“Maybe it’s time for work to keep you really busy right now.”
I know what he’s implying: that I keep my distance so I’m not tempted to share confidential information. But the last time I kept my distance it backfired in the grandest of ways. And I’m not sure I can stay away, even if I should.
thirty-four
. . .
BLAIR
Not even Lancecan ruin my mood today. He’s already come by twice, asking questions about Sophia. I’ve never seen him this pushy about getting updates on talent. I left a message, hoping to catch up with her sometime this week. I didn’t tell Lance she has a contract in her hands and I’m just waiting for a signature.
I know I’m the right agent for her, and I know she likes what I can offer and what I will fight for as her agent. I know she wanted Wyatt to review terms, but well, he has been a little preoccupied.
I don’t realize I’m smiling until Stella comes in to let me know it’s time to go meet Naomi.
“What’s got you so happy today?” she asks.
I look around her at the open door to see if anyone’s within earshot.
“Wyatt.”
“Spill it! Tell me what is going on!” She shuts my office door and heads over to the couch.
I’m filling her in on dinner and the sleepover when Stella interrupts. “Hang on. I’m dialing in Jess. Unless you’ve already told her?” she asks as she dials.
“Good idea. I have four texts I haven’t responded to.”
“Your hands better have been tied up, and your mouth full of something inappropriate!” Jess yells through the phone. “It’s the only excuse I’ll accept for leaving me on read!”
“I think it is her excuse!” Stella says. “You’re on speaker, and Blair is about to recap last night’s sexy time with Wyatt!”
I give them the play-by-play, doing my best to sidestep the crude questions from Jess. Poor Stella. She didn’t ask for a sex education course, but you’re guaranteed to learn a new kink every time Jess is around.
As I continue, I realize that I’m not sure how to define what Wyatt and I are just yet. It seems way too fast to just jump into something serious, but I also don’t want to see anyone else either. Situationship has never made more sense than right now.
“Do you think he wants to date you?” Stella asks.
“It doesn’t matter what he wants,” Jess says. “What does Blair want?”
“It kinda matters what he wants,” I say.
“Don’t worry about labeling anything right now,” Jess says. “You need to sleep with him a few more times, make sure that chemistry is real and you’re not holding on to some past perception of who you think he is.”
“I don’t think I could move forward without labeling it,” Stella says quietly.
But Jess is right. How much of what I feel is based on the past? Are memories driving desire? I’m finally learning who present-day Wyatt is, but it’s still early. What I know for sure is that I want to see him again. If I didn’t have this dinner with Naomi tonight, I’d probably invite him over.
I promise to keep both Stella and Jess updated on the progress and then head over to The Front Yard, a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant next to The Garland Hotel in Studio City. I see Naomi instantly and rush to wrap my arms around her. Even though our offices are on the same floor, our rosters are so different that we barely see each other.
“You look fucking incredible! And happy! What’s new?” Naomi asks.
We sit and let the server know we’ll both have a chardonnay and water before I return the compliment. “You look gorgeous—like always. And I’m kind of seeing someone.”
“You flatter me. I need to spend more time with you! Now, tell me everything!”
Naomi looks like a runway model: large almond eyes that are light yellowish brown, eyelashes that look fake but aren’t, high cheekbones, full, heart-shaped lips, and a straight, perfectly buttoned nose. Her skin is creamy tan and flawless. She looks like she spent hours putting on makeup, but her coloring and features just give the appearance of elegance. She doesn’t wear much makeup at all.
“Seriously,” I say, “what is that dress you are wearing? It hugs your body in all the right places. You look incredible.”
