Free Second Lies (The Second Life Series) by Jessica Cruz Page B

shit, and this is my first night off in a while.  Why would I agree to do something where I have to dress up when, for once, I don’t have to?”
    “Because you’re a girl, and you should want to do this kind of thing,” Gloria plugged in a blow dryer and took to my hair with expertise.  I swear if she ever gave up on her dreams of being a nurse, she could easily become a stylist. “Now, hold still, while I work my magic.”
    Gloria primped and painted me until I looked somewhat presentable.  It was nice having her here to help me out.  Even though our friendship was going perfectly fine, we still hadn’t been seeing much of each other lately.  She was juggling her job at Lux, upcoming finals, and a new relationship with Vicki.  At first when they started dating, I felt uncomfortable because I had never seen this side of my best friend before, but that was short-lived.  Vicki ended up being a really cool girl, and she brought out the best in Gloria.
    “Where are you drinking tonight?” Gloria asked as she brushed through my hair.  She had created these gorgeous soft waves that I could never replicate on my own.  Whenever I had tried in the past, it always ended up in a big, frizz ball.
    “Some new place on Chestnut.  I’ve never been there before,” I answered with a shrug.  She finished my hair and handed me some clothes.  I stared down at a white cable knit off-the-shoulder sweater dress and black knee high boots, an outfit that was definitely not my style. “What the hell is this?”
    “Put it on.  You’ll look so hot in this,” she shoved the clothes in my lap. “C’mon, you called me here for a reason.”
    I frowned but listened.  She was right.  I did call her over here for a reason.  As I stripped my clothes off and replaced it with the new outfit, Gloria looked ecstatic.  She straightened the dress at my sides and brushed at the arms.  She smiled, “There, you look hot,” she eyed my chest, “especially those boobies.”
    I swatted at her. “Yes, thank God, these giant, obnoxious men have my giant, obnoxious chest to enjoy this evening.”
    After adding a pair of earrings, a black belt for my waist, and a chunky bracelet, Gloria gathered her things, “Okay, you have fun tonight.  I have to meet Vick for the movie.  Call me tomorrow and let me know how you had tons and tons of fun and didn’t ruin this date by overthinking every, little thing.”  God, she knew me so well .  I waved her goodbye and searched for my keys.
     
    I handed my fake ID to the bouncer who was too busy checking me out to know it was bogus.  He handed it back to me without a second glance, and I walked into the bar.  It was crowded in here.  With the current drink specials, people from all over Philly filled the space from wall to wall.  After several minutes of pushing through the crowd, I spotted Craig with his girlfriend, Taylor, seated at a booth.
    Taylor was a pretty girl with long red hair, large brown eyes, pale skin, and freckles.  Every time I saw her, she was always wearing a shirt with the name “Dead Leg” etched on it.  It was Craig’s nickname when he used to fight, Craig “Dead Leg” Everest.  For some reason, I always thought her support of him was ridiculously cute, even though it consumed her wardrobe.
    “Hey pretty girl,” she greeted me with a hug, “way to totally outshine me.  You look so gorgeous.”
    “Thank you,” I said while taking a seat next to her at the table.  I shot a look at Craig who was shoving his face full of nachos across from me. “Okay, where’s this friend of yours?” I turned back to Taylor, eyeing her with suspicion. “Did he set me up with a complete loser?  Tell me the truth.”
    Taylor laughed and shook her head, “No way.  You know I wouldn’t let him do that to you.  Declan’s a good guy.” She pointed passed a couple girls. “Actually, you can check him out now.  He’s getting us beer from the bar.”
    From across the