“Are you going to help me or not?” I ask, exasperated.
“Have some patience. I’m in shock at the moment.”
“Are you done, drama queen?”
“Not quite yet. I need a few more minutes.”
“While you’re recovering, I’m going to head to the mall.”
“Don’t you dare. You can’t be trusted to shop on your own.”
“Well, let’s go. I don’t have that much time.”
“Where are you going?”
“Art basically demanded I go as his date to a charity event.”
“The lines are becoming blurred between you two.”
“It’s like we’re in a relationship.”
“This arrangement is a means to an end. It’s an illusion.”
“I know.”
“Don’t lose sight of your goal. I hate to see you get hurt.”
I’m already in too deep, but I can’t tell Anneli that. What the hell am I going to do once it’s over?
“It’s fine. I know what I’m doing.” Maybe I’ll believe the lie if I say it enough.
“Please tell me you’re on birth control.”
“I’m on the Depo shot.”
I don’t trust myself to take pills every day on time.
“Good. What’s your spending limit?”
“Five thousand dollars.”
Anneli lets out a long whistle. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
“It’s already noon, shit. I have to be back home by four.”
“I got this. I’ll be there in twenty.”
“See you then.”
I’m breaking my own damn rules. I hadn’t planned on inviting Cin tonight. What the hell am I thinking? I’ve been treating her like she’s my fucking girlfriend, and Mason has become attached to her and Sebastian. It’ll be a shock to everyone here for sure, since I’ve never brought a date to any of these functions in the past. I’m attempting to be sociable with the group at the table, but I’m bored to death and not listening to a word being said. I sit between Leonard and Damon. The former owns several nightclubs across Florida, and the latter is the heir to Lux International Airlines. I made the mistake of accepting an invitation to Leonard’s club once, and he’s been asking to hang out again every time we’ve run into each other since. The two are best friends. I guess they’re looking to turn their duo into a trio, but I’m far from interested. Josh hit the streets with them almost daily during his stay. I only came tonight because, despite being a prick, I believe in contributing to a noble cause, and paying fifteen thousand per plate is pennies to me.
“So, what do you say?” Damon asks.
“About?”
“Coming to my birthday party at Opulence.”
One of Leonard’s establishments.
