“Well, first of all, focusing on your career as a woman or as anyone is literally a no-lose situation. There is a reason why women in the fifties fought to be let out of the kitchen. When it comes to love, New York can be unforgiving. I’m in the same boat. Everyone here is a mercenary and you might be better off just growing your business. If you don’t want to drop this guy, just don’t be in private with him. Make it a public affair whenever you’re together so both of you behave. You’re gonna have to talk to him first though so you get on the same page.”
“What do you think I was trying to do in the changing room?”
“Okay, well that’s out of the way now. You got it out of your system. You don’t have to wonder what he’s like in bed anymore. You know.”
“Yeah,” I said, not convinced. Maggie might have been able to tell.
“How about I take care of everything that doesn’t necessarily need contact so face-to-face-time is minimal?”
“That would help. Thank you,” I told her. I didn’t know which way was up anymore. Something was telling me to let it all go. It wasn’t worth trying to remain professional with Easton because look at what happened? I didn’t like him, but I did. I wasn’t supposed to but I did, even though he was a nightmare. Maybe doing this with him would test my resolve and finally fix me for real. The doorbell rang pulling me out of my thoughts.
“I’ll get it,” Maggie said. I thanked her, pushing the magazines to the side. I didn’t think we were going to get much done today. I heard a baby crying from the door. Brenna? Eddy? I heard a flurry of footsteps then Riley’s red head appeared.
“Aunty Missy!” he squealed, flying around the table to hug me. Eddy, Brenna, the baby and Maggie followed soon after, all laden with takeaway bags from Cotton, a French restaurant in Soho. I jumped up to help them with their bags.
“How did you guys know I was starving?” I asked. Brenna knew Maggie already, but she and Eddy were introduced.
“We thought we would come by with reinforcements. Do you mind if I stick Riley in front of the TV?” Eddy asked. I said it was no problem. She went to take him to the living room and the three of us settled around the table as I unearthed plates and glasses.
“Everything smells divine,” I remarked. Eddy came back and we tucked in. I sunk my teeth into a tender duck breast while the girls chatted.
“What were you doing before we showed up?” Brenna asked. Maggie shot me a look. Might as well say it since she knew. I knew Brenna was going to eat it up.
“I… something happened at work,” I said.
“What?” Eddy asked. Brenna bounced her baby on her knee who was occupied by a madeleine disintegrating in her hand. I looked over at Maggie again.
“She slept with a client,” she blurted out. Brenna, just as I thought, burst out laughing. Eddy’s eyes almost fell out of her head.
“You did what?” Eddy demanded. Maggie was laughing too at that point. I was glad that she had set it so that I didn’t have to. It was making this part, getting into all the dirty details, a lot easier.
“You heard her. Slept with one of my clients.”
“I didn’t know you had any interest in women,” Brenna remarked.
“Not a woman. A man. For some reason, I feel like I would feel as bad if it was a woman.”
“Well, you know what, you have to tell us now,” Brenna said leaning forward. “What was he like?” Everyone laughed again. I was glad they were taking it like this and not lecturing me, even though a lecture was what I deserved.
“Well, you know. It was maybe the hottest encounter in my life which is the problem.” More laughter.
“Don’t tell me you're sticking to this guy. Don’t do it again please, that’s what I’m trying to say,” Eddy said. “Unless you want to. That would be so messy though. Fire yourself first and then do it again.”
“I don’t want to quit, he’s my first male client,” I said. And I didn’t hate him as much as I should have by this point.
“Don’t sleep with him again,” Brenna said.
“Okay.”
“We’re serious,” Eddy said, laughing.
“I don’t mean to play devil's advocate here, but what if he’s the one?” Maggie threw in.
“Christ, I would never be caught dead with a man who can’t dress,” I said.
“Well, you said he couldn’t dress but you’ve slept with him and you haven’t told us how that was yet.” Brenna was just egging me on.
“I know that is not the right thing to do. I’m a professional these days, that means I can’t just sleep with whoever I want.”