Page 9 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)

I ’ve never dated a rich guy before. Quickly searching Kent Dubois’s net worth, I find the answer: thirteen billion. Fuck. That’s insane. I no longer feel that weird about a likely two-thousand-dollar dinner.

My roommates and I are all working from home today. I could work from my laptop in Switzerland or call in sick, but I don’t know this guy. It’s too soon to do something like that. I could be the next true crime documentary: silly girl gets whisked away on jet never to be seen again.

In the living room, I find Morgan and Gwen staring down on their laptops, both in athletic shorts and baggy T-shirts. Morgan and I are about the same size and swap clothes often. Gwen though, I don’t know if my calf could even get up the leg of her shorts.

“I need you two to rock, paper, scissors.”

“Why?” Gwen asks, tying her long, black hair into a messy bun.

“I’ll tell you after.”

Gwen squints her dark brown eyes at me.

“If this is your way of tricking us into taking out the trash, try again. That’s your chore,” Morgan chides.

“Ha! No. One of you will get a very fancy thing.”

Staring at each other, they silently pound their fists three times. Morgan picked paper. Gwen picked rock.

“So, Brandon can no longer make the date tonight and said I should have one of my friends replace him at the reservation. He is picking up the tab.”

“You’re taking me to Cable?” Morgan gasps, and I nod. “Fuck yeah!”

I unlock my phone and start texting Brandon.

Taylor

My roommate Morgan can join me.

Brandon

Nice! Have fun.

Considering the offer, I want to set some boundaries.

Taylor

Can we add alcohol to the tab? I saw online there is a wine or cocktail pairing you can choose from. Can you give me a budget? I feel weird about this, so make me feel less weird.

Brandon

You’re sweet. Go wild. I don’t care that you drink, as long as it’s responsibly. And never drunk text or call me. That’s a dealbreaker.

This is so weird and formal yet, like … mature? I think I like his directness. It’s cool of him to not cancel the reservation and to be cool with us adding one of the alcohol pairings to the experience.

Back in my room, I stare at my closet, no longer focused on the workday and getting excited about dinner. I put on a low-cut bodysuit and a long, silk skirt. Then add strappy sandals. Feeling flirty, I text a photo of my look to Brandon.

Taylor

You sure you have to be in Switzerland?

Brandon

I didn’t think I could hate my dad any more than I do right now.

I smile and then think back to all of our texts and conversation. He’s never said anything about my body. Like he’s said it without saying it. But I would also like a damn or fuck .

Taylor

You can objectify me anytime. I won’t be offended. I’d actually like it.

Brandon

Best done in person.