“Was your grandfather surprised when you told him what you’ve been doing for the past two-and-a-half years?”
“I didn’t tell him. He thinks I was in Paris partying the entire time. To him, it’s ‘like mother, like daughter’.”
“That’s why I think you should tell him, so he’ll know how wrong he is about you. But then, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your life every once in a while.”
Although Desiree agreed, she knew her parents had taken ‘enjoying themselves’ to the extreme. Unfortunately, hergrandfather still refused to accept that it hadn’t only been her mother who’d liked to party. Her father had loved it just as much. Desiree could still remember how often—days, weeks, and sometimes months—they’d left her with Aunt Margot while they’d gone off somewhere with their friends.
“So, have you met Mr. Sharpe’s financial planner?” Camille asked, intruding into her thoughts. “The one he spends a lot of time with?”
“The guy is his wealth asset manager.”
“What’s the difference?”
Desiree leaned back in her chair as she took off her earrings and placed them on her desk. “A financial manager only focuses on financial goal planning. On the other hand, a wealth asset manager deals with investments, tax strategies, and estate planning.”
“Did you meet him?”
“Yes. I was Granddad’s plus one at Cobra Master’s brother’s wedding this past weekend.”
“And?”
“And what?” Desiree asked.
“Is he worth all that envious resentment you feel toward him?”
“Envious resentment?” Honestly, Cam, of all the people I could have chosen for a best friend, why did I pick a psych major?”
“I don’t know. Why did you?”
“Not sure.”
They burst out laughing, realizing the absurdity of their conversation. The moment Desiree had met Camille, they’d connected. It was as if they were sisters from different parents.
“Our couch misses you,” Camille said, and Desiree could envision her best friend sitting there, trying to put on her makeup while wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
“And I miss that couch. I don’t want to think about how many times I’d lie there, letting you practice being my shrink.”
“Practice makes perfect. And now, I have a degree on the wall that says I can open a private practice as a psychological therapist when I finish my clinicals.”
“Do you think you’ll do that, instead of spending so much time working nights as an actress?”
“Not sure, but then you know why, Rae.”
“Yes, I do. Just like you know why I can’t help but feel a little of resentment toward Cobra. We’re hopeless.”
“Hopeless but not helpless. I believe that one day we will have everything we want. Keep the faith.”
“Easier said than done, kiddo. I’ll let you go finish getting dressed. I don’t want to be the reason you’re late to the theater.”
“Wait! I want to hear about that guy.”
“He’s the last person I want to talk about.” Desiree paused. “Then again, I guess I could tell you some of the things I don’t like about him.”
“Like what?”
“He’s very charming and confident.”
“Nothing’s wrong with that, Rae.”
