Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I also haven’t been to the house since the painting was completed. The last room hadn’t fully dried when I left for the night, and everyone knows paint has a different tone when it’s dry.
Spencer’s driveway is still big and imposing when I pull in even though I’ve been here multiple times now. Will I ever get used to the differences in how we live? Even if I land every client in Los Angeles, I don’t think I could ever afford this large house and all the expenses that come with it.
I get out of my car and knock on Spencer’s door. He answers it right away, his hair still damp from a shower.
“Hey!” he says, greeting me with a hug. “Welcome to my newly painted home. It looks amazing, Leila. You did a great job. I barely recognized the place when I walked in.”
“I’m so glad you like it! Just wait until you see what else I have in store. Are you sure you don’t want to approve the furniture before it starts moving in next week?”
Spencer starts shaking his head before I even finish the question. “I told you, I’m trusting you. If I had an eye for this stuff, my house wouldn’t be barren right now. You’ll do a hell of a lot better than I ever could.”
“If you’re sure, then I’ll take the freedom. This has been one of the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on.”
“Glad I can be of service. Are you ready to go?”
“Do you mind if I check out the office first? I didn’t get a chance to see the finished color.”
Spencer shrugs. “Fine with me.”
I run upstairs and open the bedroom door to find the perfect shade of blue on the walls. It’s exactly how I envisioned it. The office is definitely my favorite room in the house, and I can’t wait to add all the finishing touches.
“So, do you approve? I think they did an awesome job. No paint splatter anywhere.”
“They’re the best in Los Angeles. I definitely approve.”
“Good, then we can go.”
“What did you have in mind for tonight?”
“There’s some band playing at one of my favorite clubs, so I figured we’d check it out. There’s a burger place next door, so we can grab some food first.”
I try not to show my disappointment at another club date. I get that the point of our fake relationship is to be seen in public, but I thought Spencer was starting to get to know me and my dislike of busy places like clubs. I look around one last time at the opportunity Spencer is giving me and the massive paychecks I’ve already gotten from the job, and I decide I can suffer through the club a few times if it means Frills gets its big break.
I follow Spencer out to the BMW we’re taking to the club tonight. He opens the door for me and then drives us to the club’s valet. We each order a cheeseburger and eat quickly because Spencer doesn’t want to miss too much of the show.
Walking into the club, I’m immediately overwhelmed. I cling to Spencer’s side as he pushes through the massive crowd. It’s barely seven, but there are already too many people here for my liking.
Do people actually enjoy this kind of thing? I’ll never get the appeal.
“Do you want a drink?” Spencer shouts over the loud music.
I shake my head. “I’m good for right now. Let’s just stay over here.”
We’re in a somewhat open space to the right of the stage. There’s not a good view of the performer, but I don’t think it matters. Spencer doesn’t seem to care about the actual band, just the atmosphere and the music.
He chuckles. “I’m thirsty, and you look like you need a drink, too. I’ll go grab them for us.”
I squeeze his arm so he can’t leave. “Don’t go. This place is way too much for me.”
Spencer’s face softens, and he looks over to the bar, which isn’t that far from us but is crowded with people. “You stay right here, and I’ll keep an eye on you, okay? If anyone weird shows up, I’ll come right back.”
I bite my lip. “I’d rather you stay.”
“You’ll be okay. Maybe it’ll be good for you.”
“Fine, if you insist,” I say, knowing it’s not fair of me to ask Spencer to stay here with me. People don’t come to clubs to stand sober in a corner and avoid all human interaction.
I keep my eyes trained on Spencer as he walks to the bar, and he keeps his promise to watch me, too.
“OMG, you’re Leila!” a girl squeals behind me. I jump and turn to find someone who looks far too young to be in this bar. “We’ve seen you in magazines. You’re so cool! I can’t believe you’re an interior designer. That’s like, my dream. I’m taking classes in it at school!”