Free The Revolution by S.L. Scott Page A

Exasperated, I say to Rochelle, “I have so much to talk about.”
    She laughs. “I have so much to talk about too, but you go first.”
    I slide into my chair and scoot up to the table. “Did you order wine?”
    “I did. Of course. This isn’t my first rodeo.” I laugh just as two glasses of wine arrive along with the bottle in an ice bucket. “You go first,” she says.
    “I spent the night with Kaz and then I spent another.”
    “That was fast,” she says, relaxing back with the menu in hand as if she expected it all along. Maybe she did. “How do you feel about that?”
    I reach for my glass of wine, needing someone else’s perspective on the situation. Rochelle will never utter a word to anyone about it, so I know I can trust her. “I like him, Ro. Is it too soon? Am I just confused because of the breakup with Mark?”
    She leans forward. “Not too soon if you don’t regret it.”
    “I don’t, but I feel like I should.”
    “Why? You’re both recently single, young, hot. You’re both creative types. Sounds like a match made in Hollywood Heaven.”
    The waitress arrives, takes our orders, and tops up our glasses. When she leaves, Rochelle says, “You’ve dated someone famous and understand the baggage that comes with that fame. Be upfront with him and demand the same from him. Secrets destroy happiness.”
    “That’s why they’re secrets.”
    Our salads are delivered, but my stomach is in knots. She adds, “You’ve worked hard to build your reputation and career. It’s very admirable.”
    “Thank you.” Thinking of Kaz, I ask, “Are we moving too quickly?”
    “You both just broke up with your others, but that doesn’t mean it should dictate your future relationships. Do what feels right.”
    I nod in agreement because she’s right. “Maybe we should slow down.” I’m starved and start eating like it’s going to be stolen from me.
    “So what if you didn’t. We’re adults and if it felt good and no one was hurt, just keep doing what you’re doing. Anyway, I like you two together. And Mark is on the same page now?”
    “I think he understands we’re done.”
    “You think?” she asks, her fork clanging against the porcelain plate.
    “We are. We’re done.”
    Her eyes are set, her complete attention on me. “What is going on, Lara?”
    “Nothing,” I lie, not wanting to expose the dirty details with Mark. “I told you. I slept with Kaz, and it was great.”
    “You actually didn’t tell me the sex was great, so good to know, and ick. He’s like a brother to me.”
    I laugh, and roll my eyes. “One minute you’re pushing me on him and the next you’re grossed out.”
    “Yeah, I want you together, but I don’t want the details.” Now she’s laughing.
    “Good, because I don’t want to share them.”
    The laughter stops and a wave of heaviness rolls in. When I look up she asks, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
    “I’m sure.” I’m lying. I’m shaken and a little wounded on the outside and a lot on the inside, but my shame feels more powerful at the moment. I never thought I’d find myself in this situation. It’s embarrassing to admit, so I put on a smile for her, and say, “I’m fine.”
    “It’s good to see you happy again. You deserve it. You deserve someone who treats you with respect. As for the details, maybe a few. I need to live vicariously for a few minutes before I return to mommyhood.”
    In minutes, spending time with my friend has turned around my whole day. I feel so much better than I did after saying I would be Mark’s friend last night. My relationship with him is thick with deceit. It’s nice to have the reprieve.
     

     
    I PARK JUST inside the gate. There are no other cars at Kaz’s new house, so I’m not sure if I should wait in my car or see if the door is open for me. I decide to get out and walk up. The house is great, a beautiful Mediterranean. From the outside, it’s one I’d be interested in if I was in the market to buy a