Page 47 of The Alibi Club

Derick arched an eyebrow, happily leaped up, and walked over to Instructor Joe.

“Thank you, and you are?” Joe held out his hand.

“Derick.”

“Thank you, Derick. Okay, this is a beginner move, but it’s an essential one. Its particularly useful if you’re on your back and someone is trying to strangle you.”

Appropriate, thought Jamie.

Joe motioned for Derick to come over and straddle him and put his hands on his throat.

Derick smirked, as if he couldn’t believe his luck, and complied as he got down on the floor.

Then, while explaining the action at every point, Instructor Joe trapped Derick’s right hand that was on his neck, locked his elbow with his other arm, rendering Derick incapable of escaping, and then clamped his impressively muscular legs around Derick’s upper body so Derick’s face was crushed into the crotch of Instructor Joe.

Jamie tried not to laugh as Derick shot her a look. The next instant, Instructor Joe released Derick, who was blushing but otherwise unharmed.

“Thank you. Now, I will teach you each how to do that move.” Instructor Joe started to break down each step one by one to the rest of the class.

Derick sauntered back trying to retain some level of dignity but had a goofy expression on his face. He sat down.

“Good job,” Jamie said under her breath. “Told you this class had perks.”

Derick sniffed and said, “I’m buying you a taser.”

“Probably a good idea.”

“And I’m coming to every one of these classes.” Derick cracked a smile.

Jamie stifled a laugh.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Rick Montague, Advertising God

LORNA

The halls of Torrance Memorial Hospital were buzzing with activity as Lorna loitered near the nurses’ station, waiting. Clinicians and nurses deftly navigated between intaking new patients, treating existing patients, and guiding lost visitors to the right rooms in search of their kin.

Finally, Lorna spotted him. Daniel Torres. Knee surgeon to the stars, his main clients being the Los Angeles Lakers. Single. Eligible. He was balding, but he made up for it with a God complex and a dazzling amount of charisma. The money didn’t hurt, either.

Lorna hadn’t seen him in years, but he had instantly responded when she reached out and told her to meet him here, in the halls of his gleaming, beeping, and humming sterile kingdom. He walked up and drew her in for a hug. “It’s so good to see you after all this time,” Dan said warmly. There was and always had been a little earthquake of attraction between them that had never been acted upon, which was still vibrant and intact. Her eyes brightened.

“Hi, Dan, I see you’ve made some sort of deal with the devil to keep you as young- looking and effervescent as a Chippendale dancer.”

“Body is a temple, Lorna,” Dan said and then sized her up. “I see you’re in top form as well.”

Lorna accepted the compliment with the smallest of smiles as she and Dan stood there assessing each other, shooting approving glances in each other’s direction. Finally, Lorna spoke. “So, did you go over the proposal I sent you?”

“I did, I did, the group blind date,” Dan said as he looked at the floor and grimaced. “Got to admit that’s not why I thought you were reaching out. Was a little disappointed, if you know what I mean.”

Lorna stifled a smile but stayed focused. “I appreciate the sentiment behind that comment, Dan. But this time, it’s business. So, would you consider joining for dinner?”

Dan puffed out his cheeks, clearly disappointed that Lorna hadn’t changed her tune. “Yeah, the thing is, I can’t.”

Lorna knew he’d be a tough pull. Dan had always had a very healthy and active sex life. She assumed he was still a big player in the game. She was certain that eventually he would come around to finding his person and taking the plunge into domestic bliss. A man like him wanted to reproduce, after all. Beget little carbon copies to live on in his name. “Come on, Dan, you’re a wealthy orthopedic surgeon with a thriving career. You can’t stay single forever. Trust me when I say I know what I’m doing. You will be perfect for this date. Please consider it.”

“When is it again?”