Page 48 of Professional Consult

“How is Clint?”

“Didn’t think you’d mention him, seeing as how you’re now with Tif.”

“That’s all in the past. I had a few sweethearts myself.”

“Well, Clint is Clint.”

“So, um, not to pry, but is something going on between you and Lexi?”

“No,” I say in a deadpan tone that lets him know I don’t appreciate the intrusion.

“I hear ya.”

Tiffany and Lexi join us again and start going through a laundry basket full of clothes.

“I’m only staying for about ten more days, so a couple of items will do.”

Tiffany pulls out a knee-length dress that Lexi would look great in. “Take whatever you want. You can have it all.”

“Thanks, but I’m probably going to need jeans and tee-shirts on account that I’m busting balls all day. Well, maybe that’s an exaggeration.”

“I can’t believe Lexi Dash is going to be wearing my hand-me-downs.” Tiffany chuckles. “Imagine that.”

“Don’t think I’m not above a good deal. You have great taste.” Lexi frowns and holds up a weird denim jumper that has Nascar patches stitched on the back. “Except this.”

Tiffany’s cheeks grow red. “That was a weird phase.”

We chat, talking about the most normal things in existence. I can’t say I ever remember being this content. This satisfied with the company I’ve held.

I guess this is what it’s like to be one-half of a pair.

My mind keeps getting drawn back to that kiss. Those plush lips pressed against mine, stealing my precious air.

I’d gladly let her have my last breath for another moment like that.

Tiffany is excited to hear Hollywood gossip, which guys are good kissers, which relationships are real, and which ones are fake.

When she mentions Alicia Davies, for the first time since our arrival, Lexi frowns, and not playfully.

There’d been a scandal back in the day. Something about Alicia trying underhanded tactics to get Lexi’s roles.

“To be honest, it wasn’t as dramatic as the tabloids made it out to be,” Lexi says.

“So she wasn’t a bully?”

“Um, not in the way it was portrayed.”

When it comes time to leave, the girls hug and say their goodbyes. Then I notice Lexi slipping Tiffany a couple of hundred-dollar bills.

Tiffany looks hesitant.

“It’s for the clothes.”

“What are hand-me-downs between friends? Besides, you left me an enormous tip. Literally months of pay.”

“Then think of it as an early baby gift.”

Tiffany accepts the cash. “Thank you.”