Briar squealed, drawing the attention of the couple next to us. “He kissed you? How was it? He looks like he would be an amazing kisser.”
The green-eyed monster I’d come to hate reared his ugly head again. “Uh, you’re a pregnant, married woman, remember? You’re not supposed to imagine how other men kiss.”
She laughed. “When a guy’s hot, he’s hot. I’m married, not blind. I am allowed to notice attractive men, you know.”
I didn’t agree. As far as I was concerned Briar should only have eyes for Rhett. Or at leastnothave eyes for Joel. That was just wrong. “Whatever you say.”
“You have to come to our house tonight. We’re having a barbeque. Rhett was going to call and ask Joel too, so maybe you guys can kiss and make up—”
“Not gonna happen. I have to work tonight.”
“What do you mean?”
I didn’t blame her for being confused. As a lifestyle influencer, most of my work consisted of photo and video shoots during the day. “You remember my friend, Sara, she has the event planning company?”
“Yeah, what about her?”
“She had someone call in sick and needs help setting up for a wedding. I have to hang back to make sure everything is going smoothly, in case the bride has a meltdown, because Sara has another wedding across town.”
“It’s nice of you to help her out,” Briar said, taking a bite of her raisin scone. “But I’m bummed you can’t join us tonight. It would have been fun.”
If there was even the slightest chance Joel would be there, I was glad I had an excuse for not going. I wasn’t ready to face him yet. “Yeah, but I could use the extra money. Especially now.”
“Why now?” she asked, reaching for a paper napkin.
“I need to get the hell out of that shoebox I call home.” I hated to sound like a whiny brat. I was grateful to have a roof over my head when so many people didn’t, but living and working in such a tiny space was really starting to wear on me.
“You know we’d be happy to help. Or maybe Jake has a rental? Have you asked him?”
Jake was married to one of our best friends, and he was one of Rhett’s closest friends, which according to Briar, made him family. “I don’t want a more expensive rental, Bri. I want a home of my own. Come on, at my age, I should be able to afford something.”
Briar had been able to buy her own home the year she turned twenty-seven, but she was in pharmaceutical sales, which was a lot more lucrative than the unconventional path I’d chosen. At least initially.
“Don’t beat yourself up,” Briar said, covering my hand with hers. “I really admire what you’re doing, going after your dream, even if it means making some sacrifices. You love what you do. How many people can say that?”
I nodded. “I know you’re right. I just wish I had a place to film.” Since Joel’s place was obviously out of the question now, thanks to my big mouth.
“I’d offer you our place, but—”
“You have Amelia. And I’m sure you and Rhett wouldn’t appreciate having film crews hanging around all the time.”
“What about your parents’ place?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure the network would just love that. A thirty-something lifestyle influencer who still lives with her parents.” That was even more embarrassing than admitting that I lived in a shoebox apartment that doubled as my studio.
“I hate to say it, but it sounds like you’re out of options, girl. You can’t let this deal for the TV show fall through. It could literally make your career. You have to make nice with Joel and follow through with you plan to film at his place and sell your relationship.”
“Didn’t you hear me? He accused me of using him!” I closed my eyes and drew a deep breath when I realized I was drawing attention from other patrons. “To further my career… and for sex,” I whispered.
Briar chuckled. “Most guys I know would gladly be used by you. I don’t know what he’s complaining about.”
I groaned, palming my forehead. “It’s not funny, Bri. I can’t believe Joel would think that. I’ve known that man half my life. How could he think I would use him, just to get ahead?”
“Don’t forget the sex part,” Briar said, grinning. “You wanted to use him for that too. Not that I blame you. Sleeping with Joel every night would be a serious perk.”
I glared at her. “Keep talking like that and I’m telling your husband.”
She laughed, pointing a finger at me. “You’re so jealous. I swear you take the bait every time.”
