Page 102 of Slumming It

"Not really." Her nervous expression said otherwise. "But I'd better go inside and face the music."

I didn't like seeing her worried. "You don'thaveto."

She only scoffed. "Oh, I don't?"

"You could always come back withme."

"I'm not even sure if you mean that."

I did, in fact."What, you think I’m offering to be nice?"

"Honestly, I don't know what to think. But Idoknow I've got to get inside." She gave the hotel another nervous glance. "But could you do me a favor? Could you drop me off behind the hotel instead?"

I didn't mind, but Iwascurious. "Why?"

"It'll just be easier, that's all."

I pulled around where she indicated. The car had barely stopped when she said a quick goodbye, bolted out of the passenger's side door, and shut the door firmly behind her.No kiss. No see you later. No questions about tomorrow.

Huh. Well that was a first.

Chapter 38

Emily

I'd figured that by slipping in through the side door, I could save myself a little grief. Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong. By the time I walked in, Vivian was waiting for me just inside the doorway. And she didnotlook happy.

I spoke before she had the chance. "Hey, Viv. I know what you're gonna say, and I'mreallysorry. I fell asleep before I could give you an update and…"Gosh, how to put this?"You're probably wondering where I was, huh?"

She looked more sad than angry. "If Iwas, would you tell me?"

I had no idea what she was getting at. "Of course I would. You know that."

"So why are you sneaking in through the side door?"

The reason for this was simple. I'd been planning to change back into my own clothes before catching up with Vivian at the front desk.So much for that idea.And now I was feeling defensive. "I wasn't sneaking. I was just gonna change first, that's all."

She eyed my clothes, taking in the faded pink T-shirt and tattered jeans. "So where'd you get that outfit?" From the look on her face, she knew exactly where I'd gotten it, and she wasn't impressed.

I could hardly blame her. I didn't like the outfit much either, even if itdidcost a small fortune. Still, I kept my voice neutral as I replied, "As I'm sure you've already guessed, Reese Murdock bought it for me."

She crossed her arms. "Is that so?"

Her question was obviously rhetorical. And yet, it made me realize something that was just a little embarrassing. "Actually,I'm not quite sure. I mean, he gave me the clothing to wear, but I guess there's always the chance he might want it back. To be honest, it wasn't really clear."

Yes, I know it sounded ridiculous. But Reese had never said that I could keep the clothes, and I hated to assume anything, especially considering the staggering price of the shirt. And I had no idea what the jeans cost. Given their condition, the amount could've been five dollars. Or, considering the buyer, it could've been five hundred.

And what if the number was higher?Five thousand dollars?

Heaven forbid.

With no trace of a smile, Vivian said, "So the clothesweren'ta gift? That's what you're saying?"

I knew exactly what she was thinking. She was thinking of that stupid sundress that Curtis had bought for me all those years ago. But this was totally different. With a lift of my chin, I said, "It's not like heforcedme to change clothes. And neither did Curtis, if that's what it reminds you of."

Vivian's eyes widened as her gaze zoomed in on my pelvis. "And what's that?"

Good lord. What exactly was she seeing?I tried to look casual. "What's what?"