Page 39 of Worship

He does. He belongs to me in so many ways, but I won’t play second fiddle either. He needs to be mine, free of Shelby.

God, this day has stretched on for what seems like forever, and to make matters worse, I have a difficult client that’s been up my ass about the branding choices for their product. But no matter what’s being thrown my way, my head is still in the clouds over that damn kiss. I’d hoped a good night’s sleep would help clear my mind, but it’s done the opposite.

All I’ve thought about is Luca all day. He’s taken up residence as priority thought number one. It was just a kiss and some really hot foreplay, but I need to get over it. My brain doesn’t seem to want to cooperate.

My cell phone rings again, and I hit the speaker. “This is Gretchen.”

Blair’s voice fills the space. “Hey, what’s up with these assholes and their shave kits?” Ugh. Difficult clients are the absolute worst part of my job.

I groan. “No! They haven’t made it all the way to you to complain, have they? I’m so irritated—they came in last minute this morning requesting a complete overhaul to the brand, but they want everything today: new logos, new taglines…all of it. It’s fucking ridiculous, and I’m losing patience.”

“Drew and I both agree that you should take a hard line with them. Don’t roll over. We know what will work; they’re amateurs, and nobody’s got time for their mansplaining. Fuck that.”

I love this girl. I’m nodding even though she can’t see me.

“Exactly. That’s the plan. But it’s nice to have a posse.”

Of the three of us, I’m known for my more aggressive approach with clients.

I hear Blair sigh. “So, what else is new?”

Too much to tell, I think to myself.

“I feel like we haven’t spoken in forever. You dodged a bullet Saturday with ‘nice guy Phillip’ and his douchebag cousin Josh.” I wait for her to answer, but she’s quiet. Too quiet.

“So, I went to Church…” she says in a rushed voice and pauses.

I stare at my phone, wondering how this is news. I didn’t think Blair was religious, but she must need to talk about it because my gossip was so much juicier, and she didn’t even bite.

“Wow, I mean a spiritual journey is cool. I didn’t realize you were very religious,” I reply, not really knowing what to say.

“No, Church.Church, Gretchen. You’re slow to the draw here, buddy.”Oh!Definitely a different meaning.

“Oh shit!” I lower my voice to a whisper. “Like the sex club, ‘tie you up and whip ya’ Church…” I still laugh at the idea that Drew met Dom there.

“The one and only.” I can’t stop giggling. It’s so immature, but her BDSM club story 100 percent beats my douchebag cousin story.

When she doesn’t continue, I say, “I’m waiting. Everything, all of it. Now.”

She laughs.

“Drinks this weekend—this is an in-person conversation. Let’s just say, I highly recommend the rooms downstairs.”Oh my.

A thought dawns on me and pops out of my mouth.

“Oh my god. Does Drew know?”

“Who do you think gave me a key?” I can’t help but suck in a shocked breath.

“You have secrets. You’re all dead to me,” I state dryly, and she cackles because she’s a witch.

“Ciao, lovely,” she answers to my threat.

“Bye, ho.”

I hang up the phone in shock. I know Blair is adventurous, and she very rarely has any boundaries. She’s like the Samantha of the group, which is why I adore her. She’ll never give anyone permission to judge her. Her life on her terms. I’ve never met anyone more authentic. So, I’m positive whatever she has to tell me will be epic.

I grab my phone and send a text to Drew with an emoji of a key and a shocked face. She responds with the shrug emoji and laughing faces, and I laugh along with it. My office speaker buzzes and my assistant’s voice rings through. “Miss Andrews, you have the shave kit rep here for you.” Jesus, these guys are really irritating the hell out me.