AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Really?” I blurt, sitting up.
I don’t know why I let the moment of insecurity slip out. But suddenly, I feel kind of bad I pushed Brittany away. I had assumed she only befriended me so she could use my platform to gain more followers.
“Of course. You were just really busy, and I wasn’t all that sure you liked hanging out with me. You’re such the life of the party and I’m kind of ... well, let’s be honest, I am not. I’m like the girl that faceplants every time I try to walk in front of people in a pair of heels.”
I laugh. “I think you’re great, and yeah, actually, I am free tonight. I could go for a night out. It’s been a trip the last few weeks.”
“Oh, perfect,” she chirps. “I can meet up with you at your place around eight. Or is that too early? I don’t know.”
“That works for me,” I tell her, pushing my hair out of my face. “I’ll be ready by then. I heard there’s a new place opening a few blocks from here.”
“Yay!” she squeals. “It’ll be fun. I’ll see you soon.”
We hang up and I toss my phone to the bed.
I’m not going to bother myself with mindless scrolling anymore.
I have to let Cameron go and play hockey—which is his entire focus. He’ll be better in the end for it, anyway. He probably just got caught up in the retreat and solidarity with me.
But no matter how many times I try to tell myself that, it just doesn’t sit right.
“Hey girl,” Brittany greets me as I step out into the street. Her dark hair is pulled back in a Bohemian-style ponytail, braided around the top.
“Your hair is cute,” I tell her, smiling.
“Thanks! You look phenomenal.” She gestures to my black leather pants and white blouse. “You always do. I swear, it’s like a talent you have. You never look homely.”
“Oh, you have no idea.” I giggle, falling in step beside her. “I have some pretty rough moments. When I stayed in Colorado, I looked like a mountain troll most of the time. There was rarely a day I put on makeup.”
And Cameron still fell for me.
I push the thought away. “It’s good to be back in the city.”
I take in the busy streets and towering skyscrapers that surround us. The honking of car horns and the chatter of people fills the air, a symphony of city life.
“Oh yeah, I bet,” she muses as our heels click against the sidewalk. “The hustle and bustle of the city is almost as addicting as the views those kinds of places offer. Were you there with Cameron Hastens?”
His name makes my mouth grow dry. “Um ... yeah, yeah, I was.” There’s nothing in my NDA stating I can’t say that. Everyone pretty much knows I went with him, anyway. That’s no secret.
“I bet that was amazing. He’s such a dreamboat.” She giggles. “Well, if tall, protective hockey players are your type. Did you read the statement they released? Oh my gosh, I think it made all the women swoon that much more over him. Who doesn’t want a fiercely loyal man?”
“I don’t know.” I try to keep the smile on my face, but my hands begin to sweat. My heart aches in my chest, and I’m starting to wonder if agreeing to go out tonight was even a good idea. “But he’s a really good person.”
“Aw.” Brittany looks over at me. “That’s really sweet. Did you get to meet any of his teammates?”
I nod. “Yeah. They’re really great. I love the camaraderie they have.”
But I really don’t want to talk about them right now.
“That’s so amazing.” I can see the stars in her eyes as she says the words, and I wish I could feel the same. When I originally accepted the job, I was beyond excited—feeling like I had finally made it, but now...
I just wish I could forget it all happened.
“Anyway,” I say as I pull open the door to the tiny chic dive bar. “How’s your life been? What’re you up to these days?”
Her smile fades as she steps inside. “Um, honestly ... I’ve been better.” The drop in her tone is surprising to me. According to her social media, she’s got everything going for her.
“You wanna talk about it?” I offer as we steal a table in the back. “I’m all ears if you need someone to listen.”
