“Yeah,” Brinley says from somewhere near the window. She sniffles.“We really compared notes, and it sounds like Knox is doing the same things to me that he did to Kathy.”
“Well, I’m shocked that a young woman actually takes seriously what us millennial single ladies have to say about shitty men. That’s awesome. Congratulations. Maybe in like ten hours we can go out for dinner—girls’ night.” I give her a thumbs-up from under the blanket.
“See, I told you,” Kathy says excitedly to Brinley.
“Told her what?”
“I told her that she could stay here with us. She’s worried about confronting Knox because she doesn’t have any money and would be out on the street.”
“Kathy says I can stay here with you.” Brinley’s excited. “And she says I can work at the café.”
“Carolina says you’re opening up another location soon.”
“Oh, hell no.” I am wide-awake. I do not have everyone out of my house yet, and I am not looking to keep adding permanent residents.
“Okay, back to regularly scheduled programming. Now we’re looking for two rich boyfriends—one for each of you.”
“Well, we don’t know if Knox is cheating. He might have turned over a new leaf.” Brinley chews on her lip.
“He is, and he hasn’t.”
“I can’t be the cheater,” Brinley demurs. “I should wait until we officially break up. If ever.”
“So changes have not been made, and you woke me up for nothing.”
“It’s all good, girls. This guy is rich enough for the both of ya!” Gran says proudly. “Got you gals a date tonight.”
“Sounds good, Gran. Kathy’s in.”
“What does he look like? Is he nice?”
“He’s rich. Who cares? You can live in a whole separate part of the house. You and Brinley.”
“We need to go find something for you to wear, Kathy. Dress to impress.”
“You’re coming, too, missy—you and Fitz.” Gran clears away the empty wine bottle.
“Um. What?”
“Of course Fitz has to come.” Gran hauls me up. “He needs to pay!”
I’m rummagingaround in my bedroom. Seems the Pittsburgh troll has opted to stay in the hotel. Thank you, Fitz. I am happy to be dating a billionaire.
Winnie:You’re getting a blow job tonight.
Fitz:…
Fitz:Damn. I’m not going to say no.
Fitz:Should I ask why?
Fitz:Might need to repeat it.
Winnie:Honestly, the fact that the troll is out of my house gets you at least a month of them.
Fitz:Full disclosure. I did that for me.
Fitz:If you have any other unwanted house guests that need to be housed indefinitely in exchange for gratuitously filthy sex I’m willing to negotiate.
