Page 54 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

“Yeah…” Like cobwebs between my legs and crickets chirping with an echo when I spread them.

“Well, if I’ve learned anything from Dominic, it’s this: Life’s short and guys can always screw you over. So, enjoy it. Sleep with him. Have fun. Keep it a secret. Just enjoy yourself.”

“Have you been drinking again?”

“No.”

“Liquor-filled chocolates?”

“Maybe.”

“Oh, Nessa…”

“And I have a date tonight. A sex date. Met him on an app. We’re having dinner, then I’m staying at his place all night. And then I’ll never call him again!” Sounds like a plan.

“Is this revenge on all men everywhere?”

“No, I just want to enjoy single life without feelings.” She sighs. “I don’t want to sit here crying, drinking, overeating, and being miserable. That doesn’t change what happened. So, it doesn’t matter if I go on a date today or three months from now. I mean, he didn’t die or anything. He was just an ass, and I won’t let him ruin my life.”

“If you were sober right now, I might actually believe you, my dear…” She’s never drunk this much before. I just hope this guy treats her well tonight—and that she slows down with the drinking. “Will you send me the hotel address and his details?”

“Of course.” That’s our unspoken rule, but with her a little buzzed, I’d better say it outright, so she doesn’t forget. These days, women have to be extra careful. Too many creeps walk around free who should be locked up. And you can’t always tell right away when a guy’s off.

“When are you meeting him?” I ask.

“He’s picking me up at seven. We’re going to the Blue Seastar—right downtown. Fancy restaurant. So either he’s got money, or he’s just planning to stick me with the bill,” she laughs. “If he’s nice, I’ll go home with him. He offered to come to my place, but honestly, it’s a mess right now.”

“I’ll come over this weekend and help you clean.” I owe her that much. After all, I helped cause the mess.

“Oh, I can handle it. But if you want to come over for a movie night, you’re more than welcome.”

“Before that, I need to visit Alex. He’s still looking for a housekeeper. I told him I knew someone, but… I meant me.”

“What? Why would you want to clean for him?”

“Because it gives me a chance to get to know him better—and for him to know me. It’s only temporary, until he finds someone permanent. Probably just a weekend or two.”

“Or are you doing it for the money? Haven’t you saved enough already?”

“I have. But this is a convenient opportunity. If I’m at his place, and we get along—maybe even become friends, he’ll be more likely to keep me on. You see what I mean?”

“Yeah, I get it. Fine. But I’ll clean my place alone, and you can come over afterward, okay?”

“We could cook something together?” I suggest.

“Or order pizza,” she counters immediately.

“Pizza sounds good too.” I pause, then return to what she suggested. “I’ll keep my hands off him. It feels good to talk about this with you. At least you get me,” I sigh softly.

“That’s what best friends are for,” she says warmly. Then she cackles and demands, “Now go throw yourself at him! And tell me everything afterward.”

“You’re impossible.” I laugh, then say goodbye.

Afterward, I slip into my sandals with delicate ankle straps and smooth my dress—a white one with bold blue flowers, cinched with a gold belt. My hair falls loose, my jewelry subtle.

Yes, girl. You look great.

But when I look into the mirror I can’t help but wonder: Will Alexander like what he sees?