“JESSIE, THE CAR’S coming in ten. Enough with the laptop. Finish getting ready!” Lisa raked a brush through her long blonde hair and finished the glass of chardonnay in one long gulp.

Jessica sent one last email and closed the lid. “Li, I’m ready.” She sipped her water. “Why are you so antsy?”

“I had a rough day, okay? I wasn’t lucky enough to be swept off my feet at Kinko’s. Nooo, I’ve been buried under valuations for days, to the point that I can’t see straight anymore. I’m blinded by numbers.” Lisa pulled on a pair of tall black boots and then poured another glass of wine.

Jessica giggled. “Don’t worry, a few more cocktails and you’ll be blinded by a whole lot more than numbers.”

“So when’s the big date?” Lisa shot Jessica a knowing glance.

“Tomorrow.” Jessica’s cheeks warmed.

“Crazy, right?” Lisa shook her head in disbelief. “But I’m so happy for you. It’s a very good thing, Jess. I’m glad you finally took my advice!” She squeezed Jessica’s hand. “He sounds great.”

“I get a good feeling about him, Li. I could be completely off base, but there’s something between us, this amazing spark. I felt it the first time we met and you’re right. I owe it to myself to find out what it is. I deserve to have a little fun.” She clasped her hands.

“It’s about damn time, Jessie.” Lisa’s phone beeped with a text and she yelped. “They’re here. Let’s go!”

A sleek black Hummer limo was waiting outside. Jessica let out a long whistle as some of the passersby slowed to see if any celebrities were inside. “No way.”

Rochelle stepped out with a champagne flute in-hand. “Ladies, shall we?”

“Wow, Rochelle, you look hot.” Lisa hurried to the car with an appraising glance at her ensemble.

Rochelle smiled. “Thanks, Lisa. You two look…really nice.” She smoothed the front of her black Hervé Leger bandage mini-dress as she regarded their outfits with a trace of disdain.

What a bitch. Jessica snorted. “I didn’t get the memo about dressing like prostitutes.”

Rochelle’s lips turned up into a frosty smile. “I have a certain image to maintain in my line of work. Maybe one day you’ll get there too.”

“I didn’t realize your line of work was managing a brothel,” Jessica shot back.

“Okay guys… You’re crushing my buzz. Can we please get into the Hummer and have another cocktail? I’d really like to start this night.”

The disgust on Rochelle’s face evaporated and she led them into the limo. “I already poured the champagne.”

Jessica felt her phone buzz and pulled it out, smiling at the unexpected message from James. Hey, thought you might be interested in this. Looking forward to tomorrow. Hope you have comfortable clothes.

The text contained a link to an article was from the Technology section of the Wall Street Journal. It talked about how difficult it was for smaller companies to navigate the IPO process. It was a great piece to plant into the partner presentation. Maybe it’ll help make more of a case for my work, especially since the numbers are so flat without that signed contract. She shook her head. Nope, not thinking about that tonight. But I definitely need to investigate that comfortable clothes comment. Do I even have anything that can be classified as comfortable? Other than my ripped running tights?

Thanks! What’s the plan for tomorrow? She kept the response light, not wanting to appear too high-maintenance by asking specifics about his outfit requirements. Does he really expect me to wear sneakers on the first date?

I’ll pick you up around two. Trust me, it’ll be better than what you’re thinking right now.

Jessica bit her lower lip. Shit. She wasn’t the outdoorsy type. Faking it would only cause problems later. Ignoring her uncertainties, she shot off a reply. Can’t wait. I’m sure it’ll be great!

How bad can it be? Just please let it not be rock climbing! A fear of heights coupled with a French manicure would make that an action-packed adventure she’d much rather someone else enjoy on her behalf.

“Um, hello, earth to Jessica, are you with us or what?” Jessica looked up, startled. “Or are you with…someone else?”

“James,” Lisa confirmed as Jessica felt a blush color her cheeks.

“Just making plans for tomorrow. He told me to wear comfortable clothes, what’s that all about?” She ignored Rochelle’s curious look. That’s right, I’m not giving you the satisfaction of a single detail, you witch!

