Page 24 of The Lessons

The relationship Josh and I had had while we were dating was vastly different from the friendship we had now. Once he’d come out of the closet, it was like he came alive. Sometimes I thought that maybe the reason I didn’t keep many close girlfriends was because I had Josh. He was all the excitement I could handle.

“Hey, LeeLee!” he said. “How’s the fun and sun out in California?”

I chuckled. “Good, good. Just out at lunch with someone from work. What’s up?”

“Oh, sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to interrupt. But listen, I had to call. I have great news!”

The corners of my eyes crinkled as I smiled. I hadn’t talked to him since the move. It was good to hear his voice. “Oh, yeah? What’s the news?”

“Guess who’s coming to California!”

“What?” My eyes widened.

Paulina cocked her head at me, curious about what was eliciting such a reaction.

“That’s right! New client. Very high-profile divorce. They just contracted with us.”

“Wait. So when? Soon?”

“I’m about to get on the plane now!”

“That’s crazy!”

“I know!”

“So, hang on. When are you getting in?”

“Should be around 5:30, West Coast time. So what do you say? Are you up for some fun?”

I grinned. “Heck, yeah. Want to get drinks when I get off? You can take a cab here. Do you need a place to stay?”

“Sounds great. Does Heaven Sent have a men’s line? Any male models hanging around the office?” He laughed. “Just kidding. But no, don’t worry; they’re putting me up at the Four Seasons, and I will be taking full advantage of the room, if you know what I mean…”

“Ew, Josh. Don’t make me hang up on you. I hope you don’t talk like that around your clients.”

He laughed. “No way. I’m totally pro-fesh with them. I’m so excited to see you!”

“Me, too. I’ll text you the address.”

“Perfect! I have to go now; they just called my boarding group. See you soon, babycakes!”

“See you soon, Josh.” I smiled and pressed end before putting the phone back on the table. “Sorry about that.” I looked over at Paulina sheepishly.

She was grinning again. Damn, that girl was always grinning. “Not at all. Who is Josh?” she asked, clearly intrigued.

I was not about to tell her that Josh was my ex. “Uh, an old friend. Turns out he’s flying in today and wanted to know if I was free.”

“Oh, so now you are free?” she teased.

Goddammit! She’d got me. Outmaneuvered by Lucy-fucking-Liu. I sighed. “I guess I am.”

“Perfect. Brad and I will join you. I mean, unless this thing with Josh is—”

“It’s not,”I replied quickly before catching myself. “Paulina, I don’t think— Fine. Whatever. But you have to invite him.”

“You guys are going to be so cute together, Natalie.”

I slumped back, covered my face, and groaned.

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