“Sorry babe, but it’s true. You’ve been taking life a little too seriously lately,” Candice says, at least sounding a tiny bit sympathetic about having to be the bearer of bad news.
“Can you blame me?” I ask, throwing my hands in the air before turning to face them. “I came back to Houston for a job. I have things I need to do. Things I need to prove. I’m not here to mess around with one of my dad’s players.”
“That would make sense if you’d only been acting like this since you’ve been back,” Candice says, her voice softening. “But honestly, it’s been going on for a while now.”
Logan nods. “And when we say awhile, we’re talking like, before you moved to California,” she explains, her expression one of gentle concern. “And while we’ll always love you no matter what, we miss you. The real Hollis. The one we finally got to see a small glimpse of tonight.”
I frown, hating that I know exactly what they’re talking about.
“I wish I could say I knew how to let go, but it’s not that easy,” I whine, my eyes closing as my head tips back in frustration. “There’s just this weird pressure I feel because of the Clemmins name, and being back home only makes it worse. It’s like every step I take, I’m either proving myself or failing. There’s no in-between.”
“Aw,” Candice coos, rushing to my side as she places a hand on my shoulder. “I’m pretty sure it’d be impossible for you to ever fail at anything.”
“Seriously,” Logan agrees, leaning against the bathroom counter before lifting herself to take a seat on it. “You’re the smartest, most talented, and badass person I’ve ever met. And let me tell you, that has very little to do with your last name orthe family you were born into. Everything you’ve ever done or achieved is because of you, and the hard work you’ve put into it.”
“Exactly!” Candice agrees, nodding. “And sure, it’s important to work hard, but it’s important to take breaks too.”
“No kidding, Logan chimes in. “If I worked as hard as you do I’m pretty sure I’d be booking myself a one-way ticket to a Menty B!”
I roll my eyes again, but this time a genuine smile tugs at my lips. I’m not sure this conversation will magically fix everything, but it’s at least a comfort to know I have supportive friends who’ll always have my back.
“What I really want to know is why is having some fun with a hot man who is so clearly into you a bad thing?” Logan asks, her brow wrinkling. “I know you always hated feeling like guys were only into you to try and meet your dad, but it’s obvious Fletch could care less about that.”
“If anything, he probably wishes you weren’t a Clemmins,” Candice cuts in, pulling out a stick of lipstick as she glances at the mirror. “Most guys don’t sign up for complicated. But he so obviously wantsyou, drama and all. So come on, give the boy some credit,” she adds, smoothing the nude color across her lips.
I sigh and play along, digging into my own bag for my lipstick. Might as well freshen up while I’m being lectured.
“Okay, but what if...”I pause for dramatic effect, twisting open the sleek black case to reveal the bold red inside, “he only wants me because I’m the forbidden fruit? What happens if I actually give in? What makes you think he won’t just toss me aside the second the game gets boring?”
“Well, then let's test it out,” Logan says, a wicked smirk tugging at her lips.
I swipe the lipstick across mine, then turn to face her with raised brows. “Test out what exactly?”
Logan’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “Give him a taste. Let’s see if he’s truly in this or if you’re right and he’s only going to get bored.”
“Plus, what do you have to lose?” Candice asks, combing her fingers through her short locks. “You’ve been saying you aren’t interested. So if you’re actually right and he does get bored, wouldn’t that be doing you a favor?”
I shake my head. “You can’t be serious. This idea is crazy, you know that right?”
“Maybe, but what if we’re actually onto something here?” Logan asks as Candice nods in agreement.
“Come on Holls, what’s the worst that could happen?” Logan pushes.
I’m unfortunately far too aware of all the things that could happen if I give in to Fletcher and what he’s been tempting me with. But I refuse to say any of it out loud. I’ve spent so long convincing everyone—myself included—that I’m not interested. The second I admit the truth, the mask slips, and everyone will officially see just how full of shit I’ve been.
“Fine,” I huff, throwing my hands in the air. “You guys win.”
“Wait, seriously?” Logan asks, her mouth dropping open as she hops off the counter.
“Well, like you ladies said, what’s the worst that could happen?” I ask, sounding much braver than I actually feel.
They exchange excited glances, their smiles practically fueling me forward.
Before they can say another word, or before I can freak myself out, I march myself out of the bathroom and back toward the loud, crowded bar.
What the hell am I doing and who took over my body?
This isn’t me. I’m not the kind of woman who gives into her desires. Especially not while barreling through a crowd toward a man I know I shouldn’t be kissing. I’m normally the queen of logic and self control, but tonight that side of me has clearly taken a backseat.
