Page 56 of City of Wind and Lies

Turning on my heels, I stride across the closet and out to the bathroom, plugging in my straightener and pulling out my makeup bag.

Drea follows behind, claiming a seat on the edge of the jacuzzi tub. I haven't gotten a chance to use that yet, but the long toasty baths I like to take are apparently bad for the baby, and a quick lukewarm bath just doesn't have the same appeal.

"Do you think they caught Allen and that's why he's taking you out?" she asks, flipping up the cap of an expensive-looking bath oil and taking a sniff.

"I don't think so," I say, dabbing a light layer of foundation across my face as I watch her through the mirror. "Last time I asked, he said there were still no updates."

She pulls a face, re-capping one of the oils and wrinkling her nose. "Hmm, then maybe it's just a date."

"Yeah," I sigh as I grab the mascara from my bag, twisting open the tube. I rock back on my heels and turn slightly. "I mean, we were supposed to have one the night of the attack, but it was to get to know each other, and it feels like we're well past that now."

Leaning forward, she rests her elbows on her knees and cradles her chin. "Please, you fucked him and didn't even know his name. Don't act like you two don't have more to learn about each other."

Okay, she's not wrong.

Swiveling back towards the mirror, I open my mouth, wiggling and swiping the mascara wand across my lashes.

"I'm right," she quips smugly, pushing up from the ledge of the tub and striding across the bathroom in my direction. "Aren't I?"

"No," I lie, reaching for my favorite tube of nude pink MAC lip stain. It's low-key ridiculous how she can read me so easily.

She folds her arms across her chest, lifting her chin. "What's his favorite color?"

"Black," I deadpan.

"Too obvious," she scoffs. "What's his middle name?"

"David."

"You’re a liar, liar pants on fire."

"Okay, fine," I concede. "If I tell you you're right, will you do my hair?"

Drea grabs the straightener, and with a smirk she starts gliding it through my hair as I stare in the mirror absentmindedly. If overthinking was an Olympic sport, I'd be bringing home the gold each and every time. My eyes slide to the clock on the wall. The closer it ticks to seven, the higher my anxiety seems to climb. For godsakes, why am I nervous about going to dinner with my boyfriend, the father of my child… okay that's still so fucking weird to say.

"Mmkay," she says, twirling a piece of hair near my face around her finger. Releasing it, she steps back, placing her hands on her hips. "Whatcha think?"

Half of my hair's pulled up into a sleek high pony, pieces teased to give texture and volume and two soft waves framing my face. It's nothing fancy, but the sight of myself dressed up again sends a surge of excitement coursing through my veins. It's so easy to forget how a sexy dress, a touch of makeup, and cute hair can instantly make you feel so much better.

"I love it!" I chirp, looping my arms around her neck and pulling her in for a quick hug. "Thank you."

"Of course!" She smiles, tapping the screen of her phone on the counter. "But I need to get going, got a catering gig."

She slips her phone into the back pocket of her jeans and we head out of the ensuite, toward the living room. "Let me grab my elevator key and I'll take you down," I say, grabbing my wallet.

"Nah." She pulls the door open, revealing a stone-faced Dallas standing beside the elevator. "I've got an escort."

I arch a brow in her direction, folding my arms across my chest.

A coy smile spreads across her face as she shoots me a wink and steps into the hall. "Oh," she calls out, glancing over her shoulder. "I want a full recap of the night later!"

"Likewise," I say, leaning a shoulder against the door jamb as the elevator doors slide open.

My eyes round in surprise as Bowie steps out from the elevator and into the hall, trading places with Drea and Dallas.

"Cazzo," he murmurs, teeth raking his bottom lip as his eyes tour my body. "You look fucking stunning."

Heat licks up my spine, flushing my cheeks as I mumble a thanks before stepping back and widening the door to let him in.

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