Page 4 of Click of Fate

Cassie giggles and I blow Layla a kiss. “You would make a fantastic gigolo, though.”

Layla picks up a stress ball that’s shaped like a banana and throws it at me. I catch with ease.

“That’s it. You need to get laid, Stell,” Cassie declares.

I snort. “No shit,” I mutter, glaring down at the squishy banana as I squeeze it.

“You know the best place to meet guys looking for hookups?” Cassie asks.

“The bar?” I ask.

Layla says, “Weddings?”

“Ding, ding, ding! Layla wins the round.” Cassie points to her. I start to open my mouth to point out I’m not a wedding crasher when Cassie adds, “No joke, groomsmen are a horny bunch. Just picture it—pun intended. The sexy, cynical wedding photographer catches the eye of the recently heartbroken best man, they strike up a conversation, share a drink after she finishes capturing the most beautiful wedding ever, and then…he invites her to his hotel room for a dip into the minibar. One thing leads to another…”

“And they live happily ever after,” Layla adds.

“No, not in this story, Lays. Remember, our girl is allergic to feelings.” Cassie nods in my direction.

Layla nods in agreement, and I reject the thought. “Am not!” It’s my turn to throw the banana across the room.

“Are too.” Cassie laughs and sticks her tongue out when the stress banana hits her in the chest.

“I just don’t subscribe to the whole theory of love. You know this.”

“Hence why she called you a cynic,” Layla says softly.

I pretend growl at her. “At least I’m not a screamer.”

“Oh, my God. I’m not loud when I have sex!” Layla yells. We all break out in laughter.

“For real, though. Am I loud when Cole is here?” Layla looks as if she’s about to freak the fuck out.

Cassie gives her a reassuring smile. “No, girl. I would have told you already. I was just giving you are hard time.”

Layla visibly deflates with relief.

“It’s just obvious when the man leaves with pep in his step, and you have that post-sex glow.” Cassie reaches out and pats her knee. Layla groans.

“Ugh. I want an after sex glow,” I whine.

“Then get you some girl.” Cassie gestures toward the door.

“I’m going out tonight.”

“Get it!” Cassie dances in her seat.

“I don’t suppose you two are free…” I add skeptically.

Cassie’s smile falls. I glance at Layla, and she pouts a little. I already knew the answer. They’ve settled down. Committed relationships. If I want to go out with my girls, it’s planned.

“No worries, for real.” I give them an encouraging smile. Really, I knew this would happen, I’m not settling down. They’ve always been in the “someday wives” club.

“Let’s plan a night out, though. Soon,” Cass offers. I nod.

I decide it’s time to move away from this conversation topic, so I ask, “Remind me why we are meeting here again?”

“Because we just want to get you in the building as often as possible, so you eventually decide to come work with us. This place is addicting, and it’s like a second home. We want you to spend more time here,” Layla explains.

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