Chapter Fifteen
“Ihave three words for you,” Harper said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “Girls’ night out.”
She’d swung by my office on her way home, and I was grateful Hunter wasn’t there for once. He came by almost every day, often with some pretense about his house. I was positive Rita saw right through our excuses, but she said nothing.
“That does sound nice,” I said, relieved Harper hadn’t wished me a happy birthday. “Is Alexis coming?”
She hadn’t been out much since the wedding. I’d seen her a few times, mostly to help with designs for the nursery, but we hadn’t spent much time alone. Part of that was due to her busy schedule—running a successful brokerage firm, newly married, raising a daughter, and with another baby on the way. But in truth, I’d been avoiding her.
I didn’t want to talk about Hunter, and I knew he was bound to come up in conversation. I might be able to hide the fact that we were sleeping together from everybody else, but I knew Alexis would see right through me. And then, she’d probably tell me I was making a huge mistake. I didn’t honestly think she’d believe that; she’d never judge me. It was more me projecting my fears on to the situation, considering her my “voice of reason.”
Harper stood. “She promised she’d be there.”
“All right,” I sighed, knowing it wouldn’t hurt to let off some steam. “I’m in.”
“You look great, by the way,” she said as we climbed into her car. “Love the bold color combo.”
“Thanks.” I glanced down at my turquoise sheath that I’d paired with red heels. “I was feeling extra sassy today.”
“Uh oh.” She leaned back. “Watch out.”
“Yeah,” I said. “Luther better watch out. I’m all for competition, but he’s playing dirty.”
“What do you think it would take for him to leave you alone?” she asked.
I knew the answer to that—winning. I had to win the bet, but I wouldn’t stoop to his level. I intended to win fair and square. Which meant I needed to keep things simple with Hunter now more than ever. A night out with the girls, instead of in his bed, might be just what I needed.
I still hadn’t told any of my friends about my arrangement with Hunter. Why would I? It was only temporary, right?
“Maybe you need a new strategy,” she said, startling me from my thoughts.
I knew she was right. I did need a new strategy when it came to Luther. One of my clients was a PI. She’d offered her services in the past, and I was contemplating taking her up on it. Though, I was skeptical it would yield any useful information. Plus, it felt like an invasion of privacy.
Much as I wanted to tell him to go fuck himself, I hesitated. Luther was a powerful man in design circles and not just because he was head of the design board. He was well-connected, well-respected, even if I didn’t care for him.
I sighed, glancing out the window at the passing lights. “I need a drink.”
“Well, then you’re in luck,” she said as we pulled up to the valet stand. “Because drinks you shall have.”
I climbed out of the car, looking forward to a quiet, low-key, girls’ night out. But that idea was shattered the moment I walked through the doors to the club.
“Surprise!” everyone shouted.
I froze, ready to duck and hide. But I couldn’t. Not when everyone was looking at me expectantly, large smiles on their faces, and a few phones pointed my direction.
“Happy birthday, Lauren!”
I forced myself to smile as I tried to ignore everyone’s eyes on me. I squirmed beneath their attention, wishing my friends had listened to my specific instructions not to throw a party. I hated my birthday, almost as much as I hated surprises.
I knew they were only trying to do something nice, but they didn’t know. How could they, when I’d never told them the reason behind it?
I turned to Harper, and she gave me an apologetic smile. “Sorry! I couldn’t say no to Juliana.
“Besides—” Harper wrapped an arm around me, ushering me farther inside. The decorations were a beautiful combination of blush and gold, and everything was elegantly done. “You’re successful, fun, and fabulous. And you only turn thirty-five once. You should celebrate!”
“Says the girl who always somehowhappensto be out of town for her birthday,” I teased, needing a distraction.
She lifted a shoulder. “What can I say? The studios don’t care about my birthday. They only care about their production schedule.”
