New Year’s Sizzle

Prologue

Prologue“It’s just one night,” Lori said. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“You really want to drive all the way to the city for New Year’s Eve?” Trish asked. “Have you listened to the weather report?”

“Yeah, not a snowflake in sight. Perfect time to drive.”

Trish didn’t even want to think about it. She’d just microwaved a big bowl of popcorn and nestled in on the couch. Sure it was only two in the afternoon, but what better time for a snooze in front of the TV?

“It’s supposed to be cold.” Trish shivered just thinking about it, and the phone slid from her shoulder into the buttery bowl. Once she’d fished it out, she pressed the speaker button and set the greasy cordless beside her. “You really want to go out in that blustery wilds of winter?”

“Who cares what it’s like outside?” Lori said. “We’ll be indoors the whole time.”

“Indoors?” Trish had envisioned them bundled up in a crowd somewhere, ringing in the new year at a family-friendly event. What a stupid thought. Lori would never take them anywhere that didn’t provide unhealthy doses of alcohol. “Where exactly are you planning to go?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

“Like hell I will!” Trish shoved a whole handful of popcorn in her mouth. “I’m staying home, thank you very much.”

“Oh no you’re not,” Lori said with an almost cruel laugh. “I’m hereby commandeering your life, lady. You’re coming out with me if it’s the last thing you do.”

“I’m worried it might be,” Trish mumbled.

“What?” Lori yelled across the line. “Speak up, woman! You talk like a little mouse. Stop being so afraid of everything.”

“I’m not afraid to say no. The problem is that you won’t take no for an answer.”

“That’s right,” Lori said. “Now get your ass off that couch and put on something skimpy. Do you own anything with sequins?”

Trish laughed. Did she really need to answer that question?

Lori clicked her teeth. “Just dress like a slut. I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“Eight?” Trish nearly choked on her popcorn. “But if we leave at eight we won’t get into the city until after nine, and then there’s the parking situation. Have you even checked if there are road closures?”

“God, Trish, you are such a buzzkill!” Lori took a deep breath into the phone and then said, “Leave everything to me. I know what I’m doing. Just be ready to go when I get there and be sure to shave everywhere you’ve got hair—well, not your head, obviously.”

Trish rolled her eyes. “Obviously...”

“Pack a toothbrush, bring something to wear on the drive home, and gather up all your mad money. Oh, and bring a leash.”

“A leash?”

But Lori had already hung up the phone.

“A leash?” Trish asked the TV remote. “What have I gotten myself into?”