Page 86 of Recon Rendezvous

I don't know what I’m saying at this point. I don't wanthim. He’s Xander. The fuckboy extraordinaire. I don't need him. But I would have liked to have him beside me for a little while longer.

No, it’s not because I'm scared of what's next. Scared to take that big step and change my life forever when I can't even find an apartment that I like. I mean, I did make this huge move across the country. I'm all out of determination and fucks at this point. Maybe I just need to sit my ass down and rethink this thing called life.

Fuck, that's what I liked about spending time with Xander. There's something about him that just made everything feel soeasy, carefree, and fun. Which was a world away from what I left behind in Seattle.

Stepping from the shower, I do what I can to look presentable before dressing in a fresh set of silk pajamas and climbing back into bed.

Knock. Knock.

My head shoots up to see Sasha in my doorway with a huge smile on her face.

“Hey, girlie. It's time to start getting ready.”

Rolling over onto my back, I rest my head on my arm, giving her an indulgent smile.

“Ready for what? Nothing’s more appealing than a day in this cozy bed.”

“How about beautiful dresses? Gorgeous shoes I know you’re dying to try on. An open bar and what I’m sure will be delicious food, live music, and dancing.”

I cock my head, frowning.

“Did you forget about the party tonight? Just think of all those things and add me, Gem, and Mia. It’s a night you don’t want to miss.”

“Ugh,” I groan. “Those things sound amazing, but that means I have to get out of bed and put on actual clothes.”

“No worries.” She pushes the door open wider as Gem and Mia join her. “The stylists are here, and they can help. Then we can get in your closet. We’re dying to play in your shoes. Yay, we’re going to have so much fun tonight!” She gives a little shimmy, and I laugh.

Mia gets a running start and jumps on my bed, making me bounce and giggle as Gem joins her. I don’t have the heart to kick them out, I’ll just have to change my bedding later.

“Yes, show us all your shoes,” Gem calls where she’s sprawled on her back. “We can't wait to be you when we grow up.”

I laugh. “Okay, relax. I'm only five years older than you.”

Sasha comes in and sits at the foot of the bed. “Yeah, not really. We're so immature.”

They all laugh and nod, fully in agreement with her, and I join in.

Pulling myself together, I stand to show them my more precious shoes in the closet. “What’s this about a stylist? And what is this thing tonight?”

They look at each other before turning to me before Mia says, “Remember? We scheduled a team to come over with clothing options in case we couldn’t find anything this close to the event. There will also be hair and makeup, since it's a black-tie event. But don't worry, it won't be stuffy.” She stands, bending to pull Gem with her. “Come on, we only have a few hours to get all gussied up.”

“Gussied?” I ask, and we all snicker.

Following them into the living room, I frown, recalling what Mia just said.

“When did we discuss hiring stylists? I feel like I would remember a conversation about gowns and glow ups?”

“It was a while ago,” Gem says, turning to pick up her phone.

Before I can respond, Ty enters the room, with what is basically a pit crew. Racks on racks of dresses roll into the room. People are already setting up hair makeup stations with lighted mirrors.

“Damn, you girls aren’t playing around tonight.”

“You could say that,” Mia says, a little smirk on her face.

We high five. I could definitely get used to this.

“London, you look amazing!” Gem calls out.

---