Page 45 of Brides and Brothers
Chapter 19
Camille
Another week passed, and Camillewasn’t sure if she was making progress on her master plan or burying herself. Flynn and Sage had had a killer first date, and the twins seemed pretty happy about their double date with Macey and Raina. Overall, Camille should’ve been happy, but her supportive attitude about Aiden’s work hours was being put to the test, and she worried she’d put her focus on the wrong area. She found herself watching the clock for the umpteenth time, waiting for Aiden to be done for the day, wondering if she’d crack. She grabbed her phone and punched in Daisha’s number.
“Hello?”
Camille sighed, pushing the doors open to the family room. “So glad you aren’t in class. I’m going crazy!”
“What’s up?”
Not wanting to go into details, she said, “I need someone to paint my nails. And someone to watch a chick flick with. And maybe someone who can smile a whole lot and tell me funny stories.”
“You need three people?” Daisha asked. “Well, I can offer my services, but who else did you have in mind?”
Camille flung herself down on the couch. “You’re a multitasker. You’ll do.”
“It just so happens that Derek has a test tonight, so I’m free after dinner.”
“Thank you!” Camille sighed again. “I knew you’d be there for me. Is this a cheat night?”
Daisha snorted. “Heck no. I’ll bring some of my homemade kefir yogurt and some berries. You’re a sugar-loaded, high-carb temptress, and I refuse to come over if you plan to bust out any—”
“Save your breath,” Camille interrupted. “I’ll be on my best behavior. I’ll only eat granola or plain popcorn. But in return, you have to bring your glittery hot-pink nail polish for me to borrow. I’m having withdrawals.”
“Deal. I’ll see you at seven.”
The sun took its sweet time passing over the sky, inching at a painful pace before disappearing over the horizon. When Daisha pulled up, Camille was waiting on the front steps with a fleece blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
Daisha hopped out of her twenty-year-old Nissan Sentra and gave Camille a quick hug. “So what’s up? Please don’t tell me it’s marriage related. I knew you guys should’ve dated longer.”
The comment stung. It sounded like something her mother would say, if she ever bothered to call. Camille had never regretted marrying Aiden so quickly. Yes, she was needy for attention, but that was all.
“Sorry,” Daisha said. “That was harsh.”
Camille tacked on a smile. “Come on, can’t a girl get sick of being around six guys all the time?”
Daisha raised her brow.
“Seriously,” Camille said. “That’s all this is. You’ll fill my bucket tonight, and presto, I’ll be good for another few weeks.”
Daisha was about to reply when her phone buzzed from inside the small black purse she had slung across her chest. Daisha pulled her cell out and glanced at the screen. “Hmm, it’s Emma. She never calls me. Let me get this.”
Camille leaned closer, curious about what Emma wanted.
“What’s up?” Daisha said into her phone. “Oh? I’m hanging out with Camille tonight. We’re doing a little girl time.” She paused before exclaiming, “Are you kidding? We would totally love to have you hang with us!” She gave Camille a pleading look, and Camille nodded in encouragement. Daisha told Emma to head on over before saying goodbye. “That was weird,” she said. “Emma’s been super antisocial all semester. This is a huge step for her.”
“It’s perfect,” Camille said, wrapping the blanket tighter around her neck to ward off the fall chill. “Now you can worry about her and not me. I couldn’t have planned it better myself. Emma needs to get out, and I need a distraction.”
Benson’s silver pickup truck rumbled up the driveway. It skidded to a stop right behind them. Through the open window, Benson’s grin showed his pleasure in seeing Daisha again. Daisha, however, shifted her feet uncomfortably. Camille crossed her fingers that Benson wouldn’t ruin his second chance.
He hopped out of his truck, and Camille grimaced. Dirt clung to every article of clothing he wore, and his face hadn’t been spared.
“Daisha, good to see you.” He pointed to her tote of nail polish. “Are you two having a girls’ night?”
Daisha nodded slowly. Her face took on her favorite bored look that had told many a guy she wasn’t interested.
“Sweet,” Benson replied. “I’ll round the guys up for a basketball game.”
