Page 19 of Enthrall
“Venice Beach.” He shrugged. “For now. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the place but it’s pretty loud at night.”
“I have a friend who surfs in Venice.”
“It’s great for surfing.” He peered out of the window at the dog. “I take a board out there in the mornings.”
Cameron reminded me of Richard in a way. They both shared an unwavering confidence. Something they’d picked up at Harvard, no doubt. Though Richard did seem more guarded. I wondered how long they’d been friends. They’d certainly look striking out together. Women-magnets for sure. You’d have to be pretty confident to approach these two with romance in mind. Anyway, they seemed more the hunting and trapping of perfect female specimens kind, and would very likely get anyone they set their sights on. They’d probably mastered the one-night-stand thing, leaving a bunch of heartbroken lovers behind them.
Maybe that was why Scarlet had told me to stay away from him? She feared I’d start crushing on this unobtainable sex god.
As if.
“Please talk to Richard again,” I said. “I have to stay employed. It’s life or death.”
“Let me see what I can do.” He gave a nod. “I’ll tell you what, write the most amazing letter to Richard. I’ll get you in the room with him tomorrow evening.” He pointed a finger at me. “Write something compelling.”
“I can do that,” I said, knowing full well I couldn’t.
“Let’s meet back at Enthrall tomorrow at six. I’ll stay in the room with you and cheer you on.” Cameron smiled. “Let’s see if we can get you your job back.”
I let out a long sigh of relief that hope had returned.
Cameron glanced at his watch. “I’m meeting Richard for tennis in an hour. I’ll loosen him up for you.”
“Thank you so much.” My tears fell again.
“No tears tomorrow. You need to be confident.”
“Confident,” I said. “I can do that.”
He squeezed my hand. “You’ll do great. I can feel it.”
Through the window I watched him head off back across the street and realized I’d not given Cameron my insurance information. I’d have to give it to him tomorrow.
With my cup of Earl Grey in hand, I made my way along the crosswalk and took another look at my car. I would need a new bumper.- Cameron had been right about that. Mulling over whether I’d had my fair share of bad luck, I hoped Cameron might persuade Richard to give me my job back. He certainly seemed to think he could convince him. After what I’d done to his car, he’d shown exceptional kindness. Though after what Mistress Scarlet had told me about him I was still wary.
Traffic south made the ride home to Studio City grueling, though it gave me more time to think. This job was worth fighting for. If I was going to stand any chance of convincing Richard, I’d need help with that letter. Instead of going home I headed to Bailey’s apartment, which was only ten minutes away from mine.
She answered the door in her silk P.J.s.
“Sorry to visit unannounced,” I said.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She bounced back into her living room.
What with me balancing two jobs and now starting a new one, and her nursing shifts at UCLA, we’d hardly seen each other lately. Bailey didn’t seem fazed by it. She was all flowing long titian hair, big white smile and easy breezy attitude.
I followed her into her two-bedroom apartment with its spacious living room decorated warmly with Pier One furniture, and a few pieces of Z-Gallery thrown in care of Tara. Out those double doors, straight ahead, led to an enormous balcony which overlooked a large pool. No one ever seemed to swim in it, which seemed strange. I’d be in that pool every day if I lived here. There certainly were benefits to sharing the rent.
Up against the hallway wall leading to the bedroom rested Tara’s faded mermaid surfboard. Bailey’s birthday was coming up and I’d hoped to buy a board for her. Though my financial future looked shaky again.
“Want one?” said Bailey, holding up a bottle of Chardonnay.
I leaned my elbows on the kitchen counter. “Sure.”
“I’m celebrating,” she said.”Tara isn’t going to Australia now. She told me this morning.”
“Yay.” I waved my hands in a cheer.
“I know right.” Bailey glugged wine into a fresh glass.
