Paradise Found

Lauren nods but doesn’t really take in what Camille is saying. Instead, she grabs me by the arm and wishes everyone happy holidays as she drags me out of the dressing room by the wrist. She doesn’t say anything until we are in the car when she asks the driver to put up the privacy screen and then pulls me into her arms, where I break down.

“I’m so sorry, Elle. I had no idea he was coming to the club outside of your scheduled times. I would have told you if I knew. I can’t believe him. What an asshole. You don’t deserve that, sweetie. Men always think with their dicks not their brains. And how much of a bitch is Camille for rubbing it in your face. Urgh. I’ve never liked her. She thinks she’s top shit. Goddammit! If I ever see him again, I’m going to punch him in the dick. No, I’m going to cut his balls off. Fuck him! How dare he do that to my bestie. I’m sorry, I really thought he was different. Thought he wouldn’t be the kind of guy who would fuck you over. I’m even sorrier now that I pushed you to give that asshole a chance. He seemed so nice. I mean … who the hell helps at a cake stall in the middle of winter if you’re cheating on your girl,” Lauren says, filling in the time as the car drives us home.

Eventually, we make it home, and Lauren helps me out of the car and into the house. I throw my bag on the floor and slump on the couch.

Lauren is there instantly, wrapping her arms around me again as I fall to pieces.

“I thought he was different,” I sob the words into her arms.

“He has a dick. They’re all the same.” She sighs.

“He made me think I was special.”

“You were special. No, youarespecial, babe. I think he liked you, but the lure of the club may have been too much for him. Once men have a taste of Paradise, you know they will only want more.”

Maybe she’s right, but I honestly thought Alistair was different. I’ve seen so many men come and go through the club that I thought I could spot the problem guys easily. For once, I thought he saw me as areal personnot someone’s fantasy.

It seems I was mistaken.

“I could have lost everything because of that man. He would have been fine, he got his kicks, and I was a nice bonus. Never again. I’m done. This is what happens when I stray fromthe plan. The Universe is telling me I fucked up.”

“Look … we can head early to my parents’ place. We don’t have to stick around. Unless you’re going to confront him tomorrow night on your date?”

“Nope, I’m fine. I have no loyalty to this guy. We’re not dating. He’s not my boyfriend. He was just good dick. There’s nothing more. I was swayed by the good D, Lauren, and that never happens.”

“Good D will make you forget yourself,” she says with a sigh.

“I’m going to take that early start date on the island Sara asked us about the other day too. I need to get the hell out of London.”

Sara asked Lauren and me if we would be able to get to the island earlier than the original start date, and I had said no because I wanted extra time with Alistair.

What an idiot.

“Okay, I’m in too. Bring on the sunshine, right?” Lauren smiles.

“Thank you,” I say to her through my tears. I couldn’t ask for a better best friend than Lauren. She is my ride-or-die girl.

“No need to thank me. Us bitches need to stick together because in our job, good dick is easy to find but friends, good friends, they are precious,” she says.

I hug her tightly as tears roll down my cheeks.