Page 80 of Beauty Of Her

“What do you mean almost right?” I craned my head, watching a classically handsome man in a suit with his top button undone, throwing Amelia come-fuck-me eyes.

“Yeah, almost.” Amelia gave me her signature side-eye. “You know, you could also find a guy here. You are allowed to.” She leaned in closer, her breath smelling of olive brine. “Or a boy toy just for the night.” Amelia swirled the stick of three green olives around her drink.

“That’s how you roll. Not me.” Everyone was out, and this dimly lit swanky hotel bar was packed. We were lucky to nab a four top as the throngs pushed past us. Of course, the men here were fire, but they weren’t magnets for my eyes. And my heart certainly rejected all of them. Who I wanted was easy.

Brett.

It had been two weeks since I told Brett we should see each other and his elusive response, but that didn’t mean we weren’t talking—because we were. Every night. We were in our lives, whether texting or on the phone. And I was fine with that. It was a slow burn, and I couldn't wait. But I didn’t want to think of any drama tonight. I wanted to let loose and have fun with Amelia and…Bridgette. Amelia didn’t know I had invited the latter, but I knew she would love Bridge as much as I did.

“What are you hiding?” Amelia’s dark eyes stared at me from above her glass’ rim.

“What do you mean?”

“You keep glancing at the door. Who did you invite?” She swirled her index finger in her drink before licking the digit.

“If you must know…” I trailed off, taking another sip of my pure vodka. Seriously, where was the soda?

“I need to know everything.” Amelia held up a loose finger. “And don’t you ever forget that.”

I reached across the table, taking Amelia’s hand in mine, her warmth penetrating my skin. “Don’t ever change, okay?”

“I would never.” Amelia rolled her eyes. “Okay, so what don’t I know about tonight?”

“I invited someone very special to join us.” I glanced at the door once more, but no signs of Bridge yet.

“Oh my God, Jules.” Amelia squeezed my hand, her eyes bulging. “Is Brett coming?”

“Wait, what?” I scrunched my face. “No. Tonight is going to be a girls' night.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” My face dropped.

“I don’t know.” Amelia popped her shoulders. “I thought you’d finally come to your senses.”

"Oh, and what would that look like?" I asked, setting my glass down with a sharp click.

"You finally giving yourself permission to be happy, to let someone care about you," she answered with uncharacteristic gravity. "But we can talk about this later. Let's not spoil the night." Just then, her eyes shifted to the space behind me, and her brilliant orbs illuminated with a mischievous curiosity. “And who do we have here?” The corner of Amelia’s red mouth lifted before she took a deep swallow.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Bridgette said over my shoulder.

I spun around and saw Bridge standing an inch from me, wearing black stilettos, gold feather earrings popping against her olive skin, and all eyes in the bar glued to her ethereal magnetic glow. Her onyx eyes, their dark effect exacerbated by the jet-black eyeliner, shifted from me to Amelia. And while I knew both women were straight, something passed between them, like an unspoken want to get to know one another.

“You made it!” I threw my arms around Bridgette’s bare shoulders, pulling her in and signaling to the empty chair. “Bridge, this is my best friend, Amelia. And this is Bridgette. Brett’s cousin.” I gestured between the women.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Amelia wasted no time extending her hand, and Bridgette accepted the gesture.

"And you as well," Bridgette replied, her voice smooth and low. She took the proffered seat, crossing her legs elegantly, and the skirt of her little black dress hiked up to show more of her toned thighs. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Hopefully, all good things." Amelia winked, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her. That was Amelia, always putting on a show.

"I wouldn't say so," Bridgette teased with a chuckle, and Amelia's eyes widened with mock horror.

"What?" Amelia feigned outrage, clutching her chest dramatically. "I demand to know what she said about me!"

Bridgette laughed again, her soft yet hearty sound that turning many heads in the busy bar. "Now, that would be breaking the girl code."

Amelia grinned at this, turning to me. “Why haven’t I met Bridgette sooner?” She shifted her wide eyes to Bridgette. “You’re fun.”

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