“I’d love to participate, but I’ll need a contract and a little time for Sebastian to go over it.”
“Of course.” Gigi texted Skyler to let him know Carly was in. They’d already talked about it, and he was all for the cellulite cream that Carly had created. He’d basically said the same thing Joy had and was excited to see what the three of them could do. Then she texted Sebastian, telling him to hurry home the next day because she’d just made some work for him. Smiling to herself about their exchange earlier on the dating app, she wondered if he’d mention it. When he only confirmed that he’d be back by mid-afternoon, she decided she wouldn’t bring it up either. It would be fun to keep the pretense up that they were strangers and to act as if they were going on their first date. For her, it added a level of playfulness she’d been missing in her life, and it just felt good.
“What are you smiling like that for?” Joy asked.
“Like what?” Gigi took a sip of her water and nodded to a waiter as he walked by, indicating they were ready to order. He held one finger up to let her know he’d be right back.
“You look all dreamy, like your heart is melting or something equally as sappy as that,” Joy said, eyeing her.
“I’m just thinking about my date tomorrow night. And before you ask, that’s all I’m going to tell you. Got it?”
Joy held her hands up in a surrender motion. “Yes, ma’am. But we’re gonna want details later. You know that, right?”
“I’m starting to get the picture,” Gigi deadpanned. She was about to tell them her lips would always be sealed, but the waiter arrived just at that moment, providing the perfect distraction.
“What can I get you ladies?” he asked.
“Plenty of wine, one red, two white,” Joy said and then went on to order an obscene amount of food that the three of them could never finish.
Gigi sat back, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. A year ago, she’d have never imagined herself in this situation. Sure, she’d have gone out to dinner, but never with a coven mate and a movie star.
Life certainly was strange, Gigi thought. But with this new chosen family by her side, Gigi couldn’t wait to see what else was in store for her.
Chapter Nineteen
Gigi spent her morning running errands before she stopped in at the Liminal Space Day Spa. It had been a while since she’d pampered herself. After getting her hair cut and highlighted to hide the few gray hairs that had started to make an appearance, she opted for a ninety-minute massage. By the time she made it back home, she felt like a goddess and couldn’t wait for her date with Sebastian.
How had she gotten so lucky? He not only knew her inside and out, he was also the romantic she’d always wanted but hadn’t had in her ex. Her phone buzzed with a text from Sebastian, making her heart flutter in her chest.
Looking forward to tonight. I’ve missed you.
She texted back that she missed him, too, and couldn’t wait to stroll with him under the moonlight.
He sent back a heart emoji.
Gigi didn’t continue to text him, knowing he was on the road from San Francisco. He’d told her earlier in the day that they had a breakthrough on tracking down who originally sold the ring to the auction house. He knew it had been done through an LLC, but they still needed to track down who owned the company. He’d said that shouldn’t take too long since most of those records were online. There was a good chance that by the time he arrived later in the evening that one of his researchers would’ve already found that information.
Time clicked by at a glacial speed. Gigi couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so impatient for anything. Finally, at 11:45 p.m., she took one last look at herself in the mirror. Her flowy white dress was perfect. Her eyes were bright with excitement, and she couldn’t stop the smile that was claiming her red lips. After pulling on a thick sweater, Gigi grabbed her house key, slipped out of her beach house, and took the trail down to the beach.
The almost-full moon reflected a shimmering silver sheen on the water, leaving her awed by the gorgeousness of the moment. With the sand beneath her feet and a slight breeze in her hair, Gigi