Page 25 of Fake Dating Daxton Hawk
“I know, it is kind of random that we’re at this penthouse.” I sip on the strawberry mocktail I ordered from room service and let the air jets of the hot tub massage my back. “But Daxton told me to make myself at home and invite friends over. The situation is strange, though. I live in a penthouse in the Upper East Side. Never saw that coming.”
What’s even stranger is that I’m surrounded by luxury, money is not an issue for the foreseeable future, and yet I’m still miserable.
“Hey, I was wondering if you can pull a favor for me.”
“Are you talking to me or Zac?” Mina asks me.
“Both of you, I suppose. Zac, Verena is your closest friend. And I know she adores you too, Mina. I want to buy some of her designs.” Maybe retail therapy will help get my mind off Steel.
Reluctance rises on Zac’s face. “Verena’s designs are expensive. Don’t blow your money on them.”
“It’s not my money I would be blowing. Daxton gave me his card and specifically said to buy expensive outfits for our dates.”
“Okay, if you’re sure,” Zac says. “So, what’s this favor you want from us?”
I chew on the ice from my drink. “Shopping at Verena’s store is only by appointment. I checked the availability and there’s none for three months. I’m sure I could get an appointment with Verena much faster if one of you were to ask her.”
“Consider it done,” he says.
“Seriously? Thank you so much. I owe you one.”
“It’s no issue.”
The doorbell chimes, sounding through the outdoor pool speakers.
“Expecting someone?” Mina asks.
“Actually, I am.”
I climb out of the hot tub and dry myself off, then head for the front door. This will be the tradesmen to deliver and install my Russian silks and lyra hoop. I thought I would be excited about the arrival of the equipment since I’ve wanted these items for years, but again, my mood pales because of the stress with Steel.
I open the door, and sure enough, three men greet me, one with a toolbox and ladder, the other two holding the aerial equipment.
I force a smile and step aside, allowing them access to the penthouse. “Come in.”
“Where do you want us to install this?” one of them asks.
“The gym is through there.” I turn around and point, realizing Mina and Zac have joined me. “Find whichever spot you think is suitable.”
“I’m so confused,” Mina says as the tradesmen head through to the gym to start their installation work.
“I bought silks and a lyra. You know I’ve always wanted them to include in my burlesque routines.”
“And Daxton approves of you drilling them into his ceiling?”
“Yeah. He had no issue about it when I asked him.” I grab my phone off the kitchen counter where I left it charging, nervous to see if I have any new messages. My heart drops all over again when I find nothing from Steel.
“Babe, what’s wrong?” Mina asks.
“Nothing. I’m going to order another mocktail.” God, I wish I didn’t have such an issue with alcohol because I could really use the distraction right now. But I don’t want to be like my parents. “Do you guys want another drink?”
“Jordan.” I can’t remember the last time Mina called me by my name instead of babe. I look back at her, finding real concern in her eyes. “Clearly something is wrong. Has Daxton—”
“This isn’t about Daxton.” I sigh and take a seat on a kitchen stool. “It’s Steel. He’s gone weird on me. I agreed to meet up with him—”
“Ah, finally! You know I’m on team Steel.”
“Yeah, but then he went silent.”
