“That sounds interesting. I’m game.”
Hannah smiled, revealing a dimple on her right cheek. “I’ll ask Stori for her schedule, and we’ll go from there.” She scooted closer, amusement flashing in her eyes. “You said something about your grandfather setting you up on a date with a gorgeous titan?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Does he have a brother?”
A laugh rose in my throat. “No, but he has friends. I haven’t met them though.”
I told her about Kain chasing after the thief and my grandfather inviting him to lunch, which led me to his fitness center, where a new version ofEva emerged.
“Eva!” She poked me in the ribs, making me squeal. “You bitch!” She gave me a one-armed hug. “Wicked vixen!”
“I can’t believe I did that either. You and Stori were right about me having more fun. I’d always played things safe until yesterday.”
“Are you guys dating?” she asked, her eyes twinkling.
“We haven’t discussed that yet. I need to know where this relationship is going.” I looked at her. “I don’t want a repeat of Dennis, you know?”
“Dennis is an asshole. Not all men are like him,” she said.
“Not all men are like Jordan either,” I replied, knowing she had her own experiences with assholes.
“Cheating men are like dirty laundry—filthy, rank, and not worth another wear.”
“That’s for sure.” I chuckled. “We all deserve a fresh start with some clean clothes.”
“So what does he look like?” She pulled out her phone and typed his name in the search bar. “Have you checked out his exes?”
“They’re all older than me . . . and rich,” I said, feeling insecure. “Something I’m not.”
“You’re rich in virtue, kindness, and determination.” She elbowed me. “You have me and Stori as friends, and that makes you even wealthier. Besides, being young has its advantages, missy.” She scrolled through her phone. “Wow, he dated Catalina Bellos?”
“Who’s that?” I asked.
“Miss Massachusetts from five years ago.” Hannah showed me her picture.
I recognized the photos, but I didn’t know who she was. Catalina had an exotic look with dark hair, olive skin, and blue eyes—the perfect woman for a billionaire.
“She’s now a hairstylist at a salon on Newbury Street.”
“I bet her services are overpriced,” I said, wondering when I could buy anything from the luxury shops on that street.
“Some boutique shops are priced fairly, but most of them cater to an elite crowd we’re not familiar with.” She swiped to another page full of Kain’s pictures. “Oh, he also dated Andrea Williams, who’s a fitness trainer with a popular athletic clothing line called Corevexx.”
Andrea was an attractive blonde with a supermodel figure and a successful career. I couldn’t help but scowl at howdifferentwe were.
Hannah looked over at me, noticed my mood, and patted my thigh. “You have something rare that these women don’t.”
“What?”
“Your sense of self. You’re aware of who you are and what’s important in your life. That’s depth and wisdom—a direction steering you from inside.” She tapped her chest. “These women may seem like they have everything, but I think if you were tossed into a life-or-death situation, you’d survive, whereas they wouldn’t.”
“You’re saying that because we’re friends.” I laughed.
“No.” She shook her head. “I see the courage in you. Just because you like to be cautious doesn’t mean you’re easily frightened. Strength comes from within. It comes from taking care of your grandfather, working toward your dreams despite the setbacks, and facing your fear. Most of all, you’re humble and grounded. I love that about you.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “I’ve got the best friends.”
“You and Stori are my bitches.” She let out a laugh. “Nothing’s going to change that.” She turned her attention back to her screen. Then her eyes gleamed with amusement. “Kain’s a big guy with a lot of tattoos. Wanna tell me how endowed he is?”
“Oh my God!” A laugh burst out of me. “I haven’t seen it yet, but I imagine it’s sizable, like him.”
