AllFreeNovel
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“That would be awesome. Come for dinner. My best friend, Todd, is here and so is…” I falter at how to describe Shannon, as she’s so much more than a friend, “… a-a family member.”
“Cool. Should I bring anything?”
“Wine,” I reply quickly.
Clive’s booming laughter filters down the line. “See you at six?”
“Perfect.”
Ending the call, I drop my cell phone on the bed and slip out of my clothes. Hiding in our closet, I have a little black dress that I’ve been saving for a special occasion. I put it on and pair it with six-inch heeled red stilettos. The dress is figure-hugging with long sleeves and feels far too short, but I know Kris will like it. Walking into our bathroom, I run a brush through my hair and leave it loose.
As I walk back toward the kitchen, I hear Todd and Shannon bickering like an old married couple. Rounding the corner, they have knives in their hands and stop arguing when they see me.
“Whoa!” says Shannon.
Todd wolf-whistles. “I know I said to get dressed up, but wow!”
“Oh, stop it, the two of you.” I wave a hand in their direction. “What are you cooking?”
“Roast,” says Todd.
“Roast beef,” says Shannon.
“Chicken,” replies Todd.
“Beef.”
“Chicken.”
“Stop!” I laugh. “Do both. I’ve invited Clive, and the man can eat.”
“Clive?” asks Shannon.
“Did you meet him? He was Kris’ bodyguard when he was recuperating. The man is a godsend.”
Todd gives me a piercing look. “How come you invited him?”
“He makes me feel safe, and he knows us. Those guys the studio hired, they don’t, and someone is leaking false information to the press, so I figured it’d be good to have someone on our side.” Todd nods. “And besides, he’s good company, and Kris likes him.”
“Is he single?” asks Shannon.
“Yes.”
“Is he gay?” asks Todd.
Laughing, I shake my head. “No. Definitely not gay.”
Shannon smirks at Todd. “Dibbs!”
Todd waves a knife at her. “Why are you calling dibs? If he’s not gay, there’s no point.”
Shannon points her knife at me. “She could be wrong. Either way, I’m calling it.”
Shaking his head, Todd laughs. “Fine! He’s all yours. He’s going to love my chicken.”
“Well, he’ll love my beef more.”
“Sure, he will,” teases Todd.
