With the curling iron in hand, Janet wrapped sections of Gail’s long blond hair around the barrel and pressed the mist button. That little bit of moisture would set the ringlets in place, and the curl would stay longer.
“You look beautiful, honey. Now put on your makeup and earrings while I get your dress and heels out of the closet.”
Minutes later, Janet checked the time—6:59. “You should go now. By the time you get there, find a parking spot, and go in, it’ll be ten after seven. You want him to know you aren’t a pushover, and that’ll make him try harder to impress you.” Janet handed her daughter the keys. “Remember, make him unable to resist you and find a way to text me when you’re heading back.”
“How do I look?” Gail asked as she walked to the door.
“You look like the kind of woman that most men would do a double take over. Go knock them dead and make Mr. Hotshot jealous right out of the gate.”
A twelve-car parking lot sat behind the apartment building where Gail lived temporarily. Cornerstone had no idea Janet lived there, too, but with everything paid for by the employer, it was very affordable for them to travel from state to state together and accomplish their main goals of eliminating everyone who reminded Janet of her former husband, David.
Gail walked outside and clicked the key fob. The Sienna’s lights flashed in the first space to the left of the door. Inside the van and behind the wheel, Gail pulled up the map to Woodland Tap and hit the blue start button. The map’s audio assistant guided her there—a short five-block distance. She circled the block twice before she found a parking spot then slid in easily only three buildings away from the bar. Using the visor’s mirror, she gave herself one more application of lip gloss before exiting the van. It was time to impress Cliff Howard. Gail quickly texted Janet to confirm that she’d arrived, and a thumbs-up text came back. It was nine minutes after seven.
After slipping her phone into her purse and making sure it was set to vibrate, Gail climbed out of the van, smoothed her dress, and locked the doors at her back. Cliff’s demise was right around the corner, and in an hour or two, it would be over. He wouldn’t see it coming.
Gail entered the bar and immediately heard a band playing a sultry blues tune. She remembered reading that one of the draws to that neighborhood tap were the weekly bands that frequented the establishment. It was the perfect ambience for that night. She scanned the bar and bar tables, then she saw him. Cliff sat on a small loveseat near the corner stage and only feet from the musicians. Luckily, they played softly. He immediately locked eyes with her when she crossed the room, and he gave her a slow up-and-down once-over. It made her skin crawl. He patted the cushion at his side and puckered his lips. Cliff Howard definitely needed to die.
She reached out to shake his hand, and he pulled her in for a kiss. Gail turned her head, and he got her cheek.
Cliff laughed. “Spunky, aren’t you?”
Gail took a seat next to him. “Actually, I’d call it proper. I don’t even know you yet.”
“Well”—he licked his lips—“we can certainly fix that. Let me tell you all about myself.”
Gail smiled. “I’ll have a glass of Malbec first. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your story.”
At eight o’clock, Gail excused herself to go to the ladies’ room, where she called Janet. “I’m on my second glass of wine, Mom, and he’s still bragging about himself.”
“Has he made any subtle suggestions?”
Gail snickered. “Believe me, that jerk is far from subtle, but yeah.”
“What has he been drinking?”
“He’s had two glasses of Scotch on the rocks, and he’s becoming more disgusting as time goes on. I hope you have a plan in mind.”
“I have a wonderful plan, honey, so don’t you worry about it. Have one more glass of wine and then suggest continuing the evening at your apartment. Make sure he rides with you. Tell him you’ll drop him off at his car later.”
“Okay. I better get back out there, and I’ll text you when we leave.”
Returning to the loveseat, Gail saw that Cliff had already ordered another Scotch during her absence. That was fine with her since his reaction time would be greatly reduced if he was half in the bag. She would pass on that third glass of wine, and as much as she despised doing it, she needed to get the seduction ball rolling.
“I have to admit, Cliff, you really intrigue me.” She tried to blush. “I believe I’m smitten with you already. I can tell you’re a man who has a lot to offer a woman.” She parted her lips then ran her tongue across the bottom one. “You’re so handsome, and I can’t believe your physique, so strong and muscular. You’re amazing.”
“Well, Lynn, you haven’t seen the half of it.”
She squeezed his leg. “I bet I haven’t, but I’d like to.”
His eyes lit up. “So what are you proposing, little lady? Want to check out my bachelor pad?”
She raised a brow toward the door. “I have a better idea. I only live a few blocks from here. I’ll drive and then bring you back to your car later. Unfortunately, all the parking spots at my apartment are designated spaces for tenants only.”
“It would be much more convenient to come to my house. It’s very inviting, plus I’m a great host.”
She held her ground. “I’m sure you are, but I don’t go to men’s houses on the first date.”
He groaned. “Fine, and you don’t mind driving me back?”
“Of course not. I won’t regret inviting you over, will I?”
He snickered. “I can show you things I bet you’ve never experienced.”
She gave him her most seductive smile. “And I can too. Shall we?”
“Give me a minute to settle the bill.”
“Sure, I’m not going anywhere.” Gail waited until he was at the bar with his back turned before texting Janet.
“We’re leaving in a few minutes. Everything is good to go.”
A return message popped up just before Gail dropped her phone into her purse.
“I’ll be waiting with the lights dimmed, and make sure he walks in first.”
When Cliff came back her way, Gail stood. “Ready?”
“I’m always ready, babe.”
She led the way out the door and pointed at the Sienna parked three buildings down. “That’s me.”
He laughed. “A van? Hell, we don’t even have to go anywhere. Just lay down the seats.”
She snapped her head toward him. “Are you looking to date somebody or just hook up?”
Cliff huffed. “With my money and swag, most women would be proud to tell all their friends they hooked up with me.”
“Well, I’m not most women. You’ll find out soon enough that I’m far different than everyone else.”
“Good.” He pulled open the passenger door. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. I can’t wait to walk through your door.”
Gail sneered. “I can’t either.”