Page 19 of Mister Daddy
Caitlyn doesn’t say anything, but I can tell that she’s huffy.
“Why are you being like this?” I ask them. “I thought you’d be happy for me. I mean, I’m spending time with a guy, and I know you guys wanted me to get out. Isn’t this what cruises are for?”
“We’re happy for you,” Jessica says while taking a deep breath. “I just don’t get why Carter asked you to cancel your plans to spend the day with him. I mean, this is supposed to be a friendship cruise. Don’t we mean anything to you?”
“Of course you do,” I protest. “It’s just that he’s really amazing and he’s invited me out. What’s so bad about that?”
“That’s not it,” Caitlyn tries to say. “We’re just trying to figure out what happened to make him want you around all day. I mean, can’t he just magic you away for three hours in the evening? Why does he have to commandeer all of your time?”
“You’re being bitches,” I spit. It’s harsh, but it’s true. “Seriously, I met a guy. You should be jumping with joy for me, so what’s your problem? You know I never get lucky like this in real life.”
Jessica puts a hand on my shoulder, but I shrug her off. She tries again.
“Come on, Abby, we care about you. We just don’t want you to get hurt because guys like Carter are usually looking for one thing only, especially when they’re on vacation. What happens on the cruise, stays on the cruise. I bet he has a girl in every port. Heck, I bet he hooks up with the waitresses and staff members if he can’t find a willing female guest. It seemed like he knew that female server at the club pretty well, remember? What was her name? Vanessa?”
This incenses me.
“First, Carter can get any woman he wants, so I don’t think he’s hooking up with just anyone, like you seem to think. Second, he didn’t know Vanessa, and they weren’t overly familiar at the club like you’re implying. Third, why can’t I be his hook-up? You think I can’t handle it? Do you think that Carter doesn’t really want me because I’m not a twig like you guys?”
My friends gasp.
“What?” Caitlyn says. She looks taken aback. I’ve never spoken to them like this before. “We didn’t say anything like that.”
I stand and start to storm around the room.
“Well, you don’t have to! You think I’m some kind of pity fuck for him, don’t you? Earth to Mars because it’s not true.”
“You’re putting words in our mouths, Abby,” Jess says in a soothing tone. “Calm down.”
But I can’t calm down. With a snarl, I turn on them.
“I shouldn’t have bothered coming back here.”
I push past Jessica, grab my favorite dress and undergarments from the closet, and lock myself in the bathroom. I wait for the tears, but they don’t come. Maybe I’m blowing this out of proportion. The girls are probably upset that I’m not hanging out with them since we took this trip together. But still, it’s only one day. We still have almost a week left, and chilling with Carter is a once in a lifetime experience. Why can’t I have fun for once?
Slowly, I put on a red mini-dress. It hugs my curves and flatters my cleavage with its deep scoopneck and stops mid-thigh. I step into red stilettos and fluff out my hair while reapplying lipstick. Carter will love this outfit, I can tell, and damn Jessica and Caitlyn for making me feel like I’m not enough for the billionaire.
With determined eyes, I open the door. But neither of my friends are looking to fight.
“Wow,” Caitlyn says quietly when she sees me. “You look great.” That’s the exact reaction I’m looking for. I feel like a Bond girl in the knee-length, silky dress. It’s perfect for a poker tournament.
“Thanks,” I say. “Maybe I’ll see you on the island. Or maybe I’ll be too busy offering favors in return for male company. Who knows?”
Okay. Maybe I’m still a little angry with them – as I should be. They’re being ridiculous.
“Abby,” Jessica wheedles, “Come on. We really do love you. We didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Carter is lucky to be spending the day with you.”
“Whatever,” I say, although the apology is nice. I quickly pack up my beach things and throw my bag over my shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”
Out in the hallway, I stop to take a deep breath. That didn’t go anything like I’d expected. In my mind, Caitlyn and Jessica had jumped for joy that Carter asked me out. Their actual reaction had taken me by surprise.
I need to push them out of my brain right now. I’m wearing a beautiful dress, and a hot guy is waiting to take me out on his private island to watch him play cards. It’s like I’m starring in a movie!
Caitlyn and Jessica can be bitter all they want. I’m going to enjoy today, and hopefully, I’ll enjoy more of Carter later tonight.
8
Abby