Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 40969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 205(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
“I was, along with Nico. We noticed something was going down outside her doors. Things started to escalate; the situation seemed to clear up but then got worse. Delaney’s lucky he’s a friend of mine, or we’d have to ban him.” Journey looks downright scandalized.
“Are we talking about the Delaney who secured our apartments? He faints at the sign of trouble,” she replies.
“That’s the one. Let’s just say his boyfriend is now banned. Obviously, as soon as Delaney told me what was going on, I understood and he’s still a welcome guest.” It sucks that Delaney keeps seeming to find duds along the way. He’s a good guy but has shit taste in men.
“Good news is that the asshole is gone. The better news is that Monica and I can hook him up with Pierre since he’s finally single.”
“I’ll leave you two ladies to it. Have you eaten yet?” If it weren’t for working so late into the early morning hours, I would have hit the gym we have set up here, grabbed some food, and then started my day. Seeing as how I’m running on less than four hours of sleep, that didn’t happen.
“Can mimosas be involved?” At the rate this weekend is going, I might be having something stronger than coffee.
“Yeah, I’ll even pay for it. Ready?” I slide my cufflinks in, settle the sleeves, and then grab my jacket.
“Wow, you’re in a really good mood today. Did you just willingly offer to buy me alcohol?” Journey teases. When she was eighteen and in college, calling for a fake ID, I told her no. Then she begged for me to get her alcohol. No fucking way was I doing that. It’s one thing for my kid sister to get it from someone else, but she damn sure wasn’t going to get it from me.
“You’re of age, and you act like I never offer to buy your dinner or drinks when we’re together.”
“Fine, big brother, you can win this argument. I’ll save my breath for some other time.” Journey arches her eyebrow, catching me staring at the security feeds on Celeste in particular.
“Come on, brat, you’ll get to meet her today. Not that anything is going to come of it. So, nice try.” I guide Journey out of my office, fully prepared for the twenty-one questions I know are coming. That doesn’t mean I won’t deflect them, further pissing my sister off. What can I say? It’s what I’m good at.
TEN
Celeste
I thought I’d get a reprieve, like maybe have a few passersby between appointments. No such luck. In between facials, consultations, and the walk-ins asking for available products, I’m run off my feet. It’s probably too soon to complain, seeing as how it’s not even eleven o’clock.
“Oh, look, there’s the owner. He’s so hot. I hear he and Vanessa split up,” I overhear one of my new employees chat with another.
“Obviously, judging by the woman on his arm.” This comes from Layla. I’m busy ringing up my latest client who received a facial, along with buying a few skincare items, trying my hardest not to look over my client’s shoulder. The two girls aren’t really being quiet enough considering I can hear them and the client in front of me arches her eyebrows at me.
“Thank you for coming. Your appointment reminder will be emailed and sent as a text.” I attempt to shrug off that the two girls are essentially gossiping. Jesus, I thought they’d have enough common sense not to gossip when a client is present. It’s not like we’re in high school, or even college for that matter, when we have zero common sense along with no filter. These girls know better, especially during hours of operation.
“I’m looking forward to it. Thank you, Celeste.” I smile, and only then do I allow myself to look at what the girls were talking about. That’s when my stomach drops. Layla and Mel weren’t wrong. There’s the man who had me pressed against the elevator bank just a few hours ago, where he kissed me like he wanted me as badly as I wanted him, and the woman standing next to him has me all kinds of worried. My stomach is literally clenching, my knees are wobbling, and a cold sweat coming over me. Tyra and I did some deep digging, diving into as much as we could, never finding a single thing about him possibly having a girlfriend or significant other. I glance at them together, attempting to not openly stare, unlike Layla and Melanie. Their eyes are practically bulging from their sockets. Wylde is in another custom three-piece suit, this one charcoal in color, with a dark blue shirt beneath, black tie, and black shoes to match. The woman beside him, hand placed on his bicep, is beautiful—tall, graceful, auburn hair in a stylish ponytail, cute green dress, and corkscrew wedges. Perfectly matched is what they are. I’m not saying that because of my insecurities about myself, mostly because I’m happy with the way I am. Could I use some work? Of course. Everyone could, and not just on the outside but beneath the surface as well. No, these two are the epitome of what I would describe as a power couple: beauty, grace, understated elegance. They’re the whole freaking package.