“That was epic.” She looks at me in awe.
“Was it?” I whisper, my heart racing in my chest.
“Still want coffee?” she asks and I nod.
“I haven’t had my fancy coffee today,” I admit, nudging my shoulder into Edel.
“Come on then, let’s sort that out.” She wraps her arm around me and walks me towards the queue.
Sitting crossed leggedon the bed, Edel stares at me, waiting for me to disclose all. I’m not ready, though.
“What do you fancy for dinner tonight?” I ask.
She narrows her gaze on me, soft creases appearing at the corners. “Don’t change the subject, you said you would tell me.” She pouts, sipping on her iced coffee.
“Fine,” I grumble.
She shuffles excitedly and I roll my eyes.
“So, you know you made the comment about my books… and you know, the scenes and stuff?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Royce said the same thing and offered to help if I ever wanted him to.”
She wiggles her brows.
“Things kind of moved forward and I sought him out.”
“I thought you said you didn’t sleep with him.” She stares me down.
“I didn’t!” I protest and she gives me a look as if she doesn’t believe me.
“Then what happened?”
I inhale heavily. “Everything but, I suppose.”
“You suppose?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “And maybe just the tip.” I cover my face, my cheeks burning.
“Oh my God.”
“I know,” I wail and she giggles like a teen.
“Was it a good tip though?” She smirks and I tilt my head to look at her.
“I don’t have much to go on…” I twist my lips. “But it was an exceptional tip.”
Edel is waiting not so patientlyin the lounge area of our apartment. I am flustered. I don’t know what to wear and all I can think about is whether Royce will show up or not.
I stayed away from the track today. I didn’t need to be there, but it felt odd staying back.
My phone buzzes and I see it’s Maria; I should answer but decide to ignore it. I don’t have time.
“Come on, Athena,” Edel calls out and I sigh.
“I don’t feel like this is the right outfit,” I shout back.
