Page 22 of Yearn

She wrinkled her nose, her manicured nails tapping the Ipad. “Finance types—boring but big wallets. Katie Holmes with her daughter. Oh, that new hot singer who looks like Harry Styles? Yum.”

I filed the info away and got my game face on. I already knew my makeup was perfect, and I’d paired today’s outfit with a sexy chain Chanel belt and gladiator sandals that brought some edge. My hair was slicked back in a tight bun and I’d used blue-black lipstick to ramp up the style. “Thanks.”

“No prob. Great news about Elle. Hey, did you nail that reality show?”

I forced a smile. “Nope, they dropped the casting news. Didn’t get it.”

“Sorry, Landon.”

I waved a hand in the air. “I’m already over it. Can you tell Max to see me on break? He’s working the front bar today.”

“You got it.”

The doors opened and our first reservations began to trickle in. For the next two hours, I hustled hard, pushing the food and cocktail specials. The suits dropped obscene money on endless rounds of drinks, the seafood tower, and a vintage whisky I had to retrieve from the locked cellar. One of them flirted hard, andI gave it back to him just as hard, scoring his number and a huge tip at the end. The encounter gave me a rush—the type I lived for but hated to admit.

The type Adam had set off that night at Rooftop.

The thought of our encounter made my heart race. I’m not sure why, but it was like we’d dipped over the edge into new territory. There was still the same type of razor-sharp insults, but underneath there was another emotion simmering.

I refused to label it. Especially after he admitted to seeing me spy on his sexual encounter. I hated that he’d outed both of us, because it was like we now had a secret we were keeping from Max.

When I got home from Rooftop, I told Max about not getting the show, and he’d done exactly what every good boyfriend should. Held me tight. Gave me platitudes of how talented I was, and that something better would come along. Kissed me, pampered me, and gave me a slow, sweet orgasm. It was a woman’s wet dream come true.

Yet… it didn’t ring as true as Adam telling me not to give a fuck. Shrugging off the rejection, challenging me to do better, then moving on.

Why did that resonate with me? Why did I feel the slightest bit of resentment toward Max, like he was deliberately playing a role? It wasn’t just him, either. I felt like I played into my part, accepting his pampering with my usual entitlement, which stunk of a poor-me attitude.

Finally, I was due my break, and met Max in the back. He wrapped his arms around me, trying to give me a kiss but I held my hands up. “Better not—this lipstick isn’t a stain and I don’t want to ruin it.”

His beautiful face pulled into pout. “I’m not worth a retouch? I saw you with the Wall Street crew. Did they ask for your number?”

I knew he’d seen the exchange and was trying to catch me in a lie. It made me laugh. “Of course.”

“Landon, how is that right? Why didn’t you tell him you had a boyfriend?”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but this was a familiar conversation. I had to handle him gently. “Because you know it’s all fake. I didn’t give him my number. He was drunk and horny—I gave him hope and scored a huge tip. That’s all. You have nothing to worry about.”

A frown still creased his brow. Those navy-blue eyes held a bit of resentment. “So, I’m not allowed to talk to Gabriella, who’s a co-worker, but you can do what you want with strangers? I don’t get it.”

“You get it, Max. Don’t try to compare the two. Did you hear about Elle getting the part? You came late. Rock’s buying everyone a drink after work to celebrate.”

He stared at me for a few, and I waited to see if he’d let me change the subject. Finally, he huffed out a breath. “Yeah, I’m happy for her. Listen, I forgot to tell you—Adam’s playing at Somewhere Nowhere for the pre-club crowd.”

My eyes widened. “How’d he score that gig?” The trendy Chelsea club courted the best crowds, DJs, and nightlife. It was a huge step up from the local bars and dives he’d been regularly booked.

“His friend at the studio said they’re looking for fresh talent for a summer series. Wanted more serious musicians to chill with cocktails before the clubbers head in. We all need to go see him and give our support. It’s a big deal.”

I nibbled my lip. I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to see Adam for a bit to take a step back. But the group backed its own and I couldn’t miss it. Besides, I was doing it for Max. “Sure. When?”

“Monday at 6pm.”

It worked since we were all off. “Okay, of course I’ll be there.”

His smile flashed with his usual charm. “Good things are happening for all of us. You’re next, baby. When’s your next catalogue shoot?”

I tried not to wince. I was doing jeans again, and I hated my crankiness. I should be grateful I was making steady money and getting regular work. “Tomorrow.”

“Why don’t we do dinner together? Alone.”

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