For this being her baby shower, she doesn’t seem to get much say.
“We’ll also provide water for those who don’t drink.” I can see the relief on Brooklyn’s face.
“What do we need to do now?” Nicole asks and takes a step closer to me.
“You’ll need to sign the contract and pay the deposit. After that, you’re good to go.”
“Perfect.” She heads toward the door and shockingly holds it open for her friend. “The shower will be amazing.”
“You can join me in the office and I’ll get the contract printed up.”
I lead them toward the office and gesture for them to take a seat in the two chairs in front of my desk while I draft the contract.
The two women talk amongst themselves, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to not have to listen to Nicole hit on me. Wow, I think that’s the first time I’ve not wanted someone to try to get my attention. What is happening to me?
As soon as the papers are printed, I slide them over the desk to Nicole and have her put down her information and sign them. I probably should have given them to Brooklyn, but I can tell she’s not the one who runs the show.
She stands up before sliding them back to me. As soon as Brooklyn is far enough away from the desk, she whispers, “I put my cell phone number on there, so call me for anything you need.”
Her attempt at making her voice husky isn’t great, and it’s a sure sign nothing will ever happen with this woman. “Uh, thanks?” I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say to that.
I hold up a hand to wave goodbye as the two of them leave the office. The polite thing would be to walk them out, but I don’t have it in me. Besides, I have a feeling Nicole would make it awkward, and that’s the last thing I want.
As soon as I no longer hear their voices, I breathe a sigh of relief and head back to the desk. For my second event consultation, it wasn’t too bad. Well, aside from Nicole trying to get my attention in the worst ways possible. That I could have done without.
Opening up the calendar I start putting in the shower details. Piper will murder me if I don’t get it done right away. Since I’ve taken this new position, I don’t know who is worse, Piper or Pierce. Both of them intimidate me more than they ever have.
I shove those thoughts aside and continue putting in the details for the baby shower. I really hope Brooklyn is happy with the location. It’s not my place, but she looked so unsure of everything. Maybe she was uncomfortable because of the pregnancy? I’ve never been around a pregnant woman and don’t know the different expressions. But…this seemed more like her supposed best friend making decisions for her based on her own wants instead of what’s good for her friend.
I shouldn’t be letting this get to me, I know that. It’s hard not to though. Just because I only do one night stands, doesn’t mean I don’t care about other people.
“Why do you have that look on your face?” Phillip, one of my older brothers, asks as he comes into the office.
“What do you mean?”
“Like someone just pissed in your cereal.”
Of course, he’d come in when I’m deep in thought.
“One of the women from my event consultation.” I can’t help rolling my eyes. “She was so freaking self-involved. But that’s not the worst of it. She made sure to let me know I could use her phone number for anything.” I use air quotes in the last worst.
“And you didn’t take her up on that offer?”
“She’s not my type.” Laughter bursts out from him. “What the hell is so funny?”
“Nothing,” he wheezes while trying to catch his breath. “It’s just that…well, I wasn’t aware you had a type.”
Of course I do. Everyone does. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Phillip pulls one of the chairs behind the desk and sits next to me. “No offense, but I’ve never seen you turn down a prospective date. Not once. The fact you did means you’re dating someone. Or, you’ve been body swapped.” He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “So, which is it?”
Do I tell him about the proposition with Jasmin? It’s not really any of his business, but maybe it’ll get him to stop giving me crap. On the other hand, he may get the wrong idea and think me and Jasmin are something more than we are. Screw it. I need to talk it out with someone and that person can’t be Piper or Paul. They are both coupled up and will read into more than they should.
“Last time I checked I’m still me.” I type in the last details of the shower and close the window. “But, I am going to be the plus one for a wedding.”
He straightens his back and studies me. “Please tell me it’s not for the wedding we’re hosting.”
“It is.”
