Page 35 of The Rich One

Me:Hey, Candy Aisle Guy. It’s River ?? How about that coffee?

I’m sure he won’t reply immediately, it’s like, one in the morning or some shit. I take a few sips of my water before relaxing back against the bed, my pillows propping me up so the world doesn’t keep spinning.

CAG:You’re up late, everything okay? Coffee sounds great.

The fact that he’s replied at this time of the night—or morning… whatever—puts a smile on my face. Asking if I’m okay? Well, that just makes my heart happy. He barely knows me, yet he’s checking on me. It’s romcom-sweet.

Me:I’m a-okay. You don’t need to worry about little ol’ me. Wanna do coffee now? I probably need ten.

As soon as I press send, I regret it. Why don’t cellphones have a drunk detector on them, prohibiting all drunk texts to love interests or sexual exploits forevermore? My phone pings as quickly as it did the first time, and a little excitement actually bubbles in my stomach at what he might’ve said. I should probably be worried I’m coming off as a bit of a drunken weirdo, but I’m not. I’ve never felt anything but good vibes from Nathaniel.

CAG:Wish I could. How about 1pm? Coco’s?

It’s short and sweet, but still has me grinning like a hyena on gas. He wishes he could…Le sigh.

Me:I’ll be there with bells on <3

CAG:I expect to see at least two *wink emoji* Night, Skittles.

Holy fuck. He just made my drunken wet dreams come true. Well, in theory. If he’s given me a nickname, he must like me, right? Coffee was his idea in the first place.

I really need to sleep. I should reply to Nathaniel first, but my eyelids are so heavy I don’t think I can. Oh my God, I can close my eyes without everything spinning. I’ll just keep them closed for a little longer.

I’ll reply soon.

* * *

Suffering from a hangover has never been my problem—thank fuck—but losing my inhibitions after a few too many has always been a pain in my ass. Though, I can’t really be too mad at drunk me. I managed to bag myself a coffee date with Nathaniel this afternoon, and I’m surprisingly happy about that.

I’ve tried to avoid making any real connections while living here because it just gets too complicated. My real-life people are in Staten Island. This is just my work playground. After the shit with Kai, I feel like I’m ready. I can totally do this; keep a friendship separate from business.

I can’t blame Kai for not always being there for me. We may be best friends, but he has his own life too. He didn’t know I needed him a few weeks ago, and it would’ve been nice to have someone else to turn to other than a client. Tyler is great, but I can’t help feeling like letting him in has blurred the lines more than I’m comfortable with.

The universe seems to have sent me Nathaniel at a time when I need it most. Looking over myself in my red, flowered skater dress in the mirror, I decide it’ll do. I don’t want it to look like I’m putting too much effort in here, but I also want to look like I did make an effort. It’s a hard life being a woman in this day and age. Forever skating that line of too much or not enough. I’m happy and comfortable with what I’m wearing though, and that’s what matters most.

I slip on my heeled Timbs and a cropped denim jacket before grabbing my purse and heading out to meet Nathaniel. I have no clients booked for this evening, so I’m good to go all day if this goes well.

Christ, I’m an eager beaver today.

Speaking of, it’s nice to get ready for a date without having to lube myself up beforehand.

It’s mild out today, so the short walk to Coco’s is refreshing; it feels great against my flushed skin. I don’t know why I’m so nervous… I meet new people all the time. Hell, I piss on people for money for fuck’s sake. Yet this little slice of normal has me all aflutter.

Nathaniel’s already here as I walk through the doors, a smile gracing his stunning jawline. He looks like freaking Superman, all clean-cut and shiny.The complete opposite to Kai.His black Henley top fits snug across his strong shoulders, and his dark hair is swept over to one side in a styled mess. I nod over to him, with a small awkward finger wave, as I make my way to the counter for my favorite coffee.

“What is that monstrosity?” Nathaniel laughs as I place my drink on the tall rounded table and take a seat on the stool next to him, instantly breaking through any anticipated weirdness. Because, yes, my iced café mocha with extra whipped cream, topped with caramel and strawberry sauce does, in fact, look like a monstrosity, but it tastes so good.

“It’s the most delicious hangover cure a girl can get.” I take a long sip, closing my eyes for a second and just relishing in the taste. When I open them, I smile up at him through my lashes. It’s not an intentional Rose move, but I guess she’s a part of me, so it’s inevitable. “I’m sorry about messaging you at stupid o’clock by the way.”

“I didn’t mind, I was up. Obviously.” He laughs again, and I think I want to bottle it and take it home to release when I feel sad.

“Either way, I’m sorry. What’re you drinking?” I’m curious. It’s not a coffee, and it doesn’t look like something I’ve seen in here before.

“Strawberry hot chocolate.”

“Oh my God, that sounds delicious!”

“Never tasted one? Let’s fix that.” Pushing his drink in front of me, he encourages me to have a taste.

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