The energy in the booth was electric, and Marina had to admit she was genuinely impressed. Carson really was a master of the game. He knew exactly how to charm women with effortless grace.
Even juggling three girls at once, he never missed a beat.
When Trixie lost two rounds in a row, Marina took the penalty shots for her. By the time she downed the second glass, her head was spinning, and her heart was racing with a heavy, rhythmic thud.
Carson glanced over at her, then calmly ordered a glass of yogurt to soothe her stomach. He checked his watch and smiled at the group. "It's getting late. Shouldn't you girls be heading home?"
Summer and Trixie had been having so much fun they completely lost track of time. Checking their phones, they realized it was well past midnight, though neither actually wanted the night to end.
Before parting ways, Trixie boldly asked for Carson's number. Carson played it perfectly fair, sharing his contact info with Summer as well. "Let's all hang out again sometime," he said smoothly.
As they made their way toward the exit, Marina suddenly remembered the woman Carson had been sitting with. She glanced back toward the bar, but the mystery girl was long gone.
Stepping out into the cool night air, the three women took deep, refreshing breaths, the chill instantly sobering them up a fraction.
Carson efficiently hailed two separate cabs, making sure Summer and Trixie were safely on their way.
"What about Marina?" Trixie asked before sliding into her ride.
"I'll take her home," Carson replied seamlessly.
Trixie flashed a highly suggestive smirk, waving enthusiastically. "Have fun! We're leaving!"
Marina knew exactly what her friends were assuming, but she didn't bother correcting them. Her arrangement with Carson was a secret anyway.
*
In the backseat of their cab, Summer's phone buzzed with a text from Trixie: [Do you think Marina and that guy are actually going to hook up tonight?]
Two gorgeous people, undeniably electric chemistry, and plenty of alcohol—sparks flying and ending up in bed seemed like the only logical conclusion!
Summer replied with a sticker of a girl eating popcorn: [Highly likely!]
Trixie: [Is that really okay? Marina is engaged!]
Summer: [So what? Her fiancé is probably out cheating anyway. Why shouldn't she have some fun? Equality!]

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
I sincerely hope that Gonzalez finds the taped meeting of Hannah and Trevor to throw them under the bus....
How will Gonzalez get back at Hannah, Yvonne and Trevor for the setup and fall from grace....
Adrian needs to safe face and not do this. It will embarrass he and Norah and his family. Thank you for the updates....