“I mean, I don’t even think they sleep together anymore. Everyone knows they’re over but them. But I bet they’ll stay together, until one realizes they’re both just going through the motions. Or unless one finds true love somewhere else.” She raises her eyebrows and winks. Even with the short amount of time I spent with Caroline and Blake, I could sense exactly what Diana is talking about.
I try to change the subject. “When are you going out with your date from Friday again?”
She smiles. “Why would I do that? I never see the same movie twice, Hayden. What’s the fun in that?”
I laugh. I love how unapologetically bold Diana is.
“You know, the more I think about Blake and Caroline,” Diana says, “the more I realize how ill-matched they are. They might like the same music, but he’d match better with someone more effervescent, artistic, and free. And Caroline would match well with someone like her dad, a man who’s tethered to the ground. Blake is far from that.”
“Well, I don’t hope they break up, but if they’d both be happier—”
“See, I think you’re actually more his type.”
“I wouldn’t dare—”
“Oh, honey, I’m not suggesting that you do anything to sabotage their relationship. I’m just simply saying it’s your personality type that Blake really connects with. That’s why he was so close to his mom. You remind me of her. Your quirkiness.”
Is that a compliment? The food arrives. I forgot we had even ordered.
My phone buzzes. I look down and it’s a text from an unknown number. There’s a picture attached.
Hey, it’s Blake. C gave me your number and I wanted to share this with you. I was just messing around. I guess Frankie is my new muse.
It was a photo he had taken of my car, but he had superimposed it onto a painting of a highway and added a semi-truck bouncing into her. He had even painted a funny little scared face onto her.
I laugh out loud and Diana looks at me strangely.
“Someone sexting you?” she says, smiling.
I want to tell her the truth, but I don’t. “Oh, no. Just my goofball friend.”
Is that how I was already thinking of Blake? My friend? The thought of him sexting me makes the whole rest of my brunch with Diana extremely uncomfortable.
When I get home, I text him back.
Me: I love it. Frankie’s personality really comes out. You are very talented.
Blake: Thank you. You are, too.
I don’t respond. Instead, I plop face-first on my bed and groan. This is not going to be easy.
Chapter 7
I wake the next morning, resolute. I’m going to throw myself into the Caroline Crompton project, and ignore the fact that I am deeply attracted to her boyfriend. Caroline and I have formed a friendship in the short time we’ve spent together. She’s confided in me, and I want to nurture that. I also feel like she might be my most important client yet. Not just what I can do for her wardrobe, but also her self-esteem. This is what I’m here for. It’s why I quit school and it’s what I enjoy the most.
Love life, be gone! Hormones, relax, you’re still young.
When I dial Caroline’s number, she answers on the first ring. “Hi,” she whispers. “I’m actually at work right now, about to go into a meeting with the board. Are you available to grab lunch?”
“Yes!” I say with excitement. “I can come down to your area. There’s a great boutique next to that falafel place on J Street. Have you been there?”
“Falafel?”
“Yeah?”
“No. I don’t even know what that is, but I’ll give it a try. I have to go. Let’s meet there around noon. Sound good?”
“Absolutely.” There is already more confidence in her voice.
