“You’re going to be a shoulder for her to cry on over Kennedy, when you want to go out with her?”
“Can we talk about this? I mean, really? We broke up, like, two minutes ago, River.”
“Lacey, we broke up months ago, I think. We just didn’t want to admit it. When was the last time we even kissed? And I meanreallykissed, not a quick peck on the lips before one of us leaves.”
Lacey sighed and said, “It’s been a while.”
“Yeah… So, it might be a little awkward, but if you’re good with it, I am, too. We both know what’s going on here. We met these two women, and we caught feelings really fast. We might as well just put it all out there.”
“We are incredibly mature, aren’t we?” Lacey joked.
“We’re trying to be, at least. If Cameron hurts you, I will murder her. I don’t care if she has bodyguards. I’ll find a way to take her out.”
Lacey laughed and replied, “I’m not dating Cam, River. Come on.”
“You want to.”
“Yeah, maybe. I like her. Butlikedoesn’t mean I want to date her. She’s a celebrity. She’s one of the biggest celebrities in the world.”
“Do you think that would bother you? Hypothetically speaking, if you and Camerondidgo out, would it bug you?”
“Dating a movie star? I don’t know. It’s not something I ever worried about, so I’ve not spent a ton of time thinking about it.”
“Yes, you have.” River chuckled. “This week, at least.”
“Fine. I have a little this week, yes, but I made that drive today, River. Can I really do that a few times a week, or have her do it to get here? I have work and have late clients sometimes. She’ll eventually get another movie and be super busy, too. On top of that, there’s the whole actually dating the celebrity thing. When we go out, there could be cameras there, and she goes to parties, events, and award shows. I’d have to go with her, right? I’ve never walked on one of those carpets. Would I have to wear a dress and heels? Look at me.” Lacey pulled on the sweater. “Ilike comfortable clothes, and heels arenotcomfortable. I don’t care how much they cost. She’s also been with Kennedy Gannon. I mean, Kennedy Gannon, who’s beautiful, talented, and rich. I have a tiny one-bedroom apartment and not much else. Who am I? I’m no one. She’s Cameron Levine.”
River took a deep breath and said, “You are Lacey Keller. Youarebeautiful. You’re smart. You’re talented, and you’re funny. You’re a business owner. You arenota no one, Lace. You’re the best person I know, and I love you. Cameron Levine would be lucky to have you on her arm at any event, and if she doesn’t realize that, that’s her fault and has nothing to do with you, but I think shedoesrealize it. Trust me, I caught her staring at you more times than I could count last weekend. It’s there for her, too, Lace. If you like her, you should give it a shot. It’s complicated, yeah, and there’s just enough distance between LA and Anaheim that the traffic will make it a total bitch to see each other, but she’s rich. She can pay someone to drive her back and forth. Hell, while she’s not working, she can just be down here with you, and you can figure out the rest later. I want you to be happy always, Lace, and I saw you with her. You were happy.”
“I saw you with Kennedy, too, River. You were happier with her than you’ve been with me in a long time.”
“She’s great, and I do like her. I kind of thought they might break up, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up if they didn’t. They were doing the whole double date thing to try to reconnect and make their image as a couple good again, so I thought there was a chance they’d go home and stay together for a while, at least, if not forever.”
“But they’re broken up now.”
“Apparently,” River replied with a shrug. “Do you think we should do this? I mean, really go for it? It’s not the celebrity thing for me. I wouldn’t know how to handle that part, obviously, but for me, it’s the fact that they’ve been togetherfor five years. What if I asked her out, we tried, but I’m just the rebound girl for her? Or, it wouldn’t work because she’s not ready? I’m not even sure thatIam.”
“You just toldmeto go for it.” Lacey laughed.
“Yeah, well… Do as I say, not as I do. Right?”
“No way. If I’m doing this, you’re doing it, too.”
“What exactlyareyou doing?”
“No clue,” Lacey replied, laughing. “She’s the celebrity. Doesshehave to ask me out?”
“I don’t think there are rules. She’s not a queen, Lace.” River laughed. “God, this is nice.”
“What is?”
“Just being able to talk to you and not feel this pressure like we should be doing something else.”
“Sex?”
“Not just that. I mean all the other girlfriend stuff, too. I want to be able to talk to you and not worry that I’m being a bad girlfriend because I’m not paying attention to the movie on a date night; you know?”
“I know. I get it. And itisnice. Weird, but nice.”
