Alessia hesitated, glancing down at the bottle before meeting my gaze. Her lips parted as if she was debating whether to share what was bothering her, but finally, she sighed, setting the bottle down with a soft clink.
“It’s just, these guys.” She gave a short laugh, shaking her head as if to dismiss it, but her shoulders tensed. “I’ve been dealing with these rich guys all day, hitting on me, being all obnoxious. It’s like they don’t even hear me when I say I’m not interested. But I can’t really say anything because I don’t want to lose my job.”
Kelsey frowned, her expression softening. “That’s awful. I’m sorry you have to deal with that.”
Alessia shrugged, though the frustration in her posture was clear. “It comes with the job, I guess.” She exhaled, giving a small, tight smile. “Anyway, it’s no big deal. I’ve got thick skin.”
Kelsey’s face lit up with a sudden idea. “You should come hang out with us tonight. We’re planning a girls’ night in. It’d be good to have someone else to chill with.”
I raised an eyebrow, teasing, “What, so now I’m not good enough for you to hang with?”
Kelsey shot me a playful glare. “Don’t be ridiculous, Elise. You know you’re the best. But it’ll be nice to have another girl to join the fun.”
“Just kidding.” I grinned before meeting Alessia’s gaze. “I agree with Kelsey; you should definitely come. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
Alessia hesitated for a moment, her gaze flicking toward the busy tables around her. Then she met our eyes again, and I saw something in her expression shift to a quiet relief, maybe.
“Actually,” She paused, her lips curving into a softer smile. “That sounds really nice. I could use a friend or two right now. I’m still kinda new here, and, yeah, hanging out with you guys sounds perfect.”
Kelsey clapped her hands together in excitement. “It’s a plan then! Give me your number and I’ll text you the details.”
Alessia rattled off her cellphone number before she turned and headed off to the next table, leaving us both with a sense of satisfaction.
A night with good company, no expectations, and good food was the perfect way to end the day.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ELISE
GIRLS NIGHT WASour reset button. A breath of air between everything else life demanded.
No fans. No meetings. No pretending to be the perfectly polished versions of ourselves we gave to the rest of the world. Just silk bonnets, fuzzy socks, and enough takeout to make an extra hour of workout necessary.
Taylor Thorne, Kelsey’s ever-present bodyguard-slash-friend, leaned a hip against the counter Tuesday night, a strawberry pop tart in her hand. Taylor had become our third wheel in the best way. An honorary girls’ night member. She didn’t paint her nails or wear the occasional matching pajamas, but she was just as essential to the night as the pizza and wine.
I just finished setting out the popcorn on the table when the doorbell rang.
“Alessia’s here!” Kelsey announced, scurrying in her fuzzy slippers towards the front door. “Oh,” she paused to look at Taylor. “Remember, as far Alessia knows, you’re just another friend of mine.”
“So you mean I can’t tell her that I’m actually your bodyguard because you’re a world famous popstar with a double identity?” Taylor asked, smirking.
“No.” Kelsey playfully glared at Taylor. “At least not until I feel comfortable enough to trust her with my secret.”
“Who knows, we might scare her away with our matching pajamas and love for Disney movies, so you won’t have to worry about telling her your secret.” I chimed in, jokingly.
Truth was, I really hoped Alessia enjoyed herself tonight. I didn’t know anything about her other than she was kind and could double fist bottles of wine like a pro, but I had a feeling she might just survive our chaos without running for the hills.
Kelsey released a breath before she opened the door. Alessia stood outside dressed in a cute lavender lounge shorts set, her curly hair pulled back in a ponytail and a bottle of Sangria in her hand.
“I came bearing gifts.” Alessia held up the bottle for all of us to see.
“And just like that, you’re my new best-friend.” I stepped closer, took Alessia’s hand and pulled her inside.
Taylor leaned against the counter, arms crossed, one eyebrow arched. “And here I thought you couldn’t get any more extra.”
“Extra is my middle name,” I shot back, waving a hand dramatically. “The first activity of the night is karaoke with kitchen utensils.”
Alessia laughed nervously, shoving a hand into the pocket of her shorts. “I’m a terrible singer.”
