I really wonder how James and his cousins got into the work they’re doing. Honestly, what the hell do they do that they were in Club X for a business meeting? Especially for a company like Edward Corp. It doesn’t make any sense. I shake my head. Not my business. I try to focus back on myself. I need to figure out my next steps. What am I going to do for work?
If it was up to Mom, I’d just find a man to take care of me and start a family, but that’s not what I want. Not right now, anyway. I want a purpose and I need income. I’ve always dreamed of selling my art, but my parents were always quick to tell me to be practical.
Practical isn’t making me happy. I need to take a risk. I guess quitting on the spot wasn’t a great idea.Ugh.
I need to get out, clear my head, dive into my art, and see if that’s something I can do. I’m going to need examples if I’m going to find companies to pitch myself to.
Time to get my life together.
Shit.
CHAPTER 8
Alexandra
It’sthe morning of my trip and I’m buzzing with excitement to finally get away and paint. My front door rattles before I hear the tell-tale clacking of stilettos on my floor. “Hellloooo! We’re here to help you pack and drink before you head out on your big vacation without us.”
I glance up at Ashlyn as she strolls through the door carrying an oversized insulated bag that looks like it weighs more than she does. I shake my head, laughing. “I already told you this is a me trip. I need to get out of my head and figure out what I want to do with my life, my next steps. Also, who wears heels in the snow?”
“I think we know what your next step is. Wine. And for your information, I will never ruin an outfit just because the weather doesn’t want to agree to be sunny all year round.” Ash hefts the bag onto my little breakfast table, Jaz stabilizing it before it can slam to the floor. “Plus, the first snow isn’t until later tonight when I will be tucked securely in someone else’s bed.”
I try not to roll my eyes at her. “You know what I mean, but yes, wine is good. Especially now that we have a nice clean couch to hang out on.”
“Ahh, yes. I was wondering if we were going to discuss the hot men that helped move this great new couch.” Jaz rubs her hands together dramatically. “I call dibs on tall, dark, and mysterious.”
“Seriously? How can you already know which one you want? They’re all so edible.” Ash inspects her perfectly manicured nails. “I thought we’d all take a turn then discuss the best option.”
“Ashlyn!” I smack her arm as she tries to bat me away.
“What? I’m not shy. They’re all hot, what can I say? But I guess Jaz can have first dibs. It’s fine.” She pretends to pout as Jaz launches a pillow at her face.
“Back off. You have your run of the town, no judgment. But you know maybe I could try to make a connection.” Jaz looks down and starts pulling out the numerous snacks Ash brought within the bag.
Ashlyn and I share a glance, hearing the seriousness seep into the conversation. “Whenever and whatever you’re ready for, we are here to support you.” I slide next to her and snuggle my head into her shoulder.
Ash comes to her other side, doing the same. “Yes, I’m a great wing woman. I’ll have things all lined up in no time!”
Jaz whips her head towards Ash so fast I have tododge out of the way to avoid a collision. “No no no no. I’ll do it myself. Just throwing out my claim for a possibility.”
“Alright, deal. Let’s take some snacks to the bedroom, so we can get this party started.” Ash grabs the bag of chips and a bottle of wine before walking down the hall. I quickly get glasses from my cabinet to reduce the risk of her spilling it all over my carpet. Jaz takes peppermint chocolates out of the bag and follows us.
By the time I round the corner, my suitcase is full. “Uh, what did you throw in there? Everything?” I ask.
Ash closes the drawer to my workout clothes quickly, “No.” She drags the word out. “You won’t be exercising, so you don’t need that.”
I pick through some of the items in the large suitcase. “Ash, this is all lingerie and short shorts...in the winter. What do you think is going to happen on my trip?”
She huffs as Jaz giggles, quietly eating the chocolate, her eyes darting back and forth like Ash and I are in a sparring match. “Look, I just think you need to dive back into your sexuality while you’re away on your solo trip. And if you happen to take some sexy nudes while in a cabin in the woods, well then all the better for when you’re back and on the market.”
I stare into her blue eyes, my resolve breaking as I clutch the lingerie harder before throwing it back into the bag. “Fine. Fuck.”
I haven’t worn these sets since I first bought them and Taylor acted like they were a bigger inconveniencethan anything. I guess I know why he didn’t care now, too busy with work or sleeping with other women. Who knows how many. I had stuffed them into the back of my drawer ready to never see them again. Ash is right, I should just wear them for me. Maybe it will help me get out of my head with my art and really embrace myself all around. Sounds terrifying.
I look through the rest of the bag and sigh. “Really? Not one pair of sweatpants? Why?”
She blinks at me. “Why the hell would you need those? You showed me the photos. Cozy fireplace, cozy cabin. You’ll be fine, just add more wood to the fire and it’ll keep you warm enough.” She grabs some sleep shirts from my drawer and throws them in. “There, clothing. Now you can go braless. Free the boobies.”
Jaz chuckles. “Alright. Are we done packing then?”
