After kicking off my shoes, I plop down on the bed and grab my cell phone I had discarded hours ago. Seventeen missed calls from Reese, all stopping around the time he called the shop phone. I scroll through his text messages, noting the time on them, as well. His last one to me was at 2:13 p.m. and it wasn’t the usual sweet and dirty text messages I’m used to receiving from him. I roll over onto my back, holding my phone out above me as I re-read it.
Reese: Ignoring my phone calls is really mature.
Yeah, well… okay, fine. It wasn’t my most mature moment. But him jumping down my throat about an outfit he thoroughly enjoyed was a bullshit move, especially after he got his rocks off on it. I get that this situation is irritating and making us both homicidal, but I was not at fault here. And right now, I’d really like hearing that from someone other than my inner self.
I close out Reese’s text message and pull up Juls’ contact info.
“Hey, sweets. It’s so weird you called. I was just thinking about you.”
I grab a pillow and stuff it underneath my head. “Oh, yeah? Let me guess. Ian filled you in on my afternoon of fun?”
The sound of chips crunching enters the phone. “Hmm? No. What afternoon of fun? Ian’s working late tonight, and I haven’t talked to him since before lunch.”
“I had a run-in with Bryce after giving Reese a lap dance in his office.”
The loud, crinkling sound of the chip bag fills my ear. “Chips aren’t cutting it. I need real food. Have you eaten yet?”
“Um, no. But did you hear what I just said?”
“Yes, and you can fill me in on every single detail when you meet me at Fletchers. I’m dying for a burger the size of my head.”
My mouth waters instantly. Carbs? Hell yes. Fuck you, salad. Nobody wants you. I sit up and swing my legs over the side of the bed, stepping into my ballet flats. “Okay. I’ll meet you in twenty.”
Standing up, I grab my keys off my kitchen counter, freezing in place when the BMW emblem catches my attention. I should tell Reese where I’m going. Even if I was avoiding him earlier, I’m not anymore. And coming home to an empty loft and not knowing where I am would surely make things worse. I open a text message as I lock my door behind me.
Me: Going out to dinner with Juls. Be home later.
After parking behind Juls’ black Escalade, I walk into Fletchers and spot her at a table in the back. She waves at me with one hand, her other popping a few fries into her mouth.
“Sorry. I hope you don’t mind that I already ordered for us. I’m crazy hungry,” she says, chewing behind her hand.
“Not at all. You know what I like.” I grab a seat, taking a quick sip of my water and watching in amusement as my best friend inhales her plate of fries. “Pregnancy cravings kicking in?”
“Nah. I’ve just been busy all day with wedding stuff. This is my first actual meal today.” She pushes the plate of fries to the middle of the table and wipes her mouth with a napkin. “All right. Spill it.” She tosses her napkin onto the table before leaning back in her chair.
“Do you promise not to go into hurricane-mode in the middle of this restaurant?”
“Depends,” she replies, motioning with her hand for me to continue.
I take in a deep breath, filling my lungs to capacity. “Reese bought me a car and had it delivered to the shop this morning. But not just any car. A BMW.” A knowing smile spreads across her face, prompting me to lean forward with interest. “Did you know anything about that?”
She shrugs dismissively. “I may have given my opinion on car color. He was going mental trying to decide on his own.”
I picture his frustrated state and it brings a smile to my lips. “I can imagine. Anyway, I wanted to really wow him with a thank you for such an undeserving gift.”