I jump up and down on the spot like a five–year–old. This is the first time in my life that I have received flowers from someone that I actually love. He wants to play with magic. He must have liked the song that I sent him. I clap my hands together in glee while feeling very proud of myself. He sent me roses. I feel like I am sixteen again, actually no I don’t. I feel like I’m seventeen since that was the last time Joshua made me feel like this. I turn my attention to the gift box. For some reason I feel nervous about opening it. He has never bought me anything before… it feels weird. I slowly undo the ribbon and inside is thick cream tissue paper. I slowly unwrap the contents. My heart stops. Inside is the most beautiful black satin corset, suspender belt, stockings and the briefest satin and lace underpants. They are stunning with a cream satin ribbon entwined through the lace around the top and bottom of the corset. Tiny cream ribbon bows are around the tops of the sheer thigh–high stockings and up the boning in the corset. My eyes drop back to the box and I pull out a gorgeous black evening dress that does up at the front with a trail of intricate black–ribbon bows. He’s dropped a pretty penny on these babies. I swallow a lump in my throat. Ok, so he wants to play with magic and I think I am supposed to wear these. A sudden thought sends panic through me. Shit. I grab my keys and run out the door. I had better get myself to that beautiful behind salon like now. And I don’t give a flying fuck if Max is following.
5 pm
I am at Oscar’s waiting for the girls. I’m excited to see them. I have news and it’s good news. Bridget and Abbie arrive fifteen minutes late and walk over to our low sunken leather lounge deep in conversation.
“So then what did you say?” Abbie hunches her shoulders.
“Hi, what’s going on?” I ask. Abbie flops into the lounge, blows out a breath, throws her head back and closes her eyes.
“What’s going on?” I wince.
“Tristan wants to be exclusive.”
“Huh, who’s Tristan?” I frown.
Abbie points at me. “Exactly,” she snaps.
Bridget does wide eyes at me. “Army guy,” she snaps.
“Oh, of course.” I frown. I probably should have known that. “What happened?”
Abbie pulls a sad face at me. “He said he wants to be exclusive or he can’t see me anymore.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “And?”
She throws her arms in the air. “You know I can’t do that.” Bridget and I frown at each other.
“Ok,” I whisper.
“Why in the hell not? You can’t fuck around for the rest of your life,” Bridget snaps.
Abbie scowls at Bridget. “Watch me.” We all fall silent as the waitress comes over and takes our order.
“Change the bloody subject. I’m not discussing this.” Bridget rolls her eyes at me and I nod.
“So what’s happening with Mr Stanton?” Abbie smiles.
I lean back onto the lounge and swoon, “He’s amazing.”
Abbie pulls a disgusted face at Bridget. “He’s not that amazing—he slept with TC.” I shiver at the mention of her name. “What did he say about that?”
“He ‘fessed up that he slept with her.”
“Fuck off,” Bridget snaps.
I nod, “I know, gross huh.”
Abbie fake–punches her hand. “I swear I am going to take that bitch down. First James, now Joshua. Who’s next? Jeremy?” We all nod and agree at the disgusting turn of events.
“What did he say? Oh shit, that’s right, what did he say about his frigging mother?” Bridget puts her hands up to her cheeks.
“Nothing. He told her we are back on.”
“Holy shit,” Abbie whispers, wide–eyed.
“We’ve decided we are going to try to make a go of it.” They both smile beaming smiles at me which I can’t help returning. “He sent me roses and lingerie today and said I will be picked up at eight by my bodyguard.”
They both frown at me. “Fuck off,” Abbie snaps. “You have a fucking bodyguard now?”