Page 55 of Desperate Needs

“You do not! OMG! You so do! Yeah, girl, get your Daddy!” Lucy squealed even louder.

“Stop, guys!” I was so embarrassed but at the same time elated.

After everyone calmed down, following the loud thwacking of Mrs. Canning’s broom against her ceiling, I told them a little bit about Connor.

“It’s still new,” I said, my way of explaining why I hadn’t told anyone yet.

“We get it. And none of us will tell, will we?” Andrea said, giving everyone the stink-eye.

“We promise.”

“Our lips are sealed.”

“Good! Besides, if anyone can convince that creep from the office to leave you alone it’s that guy,” Andrea said.

“Wait do you mean the creepy guy Jameson Stoole?” Coral asked.

“His name is Stoole?” Lucy snorted.

“I saw him when I went to bring Daddy some sourdough rolls Mom made this morning.”

“You did?” I asked, concerned.

“Yeah. He stopped me and asked where I was headed. I told him to see you for lunch and he told me to tell you Friday? Said you would know what that means,” Coral said innocently.

“Ew! Cheesy much?” Lucy scoffed.

“He wishes,” I said, shaking my head.

“Sorry, Clem. Did I do something wrong?” Coral asked, she was twenty-two, but a baby when it came to men.

“No, of course not. Jameson is just creepy, and I have no idea what he thinks is going to happen Friday, but I assure you it is not happening.”

“No shit. Okay, so when are you seeing Mr. Stud Daddy Sexy Pants again?” Lucy asked, waggling her eyebrows.

“You are never going to call Connor that again,” I said, shaking my head. “But we’re having a late dinner tonight.”

I bit my lip and giggled along with the girls.

“Oooh! I know! It’s time for a fashion show. Let’s raid Clementine’s closet and help her find the perfect outfit for her date,” Jade said, bringing up memories of one of our favorite pastimes growing up.

My sisters, cousins, and I used to spend hours at one another’s houses, trying on each other’s things, and sometimes raiding our mothers’ closets for mini fashion shows.

Before I could agree or not, my little sisters were already running into my bedroom and jumping on my half-made bed.

“Okay, operation Cottonless Clementine is a go!” Andrea shouted, and I groaned.

I was never going to live that down.

Oh well.

I checked the clock sitting on my nightstand and sighed.

“Hey!” I snapped when someone flung an emerald-green bra at my head.

Just six hours until I’d see him again. I only hoped I’d survive.

Chapter 24-Connor

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