Page 19 of Doll Face

“No, I’m not giving you any details, all you get to know is that maybe things aren’t so bad when you meddle … not that I want you to ever meddle again!”

“Yeah, yeah! All I’m hearing is that my plan worked well.” She giggles.

“Anyway! How’s the trip with Mom and Dad?”

“It’s fun, I found this hot guy that I’ve been flirting with, and I’ve been taking advantage of the open bar.” I know my sister all too well.

“Well, don’t have too much fun and forget to come back home. Things aren’t the same without you here,” I tease.

“Oh, I won’t. Unless the hottie asks me to stay, then who knows!” She jokes right back.

“Have fun and tell Mom and Dad the same. I gotta get back to work.”

“Okay! Have fun! Tell Kenzie I say hello!”

I roll my eyes and hang up on her. I try to settle into the paperwork I have piling up on my desk. I’m not used to the extra workload I’ve taken on in Kelly’s absence. Plus, I’ve been distracted, and my work is taking a hit. It’s hard not to think about Kenzie when she’s the only thing on my mind these days. I’m like a teenager all over again. I know this is more than puppy love, but still.

Each year, we host a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to Up, Up, Away’s children’s charity. I’m filing the paperwork when I think about inviting Kenzie. We had fun at the ball together, and I know I’d have more fun with her there on my arm. Last year I went on my own, and I was hit on by a variety of single men that didn’t understand I’m only interested in women. I’m about to call Kenzie and ask if she wants a ticket when I realize the event is on the 30th of next month. She won’t be here. My jaw clenches. She’s only going to be here until the end of the week. Three more days and then she will back in London—where her life is.

I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. Am I really risking my heart for a few days of fun? I’m too old for flings. Flings are acceptable when you’re in your early twenties or going through a mid-life crisis—and neither describes my current status. I don’t want Kenzie to be a fling anyway. I hate to admit it but I still love her, and I want her to be the real thing. Does she feel the same?

Ugh.

It’s not like I can ask her to give up her job and move to the city to be with me. I certainly can’t run Up, Up, Away from London. I need to be here to control the company; that’s why I made the move from California all those years ago.

I’m overthinking this. I mean, I know Kenzie wants to be with me, but what the hell does that even look like to her? What does that mean to her? I should be asking her these questions but I can’t bring myself to. I’m too afraid of her answers not matching mine. I just don’t see any situation in which we could both keep our careers and be together. So what the hell are we doing?

Apparently setting ourselves up for disappointment and heartbreak when Kenzie goes back to London. And as much as I love her, I know I can’t take that again.

Chapter 8

Kenzie

“Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?” Ken asks now that our only nighttime photoshoot got canceled. Something about the photographer doing too much blow and ending up back in rehab. I don’t care, it gives me more time to spend with Barbie.

“I’m supposed to meet Barbie for lunch,” I say with a smile.

“I see.” He eyes me up. “It seems like that’s been going well. We haven’t had much time to talk since you keep bailing the moment shoots are over,” Ken teases.

“I only have a week to convince her that we should be together. I don’t want to waste any time I have with her,” I admit.

“And you’re sure she’s the one?” Ken asks, raising an eyebrow and looking at me with pursed lips.

“I know, you’re unconvinced.”

“I’m just realistic. I don’t know if everyone has only one soulmate out there.” He shrugs and looks in the mirror, fixing his blond hair.

“I’ve been in love before her, and I’ve been in love after her, but I’ve never felt this way about her or anyone else,” I explain.

“Then I hope it works out for the two of you.” He smiles. “I’m headed to the spa, I’ll see you later.” He blows me a kiss that I pretend to catch and we say our goodbyes.

I take my time getting ready for our big date. I know she’ll be wearing her work outfit so I don’t need to dress up too much. But I still like to look good for her. I settle on a pair of black slacks and a red blouse that shows off just enough cleavage to tease her. I’m about to curl my hair when I realize I’m running out of time. I want to get there just a little bit early, and I still have a phone call to make on the way.

I show up for lunch, not sure if Barbie will be able to leave yet. I know Midge said she usually takes her lunch at noon, but I want to make sure we have enough time to eat. She said she usually only takes an hour, and that isn’t enough time to head to Casa Azul—one of our favorite places we used to go to in California. When I found out they had a franchise in New York, I knew we had to go. So, I called ahead, and our favorites are being cooked as we speak.

“She should be out in a minute.” Midge smiles as I take a seat, waiting for Barbie to get off the phone. But when she does, she doesn’t look happy to see me.

“You can come in,” she instructs coldly.

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