Page 210 of Damaged Mogul

“Nonsense.”

Nadine is wearing a form fitted mid-length sleeveless navy-blue dress that hits her below the knee. A delicate pattern of clusters of white flowers spots the fabric. It has a seductive V that shows off the girls nicely. Her red Mary Jane patent shoes with chunky heels have a vintage flair to them.

My eyes land on her chest, a warm smile stretching my lips. “And you’re wearing the perfect accessory.”

She caresses the medallion hanging around her neck I gave her for her birthday, a replica of mine.

I mimic her move, touching the one I’m wearing.

“I had to wear the necklace,” she says. “First, you know how much I love, love, love it. Second, I was hoping someone from QVC might spot me and want to know the artist, so you could become famous.”

This woman is the best friend a girl could ever hope for.

“Silly girl, QVC’s headquarters are in Pennsylvania. Not LA.”

“My bad.” She smiles. “Speaking of things your father disapproves of… have you given any thought to what we talked about yesterday?”

“Yes,” I say. “I’m going to put my big girl panties on?—”

She shrieks.

“Shhh.” I place a finger against my lips.

“Sorry.” She cringes. “So, you’re moving here?”

I nod.

“When?”

“The plan is for me to return to New York and set the wheels in motion. Fisher Edgington hates people who are all talk. Once I get my ducks in a row, I’ll present my master plan asa fait accompli. Cue an evil laugh.”

And she does.

I join in.

“It will all be under the pretense of gaining experience to better support Chandler’s political career,” I say.

She considers me for a beat, nodding.

“What?”

“This trip allowed you to find your lady balls. I like it. I like it a lot.”

It’s my turn to take in her words. “The trip I was dreading, turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.”

“Amen to that.” Nads lifts her arms over her head.

There are so many unexpected things about this evening, I can’t keep up. The shock of seeing my bestie is another item on the long list. “How did you get here?”

“Airplane. Duh.”

I roll my eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Gage took care of everything.”

“I’m shocked he’d go to that length.”

“He was willing to move mountains to make tonight happen, Lily.”