“It’s just … not like it used to be … you know?”
“Like Australia?” I ask. She nods. “Babe, your life is nothing like it was back home. I knew the shop wasn’t going to be likewhat we used to have because you were pregnant, but I still think we are as solid a team as we have always been.”
Sienna sighs. “Guess … I don’t know. I love my babies, but I do miss the shop.”
I hold open my arms and hug her. “Enjoy this time because before you know it, they will be grown and off to school. The shop will always be there. Have you spoken to Evan about your desire to go back to work?”
“No,” she says, biting her lip.
“Sienna. That man loves you, and I think he would be rather upset that you haven’t spoken to him about what you are feeling.”
“I feel guilty, though. I love my babies. And I love being home, but I also wouldn’t mind one or two days in the office for some adult conversations.”
“Ness wants to go back to the office, and I think Christian said he’d be happy to alternate with her about working in the office. You could do something like that with Evan,” I tell her.
“That sounds like a good idea. Levi is still little, but I want to have something in place so that when the time is right, I can do it all.”
“How about this, I will try to put more emphasis on my love life and not working so much, and you talk about going back to work with Evan. Deal?” I tell her.
“Deal. Thanks for listening.”
“I will always be here for you,” I say, squishing her.
The clock strikes midnight, and the boys shoot off fireworks in the back garden, much to the horror of the girls, especially after a couple of glasses of whiskey.
My phone beeps.
Chance: Happy New Year. I miss you.
Was not expecting that message.
Derrick: Happy New Year to you too.
I omit themiss youpart because I don’t want to give him any ideas. Like I promised Sienna, I am going to put myself out there this year, date as many people as I need, I will turn off the computer and go home at a reasonable hour and maybe cut down my time at The Paradise Club. Who the hell am I kidding? I’m not doing that.
47
DERRICK
Iam deep in award season chaos and I’ve been able to double the number of clients I was dressing from the year before. Even more so, my clients have been winning best dressed on the carpets, which is thrusting my name into the spotlight more and more.
It’s Isla’s birthday, and we have organized a spa day for her, and I need it, but really, we have to get her out of the house so Finn can organize her surprise party.
“Oh my god, I needed this.” Isla moans as the masseuse does her thing.
“So did we.” Sienna groans, her eyes closed, enjoying the pampering.
“Wonder if they do happy endings,” I whisper to Vanessa, who slaps me and tells me to be quiet and enjoy the silence. Guess if I want a happy ending massage, I’m going to have to order one from The Paradise Club.Mental note that.It’s the only place that I can truly let my mind go, usually because someone is sucking my dick. While here, my mind doesn’t shut up, and I think about anything and everything when I should be relaxing. Like the fact that Charlie still hasn’t unblocked me. After thefifth message sent, I’ve given up. While Charlie may not be messaging me, Chance is. His messages have flirty undertones, there have been a couple of‘Hey, are you up?’or‘Do you want to come over’at one in the morning. Nothing good comes from those kinds of text messages. I’ve been going on dates, sticking to my New Year’s resolutions, and I’ve been having fun. Nothing long-term at all but that is okay. I’m enjoying the company, plus it’s been making me turn off my computer and leave the office on time, so my work-life balance is getting better.
“Happy birthday, Isla,” I toast to Isla as we catch up after being pampered for hours. I feel like a new man.
“Thank you all for coming out.” She smiles.
“As if we’d say no to a kid-free spa day,” Vanessa adds.
“This has been a pretty awesome birthday so far. I’ve been dreading turning thirty, but Finn has made it pretty epic.”
“Well, it’s about to get better, my darling. Because your sexy husband-to-be wants me to take you to Rodeo Drive and pick out something for you to wear tonight. His instructions were something sexy.” And I have an unlimited budget.
