Page 22 of Conquering Oz

“Yes.”

“So, you met the owner?” Isla gasped and bounced on her toes. “What’s he like?”

Sexy, mysterious, handsome, intense, powerful, intelligent and did I mention, sexy?Elodie bit back her smile. Oz’s sex-appeal was next level.

“Well, I think we can all agree since he comped the drinks, he’s” —Elodie cleared her throat— “very generous.”

Saylor laughed, shaking her head. “He didn’t just comp the drinks, Elle. He comped thewholenight. The VIP table, drinks, service, everything. All thirty-two hundred dollars of it.”

What?

Elodie’s mouth fell open, and for a brief second, she was speechless. There was little space to dwell on Oz’s generosity. Elodie was completely focused on the expenses.

“You paid over three thousand dollars” —her eyes darted between both girls— “for a table?”

Isla snorted. “That would be insane. We only paid two thousand.”

Only?Oh. My. God.

Saylor chuckled. “Even you have to admit it was a good table, Elle.”

I’m so old.Elodie drove her hand through her hair. She couldn’t comprehend paying that much money for a table.

“If I’m paying over two thousand dollars for a table, it’s going to be in my house, used every day, and handed down for generations.”

Both girls burst out laughing. When Isla sobered up, she waved her hand.

“I have a brilliant idea. And before you roll your eyes at the ridiculousness, hear me out. What about approaching the owner of the X-Lounge to loan you the money to pay back asshole?”

Julian’s name was no longer spoken in her presence, but the girls had given him a code name. It was fitting.

Elodie knitted her brows. “What?”

She shrugged, grinning. “Why not? He obviously likes you. Ask him to partner up.”

This conversation had taken a turn to absurdity.

“He doesn’tlikeme.”

Isla raised her brows. “You were on the balcony with him. I’ve known plenty of girls who tried to get upstairs, and it’s impossible. But you did it, Elle.”

“You’re forgetting, Isla. I wasn’t invited. I…”

“Youcrashedthe balcony.” Saylor’s lips twitched, which earned her a glare from Elodie.

“Mistakenlywanderedis how I’d describe it.”

“Yeah, but who cares how you got there? You were there and didn’t get kicked out. Hell, he paid for our whole night, Elle. That’s got to mean something.” Isla said.

Did it?No!

Elodie knitted her brows. “Are we seriously having this conversation?”

“Yes, because it’s a fabulous idea. Men like him are always looking for investments.” Isla stepped back and spread her arms, gesturing to the floor room. “This is an investment.”

Elodie resisted the urge to laugh. While she appreciated Isla’s enthusiasm, in what world was her near-bankrupt business an investment to anyone?

“She’s right, Elle.” Saylor dropped her elbows on the counter, and glanced up. “Look, where you stand right now? You might have to sell a business you built and love. You’re really gonna let that go without a fight?”

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