Free The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2) by Megan Nugen Isbell Page B

good,” I told her.
    “We’re heading out in ten,” she said and then turned to head back to her office.
    I picked up the phone and called Drew to tell him where I was going and while he seemed disappointed I wouldn’t be coming home right away, he didn’t give me a hard time.  He said he’d stay late at work to catch up on some things he’d fallen behind on and then made a throaty remark about what he planned to do to me when I got home.  When he was done, my face was flush and all I could think about was his hands on me.  I hoped these girls were quick drinkers.
    I met Ava and Kara in the lobby and we made small talk as we walked to the subway and towards the bar in Midtown Ava had insisted on. 
    “They make the best martinis here,” she said as we found three seats at the bar.
    “She should know, she’s intoxicated about seventy-five percent of the time,” Kara laughed and Ava swatted her on the arm.
    “I’m not.  Really, I’m not,” Ava insisted as she whipped her blonde hair and waved to the bartender.  He gestured that he’d be right over and she brought her attention back to us.  “I do like my drinks, but I swear I’m sober at work.”
    The bartender came over then and I watched as Ava spoke to him.  She batted her big blue eyes and twirled her blonde hair that looked entirely too well styled for this late in the day.  At work she seemed the total opposite of what she was exuding here.  I decided I’d go on Ava’s recommendation and get the martini just as she was.  A few minutes later the drinks were in front of us and Ava and Kara turned their attention to me.
    “So,” Ava began. “You’ve been at the station for a while now, but we know hardly anything about you. What’s your story, Natalie?  How’d you end up at Channel 5?”
    “Dumb luck,” I said and we all laughed a little. “I actually applied for every job I was remotely qualified for and somehow landed this.”
    “You’re very good at it so far,” Ava said.
    “Thank you. I never expected to be doing something like this, but I think I like it.”
    “Well, I’m glad you’re part of the team.”
    “Where’re you from originally?” Kara asked.
    “Iowa,” I answered and I saw the surprise on both of their faces.
    “You’re a long way from home,” Ava remarked. “How’d you end up here?”
    “Long story.”
    “And we’ve got time,” she said eagerly.
    I didn’t want to tell them everything.  I’d only known these women a short time and it’d only been in a professional setting.  I decided the Cliff’s Notes version of my sordid tale was the best bet.
    “I moved here after college with my former boyfriend, but we broke up a few months ago.”
    “And you decided to stay here anyway.  You’re a brave girl,” Ava said, taking a sip of her martini.
    “I wouldn’t call it bravery,” I replied, also taking a sip of mine. “I like it here and I met someone else, so I’m staying for the foreseeable future.” I decided it was best they not know how Drew and I had ended up together.  No matter how much I loved him, I’d never feel okay about what I’d done to Ethan.  It was something I chose to ignore.  It was easier that way. “What about you guys?” I asked, wanting the subject diverted from me. “What’s your status?”
    “I’m engaged,” Kara said, holding up her left hand and flashing a diamond in my direction.
    “Congratulations,” I said, holding up my glass to her and we all toasted.
    “And I’m perpetually single,” Ava laughed, but I could tell it was forced by the way she took a large gulp of her martini and set it down with a big sigh. I found the fact that Ava had anything to complain about in regards to men surprising.  With her long blonde hair, blue eyes and her figure, romance did not seem to be something she would struggle with. “I’ve come to the conclusion there are no guys left in the city worth anything.  All they want is one thing…”
    “Which