Page 75 of Levi

CHAPTER17

Jules

Excitement bubblesinside me, threatening to burst like a champagne cork on New Year’s Eve just when the clock strikes midnight. Seriously, I’m so giddy, I’m bouncing off walls.

Daddy, I’m not going to let you down!

I choke up with emotion.

It takes me a few seconds to find my composure. When I do, I’m itching to share the good news. Sydney is not only responsible for changing the course of my sex life, but it appears my best friend put me into the path of a savior who’s about to transform my whole existence. I snatch my phone off the conference table and dial her up.

“Hey, Jules!”

“Hey, Syd, can you talk?”

“Austin and I are working at a massive Beverly Hills property—”

“Aren’t they all massive in that zip code?”

“Touché,” she giggles. “In any case, we’re taking a break. It’s so hot today. Fuck, I hate boob sweat.”

I laugh.

“What’s going on?” she asks.

“You’re never going to believe what I have to share.”

“Hit me!”

After Levi dropped me off at my house last night, I was so bummed out by reality slapping me in the face, I couldn’t find it in me to call my best friend. I give her a quick rundown of my conversation with Hillary. I tell her about bumping into Levi right after. I share the highlights of our sexy night at the club. I conclude by telling Syd about Levi and I going from a one-night stand to a partnership.

“Hillary is such a twat!” she shouts so loud on the other end, I have to pull the phone away from my ear. “The woman is a stupid cow!” Syd rages. “I swear to God, once you have her out of your life for good, we have to go out and celebrate.”

“Deal!”

“Now, let’s talk about that fine piece of man candy that’s doubling as your knight in shining armor.”

I actually giggle like a silly girl.

“Thank God for sending him your way!” she rejoices.

“I couldn’t agree more. He’s not only dreamy, he’s also a phenomenal lover,” I swoon. “Thank you for dragging me out that night.”

“I played a tiny part in it. This is all fate.”

“After so much bad luck, I can finally see a glimmer of hope.”

“From what you just described, it’s a hell of a lot more than just a glimmer.”

“I prefer to err on the side of caution,” I tell her. “That said, it’s undeniable, Levi is a savvy businessman. His vision is so huge, it gives me goosebumps.”

“I’m so glad your dad’s business won’t weigh so heavily on your shoulders anymore. As for the house, I can’t imagine what it’s like to have to leave your home––and you know you could’ve stayed with us––but your hands are tied if Ms. Twatt wants out. On the bright side, you’ll be living in enviable zip codes as you work on turning the business around.”

“It saddens me to leave my childhood home, but since Hillary, Petula and Olive moved in, it stopped being the safe place it once was. Bouncing around from one strange home to another will feel weird, I’m sure, but at least, I won’t have to live with my evil stepsisters and their bitch of a mother.”

“Amen!” Syd cheers.