Chapter 10
Lauren
“Seriously, Arabella”—Imassage my favorite apple-scented lotion on each arm as I sit, towel still wrapped around my hair, bathrobe on, in front of my vanity—“I believeheis the man of mydreams.”
Arabella’s brows practically shoot up to her hairline. “Woman, please. If I bought a pair of shoes each time you’ve said that, my closet would have to be the size of the Atlantic seaboard.” She dabs a deep shade of crimson-colored lipstick on her lips, then shoots me a pointed glare through the screen. “Seriously.”
We’re having our FaceTime call, this time as she gets her day started and I get ready for bed. It’s the only effective method for us to stay in touch without missing each other miserably. We were practically joined at the hip in college and while she understood why I wanted to live in Paris, it still broke her heart. She toyed with the idea of packing up and joining me; however, Arabella Royale is one of Savannah’s most talked about socialites. Not to mention, the woman is a sucker for southernmen.
“I know, but if you saw him you’d understand why. Did I mention he’s got a steamy Britishaccent?”
“At least three times already,” she says, breathing off an easylaugh.
“And”—I pause and as my tongue grazes my cheek for one hot second—“he’s moved in across fromme.”
Arabella whips her attention away from the reflection in her mirror, anchoring her hazel eyes on me. “Now ain’tthatsomething to talk about. Just think about how y’all can get down and dirty from one apartment to the other. But a little risky. If it doesn’t work out, someone has tomove.”
I burst out a giddy laugh before I say, “I’ll keep you posted. How’re things with you and Parker? Any sign he’ll be getting down on one knee soon? I mean how long has it been? Three years now?” I finally remove the towel from around my hair and brush it into aponytail.
“Three years off and on.” A sigh escapes her lips. Honestly, I’m not sure if we’re headed to the altar or doomsday. Proof that not everyone you think you oughta be with is the one you’re meant to be with.” She brushes the last strand of hair into place, then finishes it off with two pumps ofhairspray.
“Well then, it looks as though we both need to keep each otherposted.”
Arabella sprays perfume on each wrist and says, “And your meeting? How did it go,sweetie?”
“Ugh”—I bury my face in the palm of my hands—“the meeting. It went alright. I just need to find a guest designer for the first issue. I’ve reached out to one who is local and I’m hoping he accepts my request to meet with me tomorrowmorning.”
“Well, babe, I know it’ll work out. It’sHaute Couturefor cryin’ out loud. Everyone who is anybody will be lining up to be in yourmag.”
“Thanks. Honey, I’ve still got a ton of work to do before I crawl my pitiful ass into bed. You have a great day today and we’ll chat later. Loveyou.”
“Yep. Love you too,” she says before we end ourchat.
Truffles’s yelpby my bedroom door takes my attention from the files sprawled across my bed and ontohim.
He looks at me, paw raised, and barksagain.
“Poor little guy. Mama got so wrapped up with work, I missed your 8 o’clock peetime.”
I step into my slippers and head out to the living room, the sound of Truffles’s claws tapping against the hardwood floor letting me know he’s trailing right behindme.
“Just let Mama get a raincoat on and grab your leash, babyboy.”
He whimpers all the way to the door, lowering his head as he waits for me to button up mycoat.
Dramaking.
“Come on. I’ll put on your leash once we get on the elevator,” I tell him as if I’m expecting him to reply,okay.
Arf
Closeenough.
Once downstairs, I scurry to the front double doors, Truffles leading the way. Jules has already gone home for the day, more than likely on his hot coffee date. He leaves mosts days around seven,anyway.
I open the door and Truffles dashes out, me hanging onto his leash, running behind him. “Whoa, boy, slow down,” I yell, in sort of awhisper.
He lifts his leg, taking care of his business, a satisfied glow on his face, as he shivers. It’s much cooler out now, rain a minute sprinkle. A couple walks by, holding hands, looking perfectly happy. They both give a collectiveawwwwhen they seeTruffles.
