Gail had just gotten home from work and entered the apartment’s small kitchen, where Janet sat at the table. Hooking her purse over the chairback, she took a seat and leaned in next to her mother, who was preoccupied with the computer. “I’m beat. What are you so fascinated with?”
“Cliff messaged you and wants to meet tonight, so you need to perk up.” Janet rose from the table. “I made coffee.”
Gail groaned. “When does he want to get together?”
“At seven o’clock for drinks.”
Janet filled two cups and handed one to Gail. “You still have a few hours to liven up and take a shower. You choose the place but make sure it’s close by. You’ll cozy up to him and flirt over a few drinks because that’s what he wants, anyway, then invite him back here afterward. I’ll take care of everything once you get him through the door.”
“What if he says no?”
Janet laughed. “He wouldn’t have contacted you if he wasn’t interested. He expects you to fawn over him because he thinks he’s a big shot. You know how to play the game and draw men in, so play it.” She smiled lovingly at her daughter. “Who would say no to you? Have you looked in the mirror lately?”
Gail blushed. “His message said I was hot.”
“And you are, so let’s look online for a place to meet, and then you can message him back.”
Not knowing the area or any of the local hot spots, they chose a bar close to their neighborhood. That would be a good reason for Cliff to stop in afterward since they lived only a few minutes away. They chose Woodland Tap, which seemed nice enough, and Gail returned a message that she was excited to meet him.
Janet’s eyes lit up when Gail pressed Send. “That ought to get his arrogant juices flowing. I think you should wear that same black dress you wore for Mr. Hennessey.” She chuckled at the thought. “Remember? He told you it was to die for.”