Lisa wrinkled her nose. “So no hooker heels for your first date? Are you okay with that?” She reached out to pat Jessica’s arm with mock concern.

Jessica laughed, pushing her hand away. “I can be flexible. Sneakers aren’t so bad.”

“Big date planned?” Rochelle lifted a perfectly threaded eyebrow as she sipped her champagne.

“Yes.” Jessica had no intention of divulging more information than necessary. “I met someone and we’re going out tomorrow.”

“How awesome is that?” Rochelle’s voice dripped with insincerity. “Only too bad you have to fly home soon. Do you think you might see him again?”

Annoyed at Rochelle’s nosiness, Jessica clenched her teeth. “Well, I guess we’ll have to see how things go tomorrow, won’t we?”

“Well, we can certainly hope for the best. How unfortunate that it had to happen while you’re away on business. I know it’s been so long since that whole mess with Drew.” Rochelle refilled her glass, a haughty smile plastered on her face.

Jessica curled her toes, her fingers itching to fling one of her stiletto heels at Rochelle’s face. “What’s the matter, Rochelle? Still sour grapes over the fact that you couldn’t land him after we broke up? As I recall, that was the second time you tried and failed, isn’t that right?” Take that, you trashy whore!

“Okay ladies! Enough please!” Lisa’s voice rose in desperation. “Can’t we just pretend to get along tonight?”

“Of course, Lisa, we’re all adults here, aren’t we?” The edge disappeared from Rochelle’s voice, at least for the moment. “Jessica, it’s wonderful you met someone, but just be careful. You know guys. If he calls, it’s probably because he knows you’ll be gone in a couple of days and wants to take advantage of the situation, no strings attached.”

“While I appreciate your concern, I’m not an idiot. I can take care of myself. And if memory serves, I don’t recall asking for any advice.” Jessica sat back with a tight smile on her face.

“I’m just trying to look out for you, Jessie.” Rochelle pouted. “I don’t understand why you’re so suspicious of my motives.”

Oh no reason at all, Rochelle. Why would I be suspicious, especially after you tried to steal my fiancé out from under my nose? How could I possibly mistrust your agenda?

Jessica grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. She twisted off the cap and took a long drink, willing herself to behave. She wouldn’t give Rochelle the satisfaction of a nasty comeback. Instead, she took the high road. “Thanks, Rochelle. It’s nice to know I have friends looking out for my best interests.” She savored the look of disappointment on Rochelle’s face. Yep, I win this round.

The girls were quiet for the remainder of the ride and tension was high. Wriggling her toes in the too-tight shoes didn’t help; the tingling intensified. She took a deep breath. It’s getting worse, I know it. Oh God, what if it progresses faster than the doctors thought? Is this how I’m going to spend the rest of my life? Waiting, panicking, praying someone will find a cure? Will I ever be able to really live again?

“SHE’S GOT SOME fucking nerve bringing him up.” Jessica glared at Rochelle’s retreating back as they followed her into the arena.

Lisa sighed. “Come on, Jess. You know how she is.”

“Yeah, I do, she’s a horrible vicious bitch so remind me again why we can’t shake her loose once and for all?”

“It’s not so easy,” Lisa said. “You know that.”

“Maybe not for you. But I don’t need to remind you how much more disgusted I get with every minute I spend with her, very unwillingly, I might add.”

Jessica gnawed a stray cuticle. Lisa slapped her hand away from her mouth. “You just got your nails done, what’s left to chew off? Listen, I know this isn’t easy for you and I’m well aware of who and what she is but you understand that I’m between a rock and a hard place.”

“I get it, Li. Just do me a favor and leave me out next time, okay?”

“Fine, Jess. I thought we’d be able to have a good night. I also hoped she’d mellow over time and clearly that hasn’t happened. But now that she’s gone, at least for the moment, why don’t we try to at least have fun?”

Jessica sighed. “All right. Maybe we can just get lost in the crowd. Let’s go find out who’s in that skybox.”