“Yeah, he just left as soon as you called my name.”
“He’s a jerk,” Mila mutters, her eyes flashing.
“Oh?” I lean forward as Mila nods, her body trembling slightly. “What happened?”
“I told you he was full-on, right?”
“Yeah…”
“But he was also scary,” Mila whispers, leaning in closer. “Like, he got aggressive sometimes, and I swear he followed me on more than one occasion.”
What?!
“Jesus, Mila—” I run my hand through my hair, my eyes wide.
“It happens,” Mila comments, her voice back to a normal tone now.
I spy the exit, suddenly wanting to leave and fly fucking home.
What was I expecting?That Grant and I would bond over whiskey and spinach smoothies? That he’d give me precious tips and help me break into the competitive field of personal training as my mentor or something?
Turns out he’s a fucking weirdo that abuses and stalks women.
God, I’m an idiot.
“Hey,” Mila says, pointing to the lobby bar. “Let’s get a drink and forget about him.”
I just want to leave, but Mila is still trembling and searching the room like she’s scared of something.
Of Grant?
The thought makes me nauseous.
“Let’s have one drink, then I’m going. I’m tired.”
Mila nods and walks beside me as we head to the bar. I slide onto a leather stool, letting Mila order. Screens above the marble bar show a Yankee game and stock market details, but I just feel strange.
What was Grant trying to warn me about?
I try to tell myself that Jade’s right—that there will be other people to learn from here.
Shit! Jade!
I drag my phone out, tapping out a text message to Jade as Mila slides a drink over to me
DEVON: Sorry, babe, Grant Carey came over. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? Love you.
I put my phone back in my pocket and tip my glass to Mila’s. “Thanks for this.”
The lighting here is softer, and away from the humdrum of the mixer, I feel like I can disappear for a while.
“Shit, that’s strong,” I sputter, coughing slightly. “What is this?”
“Bookers,” Mila states. “I thought you could do with the good stuff.”
“Thanks,” I reply, swirling the amber liquid in the heavy glass. Everything here is so decadent. Even the glasses.
“I want to start my own business too. When I get back home, I want to hire a studio or something and start from there. Without Grant following me.”
