As she wrapped her arms around me, my mouth pressed into the top of her head, her wet strands clinging to my skin. “I know this is going to sound strange as fuck … but thank you.”
She pulled her face off my chest and glanced up at me. “Not strange at all. I get it—I get it in every way.” She stretched up on her tiptoes and gave my lips a soft peck. “See ya around, Whiskey.”
I said nothing when she released me, when she grabbed the key from the table, when she walked to the door, or when she glanced at me one final time.
“See you around,” I whispered as the door shut.
The second she was gone from my view, my fists clenched, and the thoughts started to pour into my head—not of her, of everything but her.
Goddamn it.
The mental break … was gone.
SIX
Alivia
The bed in my room at the Cole and Spade Hotel was far too big. It was too comfortable. It had way too many puffy pillows and a dreamy comforter and silky sheets. The soft all-white bedding was like getting swallowed in a fluffy cloud.
It was a bed that was going to ruin all future beds for me, including the one I had at Dean’s, because nothing could compare.
And to make me feel even more spoiled and pampered, there was a plate of French fries and a piece of cheesecake on my nightstand. The dessert was covered in strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream. I dipped my finger into the topping and moaned as I sucked it off my skin.
After what had gone down in Whiskey’s room tonight, I really should have had more of an appetite, considering the only thing I’d eaten today was a small sandwich on the way to the hotel. But when I read over the room service menu, the options were too heavy and rich, and I worried the sauces and red meat would hit mystomach—a stomach that, for months, had been half filled with just light foods—and it would revolt. So, I’d stuck with fries—something I could pick on all night, as they were good hot or cold—and I’d chosen the cheesecake because I never really ate anything sweet.
I was popping one of the fresh strawberries into my mouth when my phone vibrated next to me. I was buried in so much down that I had to dig for it.
Lex
You have the next two nights off. Why aren’t you at my bar right now, hanging out with me so you don’t have to be at Dean’s? Or maybe the better question is, why are you at a hotel in Beverly Hills? (Yes, I looked up your location. That’s what besties do when they’re missing their girl.)
Me
I MISS YOU.
Long story short (kinda), I got a notification from the Hooked app that I matched 100% with someone. The % was too tempting to ignore, especially when the guy offered to get me my own hotel room. So, I came, and you could say I conquered, lol. Lex, oh boy, he was delicious. In every way. Sooo, that happened. Now I’m in my own room, spread out in bed, eating room service, like a real princess.
Lex
Hell yeah, girl. It’s about time you were treated like one.
Also, thank God you finally got laid. Do I need to remind you how long it’s been since that happened? That number is mega scary, by the way.
Me
I know. I don’t disagree. I just don’t have time for men—you know that. And I can’t exactly bring a dude home. Besides, living there makes me miserable. Until I become unmiserable, I need to stay single.
Lex
You’re almost out of there. One more month, babe.
Me
I cannot tell you how relieved that makes me. I wouldn’t survive more than a month—I feel like I’m barely surviving now.
Lex
I wish you would come live with me.
