Page 38 of Contentious

“Wow. They made an actual rule about staying single?”

“Yep, and Julian has them all freaked out over his personality transplant since he met Isla.”

“After reading about the parents today, I get why they’d want to steer clear.”

“Not to mention they spend their days dismantling marriages and getting an up-close-and-personal view of what happily ever after gone wrong looks like.”

At a stoplight, Marlene glanced at her. “So what’s your plan to wear him down?”

“How do you know I have a plan?”

“Bitch… Please.”

Cresley laughed. “I thought I might see if he’d be up for a fling because it’s been a long-ass time since I’ve felt anything for a guy. It’d be a damn shame to miss out on some hot sex just because he has commitment issues. I don’t want a commitment. I want an orgasm. Or two.”

“I hear that. Give me all the orgasms. They can keep the commitment. We’re fine without it.”

“Yes! Exactly. Just because we have kids doesn’t mean we’re not capable of a nice fling.”

“I’m worried that I’ve forgotten how to act normally with guys since the only one I’ve been with for twenty years was a dick most of that time.”

“You’ll figure that out when the time comes. I’m sure of it.”

“I wish I was so sure.”

“If you let him make you feel like you were the problem, then he wins, and he can never, ever win, you hear me?”

“He does nothing but win. Did you hear that his company just inked a huge new deal with Netflix?”

“I read something about that.”

“He goes on with his life as if he’s not a cheating asshole dick face. As long as he makes money for them, they all want to work with him.”

“It’s a man’s world, love, but we’re the ones with the power. Don’t ever forget that.”

“Keep reminding me.”

Marlene pulled into a parking garage about three blocks from The Roxy and found a spot on the top floor. As they approached the bar, they noticed a long line of people waiting to get in.

“Can we take full advantage of your star power here, babe?” Marlene asked.

Cresley cringed. “If we must.”

“We must. This damp air will make my hair frizz.”

“We can’t have that.” Cresley approached the front of the line and heard a murmur go through the crowd when they recognized her.

The bouncer waved them through.

“Sweet,” Marlene said. “I love having famous friends.”

“Hush.”

“I’m just sayin’…”

They moved toward the bar, with people stepping aside to let them pass.

“Such a star,” Marlene said.