesse showing up here right now.”