page63 (2/2)

“No, you paid last ti to Ria’s favorite restaurant because she had a burning hatred for one of the waiters working there

Peter was a really nice guy, as far as Ria was concerned However, Lacey felt Peter was lazy and partied around tooand studious for her age

“Okay, then, but when it’s efully

Ria nodded her head Lacey believed in fair play Whenever she went to a Mexican restaurant, the waiters treated her to abundant attention and drinks By the time they would leave, she was often drunk and felt like J-Lo

Both wos

“Ready?” Ria asked as Lacey touched up her makeup

Ria hid her smile For so sure she looked her best

“Yep Let’s go,” she replied, snapping the compact shut

They always studied at Lacey’s aparth room for herself and her mother in her own Lacey had wanted her to share the apartment with her, but Ria had been unable to leave her ed into her world

Lacey often offered money to Ria, but Ria couldn’t take it She didn’t want to feel indebted, even though she knew Lacey wouldn’t expect to be paid back Ria didn’t envy Lacey’s s in life, either She merely wanted to be in the situation to care for herself and her mother Ria knew she had to find a way to fix the precarious situation they were in, though

They stepped into the elevator and made their way to Lacey’s Avalon Ria liked to tease her about her staid car, but Lacey said co flashy Ria didn’t disagree; her own piece of shit felt like she was sitting on a tractor when she drove

They slid onto the leather seats and made their way to the restaurant It was a local place, off the main strip Most tourists tended to stick to the chains and even ood the small restaurant was It was one of Ria’s favorite places to eat

As they walked in, they heard their names

“My favorite ladies R

ia and Lacey, where have you been?” Ria sreeted the discount on food

“Work and school, what else?” Ria replied with a smile

“Oh, Ria, you must always make time for fun” Peter winked at her “Come out with me, and I’ll show you”

Ria laughed and shook her head He was a har his flattery He was friendly with Lacey, but was always a little more reserved with her when Lacey didn’t return his friendly chat

He ushered theet their drinks without asking theht them a surprise mixed drink each time they came So far, they had all been delicious, and she looked forward to whatever concoction he brought theht

“Ria, I think he likes you You probably shouldn’t encourage hi here,” Lacey said

“What the hell, Lacey?” Ria scowled at her She was trying to hide the flicker of hurt in her eyes, but Ria had known her friend a long time

“Do you really want to date a guy who flirts with every woman he sees?” Lacey questioned

“I thought you liked this place?” Ria asked

“Yeah, it’s good food—period,” Lacey stated

Ria started to snap back at her to quit being so obnoxious, but she chose to bite her tongue Lacey didn’t date often, and when she did, it ith men who shared her serious outlook on life When a wohts would be of sex—wickedly fun sex Subsequently, Ria was sure Lacey found hi

She liked Peter and co the har the on in her life If she had to come without Lacey in the future, she would She had hoped Lacey would gradually ease up on hionistic

“Okay Let’s enjoy whatever he brings us, okay? No worries” Ria smiled at Lacey and saw her relax