Perhaps sensing my need for a subject change, she said, “I feel like I haven’t seen you or Alexis in forever. Harper, I understand. The girl is always jetting across the world. But we live in the same city.”
“I know.” I took a sip of my drink.
It was true, but sometimes it seemed like it would be easier to see each other if we lived on opposite sides of the country, not the other side of LA.
“You know what it’s like—running a business,” I said, thinking of how it could be both invigorating and exhausting. Especially when it was a creative business like my interior design firm or Juliana’s event-planning company.
Juliana’s eco-friendly, allergy-friendly boutique firm catered to her high-end clients’ every whim. And she always put her own gorgeous and unique spin on it.
“I do. Did I show you the pictures from the latest party I planned?”
“The one you posted on Instagram?” I loved following her feed; it was so happy, so colorful. Despite the fact that I hated celebrating my birthday—and I couldn’t believe how much parents spent on children’s parties—I loved watching Juliana’s creativity flourish.
She also planned baby showers, engagement parties, and lately, she’d been toying with the idea of branching into weddings. I didn’t want to discourage her, but I worried it would be too much considering the fact that she’d lost her fiancé less than a year ago.
“It was a narwhal-themed birthday party.” She handed me her phone. “How cool is that?”
I laughed, drawing the attention of several men in the area. I ignored them—tonight was about supporting one of my best friends. Not…picking up hot, random guys. Tempting as that idea was.
“Very nice.” I scrolled through the photos, appreciating her creative brilliance.
I only stopped when I reached an image of her. She snatched the phone from my hand. I watched her curiously, wondering what that was about.
“Did you get new headshots for your website?” It didn’t explain her reaction, but it was decent as far as openers went.
She cleared her throat, refusing to look at me. “Um. Yeah.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “You know I know you’re lying to me. The question is why?”
Her cheeks flushed with color, her pale skin taking on a nice blush. “I, um, well, my sister really wants me to try online dating.”
I slicked my tongue over my lips. “Really?”
“She thinks I need to get back out there. Get back on the horse or whatever.”
“The best way to get over a man is to get under a new one.” I waggled my eyebrows, agreeing with her sister’s advice. Though that was typically a better plan when you’d been dumped. Not when you were grieving the tragic and unexpected death of the love of your life.
“Yeah, but…” She hesitated.
“This is different. You need time to grieve, and that’s okay. But your sister has a point.”
She glanced toward the ceiling, and I knew she was doing her best to hold back tears. “Today was supposed to be my wedding day. The happiest day of my life.” She straightened. “I’m sure I’ll get back out there—eventually. But I’m not ready yet.”
“Well, I’m just glad to hear you haven’t sworn off men for good,” I teased.
Though I wouldn’t have blamed her. After Jake’s declaration of feelings—ugh. And then that liar, Noah. I was almost ready to swear off men myself. The problem was—I liked sex too much.
“Not for good, no. Just for now,” she said.
I sipped my drink, giving her a moment to process. I knew she was struggling, but I also knew she was strong. That she didn’t want my pity. So, I glanced around the club, checking out the clientele. Everyone was so handsome or beautiful, it was like being attractive was a prerequisite to entry. I wondered how long this place would hold its position as the hot spot to be seen. I gave it two, three weeks tops.
“What’s new with you?” she asked. “Besides your uncharacteristically long dry spell. How long has it even been—a week?”
“Several,” I sighed, the sound weighted with my lament.
I was frustrated and horny and bored. Men, sex, had become so predictable.
Part of the reason I’d agreed to Luther’s ridiculous bet in the first place was because even if I lost—and I wasnotgoing to lose—at least sex with him might be interesting. Heck, maybe hate sex with my business rival was just what I needed to get me out of my slump.
