Rolling my eyes, I placate her with, “That dress, no matter what color, would look stunning as fuck on you, Brit.” And it’s true. My best friend is tall and willowy, with the most delicate porcelain skin and a stunning array of freckles across her cheeks. She certainly never has any issues finding something in her size at these shops.
She frowns at the dress, then places it back on the rack. “Honestly, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m not feeling anything here.”
“Oh, thank god,” I sigh with relief. We’ve been shopping for almost two hours and I am nowhere closer to finding an outfit for the awards than when we started.
“Coffee?”
“Yes, please!”
We walk down the Strip a few blocks to the Bravado. Not that I desire to visit my place of employment on my day off, but the Starbucks in the lobby will give me an employee discount. And seeing as how I’m about to shell out a couple hundred to look good on Corey’s arm at an award show, every dollar I can save is totally worth it.
“So, what’s going on with Corey?” Britney asks after we place our order.
I shrug and absently pick at my fingernails. “Honestly… I have no idea. He says work is stressing him out, but whenever I ask for details…”
“So, he’s holding back? Do you think he’s hiding something from you?”
My eyes flash to hers. “Do you think he would do that?”
Britney shrugs and reaches for her black cold brew coffee, which the barista just placed on the counter. I shiver—I don’t know how she can drink those things black, and so late in the day? If I had a drink that strong in the afternoon, I’d be bouncing off the walls until 2 a.m. I guess since she doesn’t have a traditional job, Brit can sort of afford to do that.
“Listen, I don’t know him well enough to make that call,” she says, taking a sip of her drink. “It’s just… have you guys made it official yet?”
“Why does that sound so high school?” I say, laughing as I reach for the peach iced tea the barista holds out to me.
“It’s a legit question, though. What if he has another girlfriend? What if he’s married?”
My stomach drops at the thought. We never had a conversation about being exclusive, but I just assumed, given the serious elevation of our relationship the last few months, that it was implied. Should I really have asked if he was married?
“Don’t stress over this, Bex. I mean, it could just be that work sucks, and he doesn’t want to get into the details. Although, if you got to fuck for work everyday, I can’t imagine what’s so stressful about it,” she laughs as we walk out to the patio area and grab seats at a table in the shade.
“Hey, he doesn’t act anymore. And besides, it’s still work. I’m sure fucking for work and fucking for fun are completely different vibes,” I reason.
“I really hope you’re talking about Corey and not a new job for you, Brit,” Ally’s voice calls out from behind us.
Britney and I turn to greet her, giving her quick hugs.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, before nodding to the coffee shop. “Do you want anything? My discount, my treat.”
“No, thanks,” Ally says, adjusting the strap of her Kate Spade crossbody purse as she slides into the seat beside me. “If I have any caffeine, I’ll never get to sleep tonight.”
“You guys are weak,” Britney laughs. “But what are you doing out here? Aren’t you supposed to be working?”
“I am working. It’s so bizarre, but I just camefrom the arena.”
“Are the Vegas Vipers a client of yours?” I didn’t mean Ally’s client specifically, but for the agency she works for. I’ve never heard her mention them before; her clients tend to be more individual celebrities who need some image support.
She shakes her head. “Not until today, I guess. And guess who requested me specifically to lead the account?”
Britney and I look at each other before shrugging. “Who?”
“Christian Frost.”
My eyes widen. “Like Corey’s friend Christian? The hockey player?”
“Technically, he’s retired. And the account isn’t for the Vipers. It’s for his son, Travis.”
“Ah, isn’t he the notorious enforcer for the Vipers?” Britney asks, sipping her coffee. When Ally and I stare at her blankly, she rolls her eyes. “Honestly, do either of you watch any professional sports?”
