“Has he tried to talk to you about it?”
“Yes, but I’ve heard enough. I don’t need a guy who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth to judge me on how I’m funding my dream of owning my own restaurant,” I say it with as much detachment as I can muster, but by the look on Jude’s face, I’m failing miserably.
“Do what you’ve got to do and make no apology for it to any man. I think you’re incredible, and I love that you are making your dreams happen. I’ve always admired that about you, Aspen.”
“Really?”
She jumps off the bed and pulls me into her arms. “Truly.”
“Thank you.”
“You can always talk to me, friend. Tell me you know I would never judge you for your decisions?”
“I’m sorry, Jude.” We hug it out for a minute before I have to finish getting ready for tonight’s client.
I’m always nervous when I meet a new client, but we’re meeting at the restaurant located at The Four Seasons. It’s a beautiful place to eat, and it’s very public. He will already have been made aware that I do not meet in hotel rooms, and I will not accompany him to his room under any circumstances.
When I’ve checked my makeup for the tenth time, Jude gives me her usual speech.
“Okay. I have your location. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, send me a text. It doesn’t need to be a full message. If I get so much as a ‘.’ from you, I’ll come get you.”
“I know the drill.”
“Have you got your pepper spray in case he gets handsy?”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Do you have your rape alarm?”
“Yes,” I exclaim like a sullen teenager appeasing helicopter parents.
“I’m just looking out for you.”
“I know, but I’ll be fine. The agency thoroughly vets clients before we meet.”
“Okay, but still… if you need me, you call.”
“I will. I promise.”
As the cab pulls up outside the hotel, butterflies take flight in the pit of my stomach. I’ve done this a hundred times, so it shouldn’t be this nerve-racking. My mind is all over the place tonight. This is the first date I’ve signed up for since that night with Ryder.
He consumes my thoughts. I’m happy to get away from him for a night and spend it with someone who wants me around, even if they’re paying me. Every night in the restaurant has been painful. The way he looks at me, the pity in his eyes, the scent of his cologne mixed with the aroma of food that is so good it makes me want to cry. When he brushes past me in the kitchen, I can’t breathe.
I pay the cab driver and head inside. I like to arrive a little early, just to get my bearings. Ordering a drink at the bar, I take a seat and attempt to quell my nerves, and stop my mind from wandering to that dark blond hair and lips that were meant for?—
“Is this seat taken?” My body turns to ice, frozen to the spot.
“Yes. I’m waiting on someone.”
“I know.”
I turn to face Ryder, and he is impossibly handsome in a three-piece navy-blue suit. “What are you doing here? Are you following me?”
“I’m not a stalker for fuck’s sake.”
“Then how did you know I’d be here?”
“Because you’re my escort for the evening.”
