Chapter 3

The conversation flowed naturally as Lisa asked all about Sloane’s life–how her new career in the big city differed from college life tucked away up in the Hudson Valley, what she and her friends got into on the weekends, and the long-term plans she had for herself. She fought to keep an emotional distance though Lisa’s magnetic nature was that of a loving family member she knew all her life. Deeply comforting in one sense, she knew she must keep her guard up while she could still turn back.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Lisa’s tone suddenly shifted as though she were across the boardroom table in an important meeting, “what is someone like you doing getting into something like this? Beautiful girl, a wonderful personality, good job…really, the prime of your life…”

A compliment but slick accusation all in one.

“I…I don’t really know what y–”

“Well, what I mean is what I said. Someone like you? You’re like these guys’ fantasy. Most people hide behind blank profile pictures or set up a persona as a side hustle. If you’re the real McCoy, I’m just surprised you haven’t found one of your own.” Lisa lent a look of doubt.

Sloane wasn’t ready for the conversation to dredge so deeply–and so suddenly–into her complex feelings on the matter.

“Well, I…I don’t know, I guess…” she stumbled, “it’s more complicated in real life.”

“How so?” Lisa coolly asked without hesitation, letting the bottom of her glass smack against the bar.

Sloane felt her defense continuing to mount.

“Well…I don’t know. There’s just like…the guys here are…I mean you have to know the type. The Finance Bros, the Gym Bros, crypto dorks, they’re freaked out by this kind of thing.”

Lisa gestured for Sloane to continue.

“And you know what? They act like women are the only ones who care about how they look, like TikTok, Instagram, whatever–like that’s all that matters to us. But all they care about is how other people view them. No way they’d be down…”

Lisa smirked and looked down at her drink. Sloane grew intimidated by her willingness to allow Sloane to have the floor.

“They’d probably be freaked out.”

“Ah! ‘Probably’. So you haven’t even tried.” Lisa nodded.

Sloane sensed how her flustered state was in sharp contrast to the calm, slightly inquisitive look Lisa reflected back at her.

“Look,” Lisa gave her a break, “you’re obviously very nervous about this.”

Sloane dramatically slumped her shoulders and allowed herself some self-deprecation.
“I’ve been trying so hard not to be nervous,” she giggled deep in her throat.

A warm smile again stretched across Lisa’s face as she leaned in.

“Hun,” she put her hand on Sloane’s arm. “I’m trying to protect you, I’m giving you an out.”

‘You, too?’ the voice in her head responded.

“I have a daughter around your age. Every time we speak–which isn’t as often as I’d like–I remind her: if something feels off, leave. Whether it be a party, getting into a car with friends, in a bar, whatever.”

Sloane kept her eyes locked on Lisa’s face.

“I’m very excited for tonight, he and I both,” Lisa continued. “But if YOU’RE nervous, and YOU feel like something is off, or you feel like you want out, we want you to go home. We want you to leave. If nothing else, I hope you take that away from this evening.”

Sloane felt a smile push across her face as Lisa picked her glass up to her lips.

“But,” Lisa continued, “we gotta make moves. What do ya think?”

Sloane’s muscles in her back rested as a familiar confidence carried her response off her tongue: “I am absolutely in.”

Lisa shrieked and leaned into Sloane, grabbing her forearm with both hands.

“Okay!” she whispered loudly, “I have to pee, but then we’re out of here!” She eased herself to the floor. “Excuse me,” she nearly shouted across the bar, “we’re going to close out. And do me a favor–refund her first drink and put that on my card too, please!”

The bartender rolled his eyes as Lisa loudly stomped towards the bathroom.