Faking It with the Frenemy

–Kim: Do you think I’d hire just anybody?

I don’t have to hear her voice to know she’s insulted. The outrage is in every syllable.

–Me: Yes.

I hit send, and a millisecond later realize I’m being a dick. Shit. Can’t recall it now.

–Kim: Rachel babysits for Justin, Dane and Shane. That’s Justin Sterling, if you don’t know.

If she could, she’d send a sniffing sound. I close my eyes briefly. I’m annoyed with Melanie, anxious and irritated about having to attend Geneva’s wedding, and I’m taking it out on Kim. She doesn’t know how I feel about the situation with Vi.

She texts me a time and location.

–Kim: London Bailey is a wealthy heiress. Very pretty and likable. Try not to insult her.

I start to type I’m sorry, then hit the back button until everything’s erased. I should apologize in person, and it’s not like she lives far away.

I wrap everything up for the day and leave. I’m not sure about the woman Kim set me up with. London…a city name, just like Geneva. But maybe she really will be pretty and likable, and a good date for the wedding.

Chapter Seventeen

Kim

“It’s seriously annoying how ungrateful he is.” I swallow my martini in three big gulps. I swear, every barre studio should serve martinis for hydration. Or at least as an adjunct to stress relief and endorphin production. A workout just isn’t enough to do it right now.

It’s been a little over a week since the contract got signed, and I’ve done everything in my power to help Wyatt look good at the wedding next weekend. And how does he react? With anything but gratitude! He should be kissing my feet—not that I’d allow it, because I’m not going to think about his lips on my skin. Ever. It’s a bad direction. But my point stands. He should be thankful!

“Who are you talking about?” Jo says, then takes an elegant sip. She’s glowing after our session, hair and makeup still perfect. The barre studio should use her as a model to promote itself.

“The Antichrist,” I say.

Hilary nibbles on the green olive that came with her drink. “Is this the guy you’re supposed to help? Dane’s friend?”

“Yes.”

“How can he not be grateful? You’re the assistant everyone wants to have but can’t.”

“Oh, I’m that assistant.” Despite everything, I have to laugh.

Jo turns to Hilary. “Except nobody’s even trying to hire you because… Well, you work for Gavin Freakin’ Lloyd.”

Hilary shrugs, but doesn’t hide the little smile breaking over her face. She really is amazing at her job, and she mentored me when I was starting out. Without her, I wouldn’t have lasted as Salazar’s assistant or qualified for the five-year bonus. When I told her that and asked me what she wanted me to get her, she just said, “Pay it forward.” Which is why I not only became roommates with Evie, but helped her out when she began working as an assistant to her now-husband.

“Did he say something to indicate he’s unhappy?” Hilary asks.

“Look at this!” I show my friends some of the texts I got from Wyatt. “I’ve been trying to hook him up because that’s what he wants, but…” I let out a small growl.

Hilary takes my phone and reads, deepening her voice a bit to sound more male. “‘Are you serious? This woman is dumber than the concrete used to build the bridge in the real London.’”

Jo snorts, then laughs so hard that she almost falls off her chair. “Oh my God. You set him up with London?”

“Why not? She’s rich, so she doesn’t care about his money, and she’s pretty. She looks especially good with that blond hair and those golden contacts, don’t you think?”

“Well, yeah. But she is actively stupid.” Jo uses her tiny martini sword to mime cutting something in two. “It’s like her brain cells are half-sized.”

“There’s more,” Hilary says, still reading. “‘What’s wrong with this woman? She’s sticking so close, I can’t piss without her trying to tag along into the men’s bathroom!’” She looks up. “Who’s this one?”

“Abby Stein. And she isn’t that bad.” I signal for another drink. “Besides, she’s hot. If I were a lesbian, I’d totally do her.”