Nomad's Baby

The Rules of Dating

"My what?"

Vicky turned her head to Jonas, whispering, "I thought you said he wasn't coming?"

"That's what I thought," he replied. Because they were content to conversate among themselves instead of answering her.

"My what?" Sera repeated.

Vicky poked her head between the seats again. "Sera, listen-"

"Vicky, tell me you didn't really do this."

"It's a double date Sera. We're all going to be together."

"Not together together." Jonas added, glancing in the rearview mirror.

Vicky rolled her eyes.

"You asked a guy to go out on a blind date with me? In Tijuana?" Anger and disbelief grew with each cautiously spoken word.

"Yes. And I want you to just relax and be nice."

Jonas snickered. "Holy shit - I mean." He cleared his throat. "I'm sure we're in for a pleasant evening."

*

Sera got out of the truck immediately tugging on the dress. The cool breeze against her hot face only pissed her off more.

"Mama." Vicky reached for her and Sera sidestepped the cuddle.

"No - no, Vic this isn't right. You should have asked me."

Her friend sighed. "So you could say no?"

"Yes!"

Vicky frowned.

Sera tugged at the bodice again, not sure if it was slipping. It probably wasn't and the motion definitely didn't hide the discomfort she felt inside.

Vicky had planned this, serving her up on a silver platter for a complete stranger.

Sera could barely pay their new surroundings any attention as she tried to pull herself together. It wasn't like she could just walk off even though part of her wanted to.

Damn.

She was still struggling to adapt.

And now she was getting thrown into the deep end.

It's one night and you'll be fine. Just push through it and don't disappoint the one person that's had your back.

On a quiet exhale Sera's eyes skimmed the ground, keeping her tone as even as she could. "Who is this guy?"

Jonas leaned against the SUV, folding his arms before eyeing his girlfriend.

Vicky smiled a little too hard, tilting her head a little bit. "Everybody calls him Whisper. He's local - sometimes. And he's in a motorcycle club."

Sera's head lowered, letting her tongue touch her top lip.

Vicky got a firm grip on her arms. "Repeat after me. Drinks and a good time."

Sera was completely silent. It was easy when you were trying not to bite your inner cheek.

Vicky patted her arms as she released the hold. "Ok, we're ready."

"Shit. Alright." Jonas pulled away from the Escalade to lead the way.

**

Sera put all her attention on her shoes as they made their way to the door. This was after scanning the crowd for anyone that resembled the blur from the bike and coming up empty.