Turn Over

“No you didn’t. No one knows he’s here.”

“Ok, I didn’t, but I like it. Congrats on the nominations by the way.”

I filled my cup with coffee. “Thanks. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. I’m kind of distracted.”

“Yeah, I can see how that would happen with Mr. Sex Machine in the house.”

I almost spit out my first sip. “Helena!”

“Sexy Pants? Sex Master? I don’t know what pet name you gave him.”

“None of those.”

I sat at the table and looked out at the pool. The water was still and blue. I had thought about adding a fountain at one end, but I hadn’t started the planning yet.

“Well, I’m supposed to call you and start talking about the red carpet, and of course what you’re going to wear to perform, but we can do that when you’re alone.”

“Thanks. Couture isn’t on today’s agenda. But I am excited to talk about it.”

“Are you going to take him with you?”

“What?” I had lost focus on the pool.

“Luke? Is he going to be your plus one?”

I hadn’t thought about a date. “I-I can’t do that.”

“Don’t let Jake ruin this. It’s the biggest night of your career. You should take who you want. Take him. But please let me dress him to match you.”

I was living in bliss. I woke up in the middle of a dream. And now reality was smacking me back in place.

“It’s too much trouble. The fall out isn’t worth it.”

“Ugh. You should take him. He would be an amazing accessory. At least listen to that from your stylist. But I’ll let you go so you two can hang out. I’m excited for you, Lex. On everything. You deserve this. And you deserve him too if he’s what you want.”

“Thank you.” I smiled, ending the call. I decided I needed to unplug for a while. I turned th

e phone off.

I heard Luke’s footsteps behind me.

“I need your Wi-Fi password.”

“Oh. Yeah. Could we talk for just a second before you go back there?”

“What’s up?”

I was just going to do it. I was going to make all these dreams come true. I’d take Helena’s advice. She was right. I deserved it. I deserved Luke.

“Would you be my date for the CYAs?” I blurted it out before I could talk myself out of it.

Luke stared at me. “Are you fucking with me?”

“No.” I walked toward him. “I want you to be there with me. If you want to.” I looked into his dark eyes.

“Do I have to wear a tux?” He cracked a smile.

I twisted my lips. “Helena could probably find a tux that’s more your style. Does that mean you’ll go? Would you want to?”