I sighed heavily. “I honestly have no idea. Haven’t been able to reach her all day.”

“Uh oh, again. Trouble in paradise?” Annie asked. There was an undercurrent to her voice.

It touched a nerve. “What the hell happened between the two of you anyway?”

“Aw, c’mon Harley. Don’t take your frustration with Aerin out on me,” Annie answered sharply.

I could hear Katy in the background, “Okay girls, back to your corners.”

She got on the phone, “Don’t worry Harley. I’m sure there’s an explanation for things. You’ll see each other tonight, right? Over in Helena’s club?”

I blew another breath out irritably, “I dunno Katy. I hope so. This day has been so weird. I honestly feel like bagging it tonight. Given how everything’s gone today, I don’t want to risk experiencing worse.”

“Don’t be like that Harley,” Katy answered in soothing tones. “Come join your girls, will ya? Wear something to make all those lesbians drop their mouths. Maybe a little dancing and partying will turn things for the better tonight?”

Annie got on the phone, “Yeah, Harley. Bury the hatchet? Come strut your stuff with us tonight. My last weekend before I get tied down, remember? Let’s party, baby!”

I sighed.

Shirley was mouthing also, “Yeah Harley, join your friends tonight. Have some fun with them.”

I answered reluctantly, “Oh … okay. What time are we meeting up? What’s the plan?”

After we agreed on what we were going to do, we ended the call.

After half an hour of chatting with Sheryl, I begged off and went home. I was still feeling out of sorts and saw that I had about two hours or so yet before I needed to get ready to meet up with the girls for a quick dinner at a Mexican place in WeHo. We planned to head to Helena’s club in time to hear Alice’s band play.

I stripped and put a running outfit on. Maybe burning off all this anxiety with a run will do me a world of good.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I was standing by one of the VIP tables of the club, chatting with Shane and Helena, when I saw her finally walk out of the long hallway that led from the front door to the club to the dance floor. The VIP tables were a level up, ringing the perimeter of the club.