Page 92 of Enthrall
“Be careful.”
“I’ve got a couple of books to read on them.”
“I’m not talking about the fish,” she whispered. “If any part of your brain is saying this is too good to be true it’s probably right.”
“Be happy for me.”
She pointed a finger. “Never, ever do anything you don’t want to. Promise me.”
“Of course.”
“One minute you’re flashing your boss your cooch, the next...”
“This has nothing to do with that.”
I wanted to enjoy today. Richard would be here any minute and so would Cameron. I was so excited to show them the place and share this amazing streak of luck. For the first time in my life I felt the desire to invite friends over, maybe even Richard. Maybe I’d even learn to cook.
Bailey tapped my arm. “I’m sorry. I’m pissing on your parade and you don’t deserve it. I love you so much and don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
I wrapped my arms around her and gave her the biggest hug.
“Hey,” it was Tara’s voice. “How about we make this a group hug?”
They both wrapped their arms around me.
“You guys are going to make me cry,” I said.
“This place oozes with positive energy,” said Tara, stepping back. “The feng shui rocks.”
“You’re going to love it here,” said Bailey.
Looking around at all this luxury and realizing it was mine, my stomach did a flip again.
The ocean breeze felt cleansing. A wonderful change from the valley’s stuffiness.
With the boxes unpacked and most of the pizza gone we all huddled in the kitchen, our conversation flowing with the wine. Several bottles of Chardonnay lay empty on the counter top.
An hour or so later, Cameron and Richard arrived, bringing with them dessert in a large white box from the Cheesecake Factory. They too wore jeans and t-shirts and as predicted still looked stylish in their casual clothes. From Richard’s sticking up hair they’d driven here in one of their open top cars.
“I love open top cars,” I told them, bringing a smile to Richard’s face.
He ran his fingers through his golden locks to flatten them, beaming at me.
Cameron placed the dessert box on the counter. After washing his hands, Richard opened the dessert box and dipped a finger into the creamy white topping. Lotte smacked his hand, hard, causing Richard to burst into laughter, playfully sucking off the icing. Lotte served the cheesecake to each of us. There came a silent pause as we tucked into the delicious sweet dish, the sound of forks hitting the plates. The sighs of happiness coming from everyone.
Richard stole a spoonful of cheesecake off my plate, eating it with a mischievous grin. My heart threatened to leap out of my chest and splash right into my glass of wine.
“Look at my fridge,” I burst out, trying to save myself from this embarrassing blush.
Richard looked horrified. “Oh no. Whatever happened to the other one from your old apartment? Let’s go get it back.”
“No,” I said, throwing a glance at Bailey to make sure her feelings weren’t hurt.
“Don’t look at me,” she said. “I’m as happy to see that thing go as you are.”
“Look.” I grabbed a cup and held it beneath the ice dispenser. “Watch this.”
Ice clinked into the cup and I giggled my delight.
