for us to put around the salon. And I’ll bring it up on Monday’s staff meeting as well so everyone knows to push it.” I started moving around the office on auto-pilot, hastily scribbling a to-do list.
“Terrific! Maybe we should think about giving Kamille a little bonus as well. Such a fabulous idea. I wish I could claim it myself!” Dani said, and Kevin and Allie chuckled. I forced myself a small laugh, all while thinking, yeah, me too. I didn’t know how, but that bitch was going to be called out on this.
Alex’s To-Do List:
Peter––signage
Prepare for Monday staff meeting
Manicure for Henry date
Take Kamille down!
Chapter 12
“You’re home! Finally. We didn’t think you were ever coming back.” I was greeted by Lila’s scolding on Friday night when I finally walked into our apartment just minutes before nine. Even though my shift ended at seven I had all the cleaning duties to take care of, and tried to work on even better marketing ideas. And figure out how to show Kevin and Dani that Kamille stole my original ideas.
“Home. Finally. Hi, ladies. What’s everyone doing here?” Lila was sitting in the living room along with Emma, Carmen, and Hannah. All were dressed casually, so I assumed there was no partying happening that night. Though everyone but Hannah was holding a margarita.
“Well, it feels like ages since we’ve seen you last. What the hell have you been up to?” Emma said.
I quickly dumped my purse and briefcase on the kitchen table, then wedged myself between Lila and Hannah on the couch. “I know, I know. I’ve been a terrible friend lately. I’ve been so busy at Blissful. And when I’m not physically there, I’m either taking work home with me, thinking about work or...” I trailed off, rubbing my eyes. I was exhausted. Usually my Friday nights were filled with drinking, getting ready to go out, and then parties. Now, it was barely nine and all I wanted to do was sleep.
“I figured you would be tired tonight–– since you usually look like you’re dragging when you get home–– so I invited the girls up so we could just hang out here. No need to get dressed up or be anywhere. Just the five of us tonight.”
I looked at my roommate, my eyes softening. “Thanks, Lila. You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”
She picked up my hand and gave it a squeeze. “It’s nothing. But we have some serious catching up to do. These guys have barely heard about Blissful, you have a big second date tomorrow, and Hannah has some news of her own to share.”
My head whipped over to my left side where Hannah sat. “What? What’s your news?” I practically shouted. I knew it had to be something with Peter.
Hannah giggled. She never giggled. “It’s nothing, really. Peter just asked me to go home with him over Thanksgiving break. He wants me to meet his family.” Her blue eyes were bright and alive, a look I’d rarely seen on my friend. I was thrilled.
“Oh, Hannah! That is a huge step. Wow, meeting the family. Are you nervous? Excited? What will you wear?” Questions shot out of my mouth, all while I envisioned Hannah and Peter’s wedding. It would be a spectacular occasion, with both Hannah and Peter’s families coming from money and having important jobs and all. Carmen, Emma, Lila, and I would be her bridesmaids, of course. I wondered who she would choose as the maid of honor. Lila and I would be each other’s of course, Carmen and Emma would probably pick each other, but what about Hannah? Maybe it would be me!
“Hello, Alex? Please stop planning my wedding.” Hannah snapped her fingers in front of my face, cutting off my daydream.
“What? I wasn’t planning your wedding. I was, um, thinking about Blissful. And schedules and facials and stuff. Duh,” I said, not convincing Hannah.
“Sure, sure. But I don’t really know what I’m going to wear. We’re going back on Wednesday night and leaving on Friday. That means I am spending the night there–– twice. Are we supposed to sleep together? Separate bedrooms? What if I can’t think of anything to say around his mom or dad? How much food do I eat on Thanksgiving? Not enough might offend his mom, too much will make me look piggy.” Hannah looked terrified. “I’ve never had a real boyfriend before. Or met anyone’s parents. I’m scared.”
“Don’t you worry, girl. We’ll make sure you are totally prepared before you leave.