Damien’s grin was a mile wide as I dragged him out the door ten minuteslater.
“We’re never speaking of this again. We’re pretending it never happened,” I scolded him as we made our way down to thetaxi.
Damien gave me a rakish grin. “Oh, it happened,Kitty.”
Ugh. I need morewine.
Seven
The jet had pickedus up with Jeremy and Josephine already on board. Everyone had landed in the United States, thankfully, so it was only a few short flights to pick up the entire crew. It was distressing to me that we’d all landed at a childhood home, high school or other place that was important to us. How the hell did the females know that shit? It gave me chills. By 5:00 p.m., we were all at the new loft in the West End of Vancouver. It had a breathtaking view of Stanley Park, and I couldn’t help staring out the window, taking it allin.
“Kit, I need that picture. I need to set up my desk.” Jeremy paced theroom.
He did not like change, that was for sure. Poor guy was fidgeting the entire flight and kept asking if the moving truck had arrived and delivered his desk, were there any scratches on it, and soon.
I pulled out my phone, opening it to the picture of his desk and then handing it tohim.
“Do you want me to help you?” I askedsincerely.
“No, you’ll probably do something wrong. But thanks for offering,” he saidbluntly.
Ronnie met my eyes and we both smiled. There was something about Jeremy that we’d all grown to love. His personality, his quirks, his brutal honesty, all ofit.
“She can’t help you anyway. She needs to get ready for her hot date,” Damienannounced.
Maxine gave me a confident grin from her place—recuperating on the couch with Nox. They were playing footsie with each other under the blanket and starting a movie. Like it was no big deal that within five seconds, they were full-on soul mate dating. Maxine had zero hang-ups. Oh how I enviedher.
“Is that right?” I askedDamien.
He leaned in close to my ear, and the feel of his hot breath on my neck nearly drove me insane. “That’s right,” he said, then breezed past me for the master bedroom, where I assumed he was going to getready.
When the door shut behind him, I threw myself in front of the TV. “Maxine, I need a dress,” I tried towhisper.
Maxine paused the TV and pursed her lips. “How bad do you want him to want youtonight?”
I looked over my shoulder to see Josephine smiling as she chopped fruit in thekitchen.
“Bad,” Ianswered.
Maxine instructed me to get her duffel bag, and then pulled out a tiny scrap of black fabric, and insanely tall hooker heels. “Have fun tonight, cupcake.” Shewinked.
“Thanks, Maxie. I’m glad you’re okay.” I kissed hercheek.
When I stood, about to go up the stairs and get ready, I saw Brisk standing in front of Ronnie with a small bunch of flowers he must’ve picked off the balcony. They were the tiny potted kind; a few still had dirt clinging to theroots.
“Veronica Sotto,” he said a little too loudly. “I’ve been a patient man, but I’m not going to wait any longer. I know I joke around a lot, but I’m dead serious about my affection for you. Go on a date with me tonight, and let’s see what happens.” He extended his hand to Ronnie, giving her theflowers.
Ifroze.
I’d never seen my best friend look so cowed. She stood there, mouth half open, clearly in shock, expression almost fearful. I’d never seen Brisk so serious, either. I kept waiting for him to crack a “your mama” joke, and laugh this whole thing off, but then I saw the look in hiseyes.
He’d finally given up waiting. Seeing me and Damien, and Maxine with Nox, must’ve stirred something in him. He wasn’t waiting around anymore. Good, heshouldn’t.
What happened next was like watching a train wreck in slowmotion.
Ronnie pushed the flowers away and giggled nervously. “Brisk, stop it. I’ve told you I’m not interested in you likethat.”
No. Shewouldn’t.
