Page 65 of Fate In Fiction

“That good, huh?” Stella plasters on a smile. “Be careful, Josie. He’s wired to break hearts and use women.”

“You seriously think women haven’t used him too?” Isn’t that what I did last night? “Stella, you need to get over that he shot you down and chose your friend who isn’t as magazine cover perfect as you.”

“Oh, stop it, Josie.” Emery finishes her drink and shakes her head. “You are gorgeous. Naturally beautiful and kind. Stella is just jealous she didn’t score the billionaire.”

“I just don’t see how this playboy snaps out of his ways so quick.” Stella smooths her brown hair.

“He’s been here for almost a year. He’s constantly at work and no longer in the party scene. It’s called maturing, Stella. He knows what he wants and is going for it.”

My phone dings with Emmett’s name, causing my heart to stop as the girls glance down at it. We’ve been good at keeping our cover, but our texts are usually blunt.

Emmett:

Hey, my beautiful little darlin’. I’m hoping you’ll join me in Miami this weekend for a business conference.

I beam, opening the text as my heart flutters. I sure felt beautiful last night and this morning with his praise and how he knew how to perfectly arouse my body. Is he able to handle friends with benefits? I’m not ready to let this go.

If I let us become anything past platonic, I risk my funds. And if he doesn’t feel more, and I do, that’s a feeling I don’t want to know.

Emmett:

Say hi to your lunch dates for me. Talk later xo.

“Miami sucks this time of year.” Stella’s eyes bounce from my screen to me. “It is so damn humid and hot.”

“I’m sure our suite will have air conditioning,” I bite back. “And besides the conference, who says we will be leaving the room anyway?” I could have him conduct his own seminar and teach me a few more things.

“Right.” Stella plasters on a smile, and for the first time, I notice the true jealousy. “Emery, didn’t you mention something about your bumpkin town this week too?”

“I’m not going.” Her eyes rest on her food so we aren’t able to search them. “My childhood best friends and aunt have been bugging me for years to return.” Stella and I are aware she hasn’t been back in five years since she graduated high school. “I don’t think I can cross the welcome sign yet.”

“Emery, dead parents shouldn’t stop you from visiting a place.” Stella checks herself in her phone camera. She’s unbelievable.

“Have you always been this big of a bitch?” I say and watch as she ignores my comment.

“Since when do you swear?”

“My issues go deeper than that.” Emery rolls her eyes, ignoring mine and Stella’s stare off.

“So, a boy?” I mention, knowing something or someone made her take off.

“We need the deets.” Stella nods.

“I’m not intoxicated enough to pop the top off that toxic vault.” Her plate pushes forward, and I don’t press for more.

“Fair enough,” I say, then change the subject. “But I’m sure your aunt and besties would enjoy seeing your face back home one day.” I continue to finish my lunch and hit the country road to surprise my sister by picking her up early from her day camp.

The blue sky disappears as clouds of grey suffocate the mountains. A brief trip to Miami sounds wonderful since soaking up the rays and basking in a full day of heat is unpredictable in Aspen. Julianne’s smile brightens the world as she hops into the passenger seat. Tossing her backpack in the back, a dreamy gaze filters through her eyes as she stares ahead. Her faint fruity body spray mixes with a strong leather and I know it’s not just from her new cowboy boots. Pulling out of the parking lot without her even greeting me has me eager to hear how her day went.

“Should we stop at the café?” I break the silence and crank my head her way as I lean forward.

“Let’s go back to your new place.” A soft smile rests on her lips as her eyes remain ahead. “I haven’t seen it yet.”

“It’s nothing fancy.” I feel like I need to brief her or deter her from the appeal of checking it out. “The café would be more bustling.”

“Emmett’s hotel lobby is cozy if you don’t want to show me where you two get it on.” She twists her hair, shooting me a grin, and I stop myself from veering off the road.

“Julianne Rose Callahan. You are too young to be talking like that. I don’t think you are aware of what you are even saying.”