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I stiffened. “I’m not scared. I’m going to go to my best friend’s wedding. I’m going to go home to my magnificentmansion.”
“From what I’ve heard, your mansion is also a terribly lonely place, which is why you spend so much time camping out over at Harry’s. Now, that option is off the table.” Jackie watched me for a reaction, but I simply mulled over the truth of her words. “You’ve spent years trying to medicate with substances, are you sure you don’t want to take that prescription for the anti-anxiety meds? After all, you’re leaving with Talia. She’s a stranger to you. You’re hoping to impress her.” Jackie tilted her head. “And you can’t use your usual methods to calm down. This can be a little intimidating. Anyone would bescared.”
“I’m not scared,” I insisted. “I don’t need your meds to relax, and I still have money to work its magic. I have yet to meet a chick who’s not a little impressed with a mansion, fancy cars, and a big, fat bankaccount.”
She shook her head and chuckled. “I think you’re about to be incredibly shocked anddisappointed.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “We’ll see aboutthat.”
“Well, hopefullyyou’llsee, because if we meet again, everything went horribly wrong.” Shesighed.
My eyes narrowed. “Let’s say that happens, worst case scenario. Why the fuck would I come back here? There are so many more interesting options.” Ishrugged.
“True.” Jackie nodded. “Oh, but this place is closest to your best friends, the two people in this world who clearly give a shit aboutyou.”
My brows shot up in shock. “You swore. I’mappalled.”
“Right. Well, if that’s the case, then the rest of my advice is going to rock you to your very core.” Her eyes rolled. “Ready?” She leaned towards me and motioned for me to do the same. When I did, she murmured, “Don’t fuck this up. You’ll regretit.”
I laughed. “I have yet to regretanything.”
She looked at me slyly. “You sure about that, champ?” Then Jackie motioned for me to follow her. When I didn’t respond, she continued to speak. “It’s time. You can do this. I’m not going to lie and suggest this life overhaul is going to be easy. You’ve been down this road before, but this time is different. I’m beginning to believe you have ashot.”
I sighed. “I finally managed to get through to you,huh?”
“Not you.” She chuckled. “It’s Talia. She’s incredibly motivated and determined. She won’t take your shit. You’ve seriously met your match with thisone.”
We entered the building. I remained silent, deep in thought. Jackie stopped suddenly and I ran into her. “Hey,” Igrumbled.
“Your ride is here,” she murmured as she pointed to Talia standing by the counter, obviously waiting forme.
She was wearing a pale blue sundress with a pair of silver sandals. Talia smiled at me confidently. “Hello, Drew. You ready togo?”
I nodded and rolled my eyes. “I’ve been ready for the last eighty-nine days. Let me grab my bag. Then we can go get ready for the wedding.” I started toward myroom.
She laughed. “I’m alreadyready.”
“No, you’re not.” Ifrowned.
Her brow rose angrily. “This is what I’mwearing.”
“Wow. Together for less than a minute, already fighting.” I glanced at Jackie. “Is this a new record?” Ismirked.
Jackie chuckled. “Nah. I’ve seen you piss off people way faster than that.” Then she moved in between us. “I think what my inarticulate friend here is trying to say is…he wouldn’t want you to feel out of place at thewedding.”
Talia sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. “And what does your friendsuggest?”
She shrugged. “Why, he plans to take you shopping, ofcourse.”
I took a step to stand beside Jackie. “She’s right. I thought since I had to grab appropriate attire for myself, I’d get you somethingspecial.”
Talia shifted her weight to her other hip and I could tell she felt uncomfortable at the idea of me letting me buy her anything. “I don’t know…” Her voice trailed off and shesighed.
“Look, you help me, I help you. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work?” I could feel my heart racing. For some reason, doing this for her suddenly felt immensely important. “What kind of woman doesn’t want a man to spend a few bucks on her?” I raked a hand through my hair and started toward the door with my duffle bag slung over my shoulder. Ty and Harry had my suitcasessomewhere.
“I guess.” She sighed. “We’ll see.” Then, as I held the door open for her, I heard her mumbling toherself.
“I should’ve asked about the attire. No one told me. Ty really should’ve mentioned it.” Her frowndeepened.
