ago. Ever since confessing to you all the shit that’s been going on with my friends and our crazy night together, I feel a lot lighter. I didn’t even realize how much carrying their secrets was weighing me down. How much I needed a friend. We might both be embarrassed as hell about that night, but…it’s weird. It actually makes me feel like I can trust you more now. So, thank you. I know it’s not really a part of your job description to embarrass yourself for me, or to be my unpaid therapist, but you kind of are because I’ve learned you won’t use this shit against me. Just like I won’t use anything against you. I’m ready to do whatever hard work you have in store for me to turn my image around for real this season. There are too many people depending on me to fail now.”
Any indignation building in my veins during this drive has fled the scene. I always thought marketing would be a rewarding job, but I never imagined it like this. Nothing I might say feels sincere enough to convey what it means to hear him admit these things to me. Especially after that night.
Mike’s phone rings, taking the opportunity to apologize away from me again. He grimaces when he looks at the screen. “Shit. It’s Rob. Hang on.”
I wait in silence as he lifts the phone to his ear, obviously listening to a voicemail.
“Fuck,” he breathes then glances around the cab of the truck with building panic in his eyes. “Fuck! I gotta go!”
“What?” So much for our moment of honesty. “Go where? What’s happening?”
“Evie’s stalker tracked her down. I gotta go.” He pulls his keys out of the ignition then pauses with his hand on the door. “Shit. Peaches…”
Maybe we do know each other better in good ways after that wild night because I hear all the things he leaves unsaid.
I’m sorry. I’ll be back for you. Please understand.
“Go!” I yell at him as I shove him toward the door. “The photoshoot doesn’t matter! Go!”
Fading rays of sunlight filter in through small windows at either end of the dim hallway, creating a golden glow that makes the worn beige carpet seem pretty instead of dirty. My feet ache with every step toward relief. They mimic the unsettled feeling in my chest which grows as another hour ticks by without any word from Mike.
I’m not even here to complete his little challenge anymore. I just need to get off my feet for a while. Ben promised we’d always be friends, and it’s time to put that to the test. I knock on the cracked wood door, then do it again. My hands shake with exhaustion and worry. The last train to Albany doesn’t depart for hours, but I don’t want to leave Mike to fend for himself after what’s surely going to be an emotionally draining day. I cannot possibly consume another cup of coffee while waiting though.
“Can I help you?”
I glance up at the unfamiliar female voice. Her expression looks as confused as I feel.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I must have the wrong apartment.” I offer her a sheepish grin and chuckle to ease her obvious distrust. “I’ve been walking around window shopping for hours, and I’m just dead on my feet at this point. I apologize for interrupting your evening.”
She leans forward with a conspiratorial sparkle in her pretty hazel eyes. “Honestly, window shopping is so much more exhausting than actual shopping. Fantasizing about all those beautiful purses I can’t remotely afford? I’d rather run a marathon, and that’s saying something because the only reasons I run are for coffee if I’m out or if someone is chasing me.”
This woman is a complete stranger, but in another life, we could be fast friends. “Oh, I agree. If only real life was more like the movies, I’d have no problem blowing half my rent money on a pair of Louboutins. I’m convinced I could rock the black patent leather stilettos look for every day wear if only I had a rich man buying me La Perla lingerie to wear beneath my Target business attire.”
She shakes her head in mock disappointment. “Every woman’s fantasy, for sure. But why stop there? It’s the modern era. We should have billionaires falling at our feet and spoiling us silly while they ravish us in the bedroom with alpha dominance and also cook gourmet, Keto-friendly meals, so we can keep our slender feminine figures even as