Page 16 of Lie With Me

Like multi-billion dollar rich.

He likes to keep Ginny wrapped in the finest silks and draped in the most expensive jewels. He even gave up his driver for her to use whenever she wants to.

But my best friend still has trouble acclimating to the wealth she’s about to marry into. She still likes to go thrift store shopping with me and walks everywhere, even in the freezing cold. She still lets me pick up the tab, taking turns like we always did before Jackson Tailor came along and gave her a Black Card and lined her wallet with hundred-dollar bills.

While I’m super happy the money hasn’t changed who she is as a person, it’s times like today I wish she’d at least take advantage of that personal driver.

“I’mgoodat sex.”

A cheeky grin turns up her lips as she raises an eyebrow.

“Okay, I’mgreatat sex. Because it’s myjob. I don’t even remember the last time I had sex just to enjoy it!” I say a little too loudly for the small space we’re in.

The older ladies at the next table over turn to look at me, and I shake my head at them. “What? Don’t tell me sex with your husband is enjoyable. It’s a job! Am I right, ladies?”

After a pause, one of them shrugs her shoulder and nods. “You’re not wrong.”

They return to their lunch while Ginny tries holding in her laughter. Lowering my head, I whisper, “Seriously, though. Désirer is about making client’s fantasies come true, not ours. Last night, I didn’t have to worry about asking how he liked it or what he wanted to do to me. It was just natural. Our sexual chemistry was off the charts.”

“You know where he lives. Just show up and say, ‘Hey, I know I bailed this morning, but I regret that decision, and I want to jump your bones again,’” she whispers back.

“No! Talk about being a stalker! Besides, everything about him was dreamy. What if he ends up being Prince Charming, and then I have to come clean that I fuck people for money. Instant turn-off. No one wants to date a prostitute.”

“Valentina! What is wrong with you? I’ve never heard you refer to it that way. Sex-positive, remember? That’s what sets Désirer apart from all the other clubs. It’s cleaner, it’s safer, and you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. What if he ends up being your Edward Lewis?” she argues.

Pretty Womanmay be my favorite movie, but I realized long ago that I would never be Vivian Ward. I’m more like Kit. With a never-ending list ofproblems. Only difference is, I don’t tell my friends about them.

Ginny is a women’s counselor, and I still haven’t fully admitted my life story to her. Only my boss and other friend, Carmela, knows the extent of what I went through as a child.

Shrugging, I sip my double macchiato and lean against the plush booth. “Changing the subject. How is wedding planning?”

Beaming, she pulls her phone out of her purse and shuffles closer to me. “Oh my god, you’re going to die. I found your dress. I want everything to be simple. White roses and eucalyptus everywhere, no color…except you.”

“What do you mean, except me?”

She holds her phone up to show me a picture of the most jaw-dropping, stunningly gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen for a maid of honor. It’s a strapless satin mermaid silhouette with a sweetheart neckline and light ruching through the bodice.

In crimson red.

“Holy shit, that is beautiful! You want me to wearthat?” A tear stings my eye at my best friend’s consideration.

Most brides don’t want their bridesmaids or maid of honor shining on their big day.

Minewantsme to stand out like a sore thumb in the best way possible.

“Ginny, thank you.” My chest floods with warmth as she reaches over and pulls me in for a hug.

“Duh! Of course, I want my girl to look nothingshort of amazing. Besides, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend. Red kinda works for the holiday. Are you sure you’re okay with us picking your birthday weekend for the wedding?”

“You know I hate my birthday. Seriously, who names their daughter Valentina when she’s born on Valentine’s Day? However, this birthday, you’ll be giving me the most perfect gift of all.”

“The most beautiful dress ever?”

“No! Your happiness, silly! I really am so happy that you found your happily ever after, Gin. You deserve it.”

After the year she’s had, she really does. Ginny used to live with her foster brother, Chris, and he turned out to be an abusive psycho who was obsessed with her. He came to the restaurant we both worked at to pick her up one day, and the next thing I knew, she was in the hospital, and Jackson’s uncle, Scott, was dead because Chris pulled a gun on them and ended up firing it during a scuffle with Jackson.

Ginny deserves nothing but the best that life has to give her, and she’s finally found that.

---