A list of my past lovers as reference? Had I really said that?

I mentally slapped myself all the way to my car after leaving Dillon’s office at Lewis Sporting Goods. I could just die.

Dillon had seemed his usual crabby self, at least where I was concerned, but seemed to thaw out when he started talking about the business plan. Then I’d gone and made that stupid comment and he’d hardened up again.

Damn me and my big mouth…

No, I mentally chastised myself, stopping in the parking lot as I did. That’s Travis talking. So, you got nervous and said something you shouldn’t have, so what, people do it all the time. Plus, it was to Dillon, someone who’s known you your entire life. Give yourself a break.

I took a deep breath, literally shook it off, by wiggling my shoulders, then my arms and finally my feet, and proceeded to my car.

Once inside, I pulled out my phone, double checked that I’d input the date and time Carol had given me correctly, and promised myself that next time I met with Dillon, I’d be poised and professional.

And I wouldn’t mention my past sexual partners. Not that there were a ton. Four or five, maybe … no, six!

I’d forgotten about Ricky Jefferson at The Stagger Inn during college. Ugh, that was a night to forget.

I drove down Main Street on my way back to my apartment, waving at old Mrs. Dingle, who was sitting on a bench by the pond, feeding the ducks. I smiled as I took in the colorful awnings that lined the streets. I’d missed my town while I was in Houston, I just hadn’t realized how much until I’d come back home.

I’d originally left to go to school after graduation, but then I met Travis and went with him to Houston. Unfortunately, it took me too long to realize I was in a toxic relationship, and then even longer to get out of it.

Travis hadn’t wanted to let me go, but eventually, I found my strength again. I also rediscovered the Laurel who’d been hiding deep inside, beaten back by my boyfriend’s verbal assaults, and knew I had no choice but to leave.

The way I’d been living hadn’t been living at all. I’d become a shadow of the girl I used to be and I was still fighting my way back into the light.

Sadly, any hope I’d had of my parents being there to build me back up again was quickly eradicated when they’d called me foolish for leaving the man who’d been taking care of me. A man who’d proposed and I’d turned down. Rather than stay with them, as I’d initially expected, I’d walked right back out the door and gone to Jasmine.

My best friend had welcomed me home with open arms and given me a place to crash while I got back on my feet.

Well, I wasn’t quite on my feet, but I’d recently moved into my own apartment, which I loved, and was working toward getting the business of my dreams up and running. With Dillon’s help, I just knew the bank would give me the loan I needed, and Party with Laurel would be more than just a doodle in my notebook, it would be a reality.

My phone rang as I pulled into my parking spot, and I answered it as I got out of the car.

“Hey, Jazz,” I said after seeing her name on the screen.

“How’d it go with Dillon? Was he a big butt as usual, or did he actually help?” My best friend asked, always ready to rib her twin even if he wasn’t around.

“He was fine,” I stated, then proceeded to tell her what we’d discussed. Well, everything except the part where I’d brought up my sex life. “So, I’ll go back next week and hopefully leave with a plan on paper.”

“Good, see, I told you he’d be happy to help. Sometimes Dillon needs a little nudge. So we still on to go to the bar tonight?”

Crap, I’d totally forgot. All I really wanted to do was go upstairs and veg out.

“Um, I don’t know,” I started, but Jasmine cut me off.

“Don’t even think about bailing on me, Laurel. I’ve been out of town for weeks and I’m only home for a few days before I have to go again. I need bestie time.”

Jasmine always knew what to say to get me to do what she wanted, she always had. I’d gotten in more trouble because of Jasmine’s pranks than I could remember, and she was the biggest reason that Dillon had always thought I was a huge pain in the ass.

“Okay, fine, but just for a while … and, no shots … and, you’re buying dinner.”

“No. Maybe. And, no problem,” was Jasmine’s reply.

“I’m serious, Jazz, I don’t want to do shots,” I said as I walked up my stairs and put the key in my lock. “Last time you had me dancing on tabletops and kissing the bartender. I’m putting my foot down this time.”

“We’ll see,” Jasmine said with a laugh, then added, “See you at seven,” and hung up.

With a sigh, I shut the door behind me and put my things on the table by the door. I took in my pretty blue couch with floral pillows that I’d lovingly picked out, and the dark-gray rug Jasmine had given me as a housewarming present.

My living room was currently my favorite part of my apartment, probably because it was the only room that was furnished.

My bed was currently an air mattress, and my dresser was made out of cardboard. I wasn’t living quite the way I’d thought I’d be at twenty-eight, but at least I was back on the right track.

“Hi, Princess, did you miss me?” I cooed to my tabby cat, who was meowing at me as she sauntered in from the bedroom.

I picked her up and snuggled her close, much to her dismay, then went to feed her, which is what she really wanted. Travis had always told me I couldn’t have a cat, because I could barely take care of myself, so there was no way I’d ever be able to care for another living thing.

As I put Princess down on the counter and filled her dish, I mentally gave Travis the finger.