Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
It meant I was in over my head, that was for sure, and it was undoubtedly written all over my face.
“I’m sorry.” Casey gave me a one-armed hug. “Are you still considering quitting at the end of the season?”
“That’s the plan, and thankfully, it’s not too far away.” I took a deep breath. “I’m going to update my résumé. Will you help me?”
“Of course.”
So we pulled up my résumé on my laptop and typed away. The thing was, I still wasn’t sure what to apply for next. So maybe the temp agency would help with that—if that was the route I chose to go again. At least I could count on something, even if it wasn’t exactly what I wanted. The good news was that I was beginning to home in on my interests. Now to make it another few weeks without combusting.
Work felt a little less torturous the next day, possibly because I’d mapped out a plan for myself. But you could still cut the tension between Rowan and me with a knife.
Plus, he’d brought that blasted dog with him and had it prominently displayed on a shelf in our office, the Hermes scarf tied around its neck. Maybe he thought it would help lower the temperature between us, but it only reminded me of our awesome afternoon together.
“Seriously?” I motioned to the stuffed toy.
“What else was I supposed to do with it?” he replied in a glum tone that set me on edge. As if I’d been the one to make things final.
“Oh, I don’t know…maybe not bring any mementos of…of…”
He glanced pointedly at my feet. “Okay, then.”
“They’re sneakers…that are supposed to be worn. Unless you want me to revive my old pair.”
“Christ, no,” he said, then smirked. “I’m sure we’ll both be able to manage.”
I gritted my teeth. “I’ll manage just fine.”
When I brushed past him to plug in the steamer in the main dressing area, I felt Rowan tremble before he huffed and left the room.
“What’s going on with you two?” Kendall asked as she came in.
“Nothing.” I tried for lighthearted but ended up sounding strained instead. “You know how it is.”
Her eyebrows drew together. “I noticed how close you two have grown lately. So I was hoping for the best.”
“I think close is stretching it. Maybe we were learning how to share the same space.” And the same bed, apparently.
She sighed. “It was one of the reasons I invited you along last weekend. So we all could work more cohesively.”
“It was a great idea and a lot of fun. Thanks for inviting me.” It was perfect, actually. Too perfect. “And your friends were great. I can’t believe you all grew up together. You could tell how well you got along.”
“Yeah…it’s a connection I’ve tried to maintain in this line of business, which can be full of phonies and—” Her cell buzzed, and she looked at it in frustration.
“Everything all right?”
She immediately straightened and put on a happy face. “Oh, of course. Naomi is… There’s just a mix-up with the schedule. And Naomi is trying to handle it the best way she knows how.”
I didn’t want to ask too many questions or step on any toes. “Any way I can help?”
“Yes, can you tell me a juicy story so I can laugh at something and snap out of my funk?”
Interesting. She was rarely in a bad mood.
“I’m not sure I’m very good on the fly.” I searched my brain for something to say. “But here goes. You would not believe all the hot men at the Male Box in WeHo where I met Tony Thursday night.”
She immediately brightened. “Oooh, do tell.”
So I told her about the vibe of the place and the men on the stages wearing little more than swim briefs.
“I thought you’d gone to dinner with Rowan that night. How did you end up there?”
“Tony texted me, and I got Rowan to come along too.”
“No way. He normally stays away from clubs.”
“Well, I suppose he felt generous enough that night to gift us with his presence.” My words came out a bit more bitter than intended.
“Did something happen that last night with the beach trip and all?” she asked, and I nearly choked.
“What do you mean?” I held my breath, waiting for her reply.
“Just seems a bit tense between you two this week. Even the plane ride home seemed chilly.”
Before I could respond, Naomi entered the room with her own chilly demeanor and handed Kendall a fancy envelope that looked like an invitation.
“Here it is. Let me know what you decide,” Naomi said and left again.
Kendall didn’t respond, focusing on the paper in her hand.
“I noticed there was no kumbaya between you two in LA either.” The words flew from my mouth before I could tamp them down. I covered my mouth with my hand, mortified I’d even mentioned it.