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"I heard the museums and art galleries there are amazing. Did you get a chance to visit any of them?"
I smiled, "Yes, I went to a few art galleries and saw some amazing pieces by local artists. It was such a great experience."
Our conversation continued as we took turns ordering—guacamole, crispy tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and a pitcher of margaritas to share. The restaurant was bustling with activity, the servers darting around the tables, delivering plates of steaming hot food to their guests.
Sophie and Valerie and I had been friends since college. We all met in our freshman year when we were randomly assigned to the same dormitory as roommates. Despite our different backgrounds and interests, the three of us quickly hit it off and became inseparable.
Valerie was premed. She was the smartest one out of the group and now ran her own practice. Sophie was the beautiful valedictorian of the school's award-winning fashion design program and was a budding designer. I began my college career studying literature but after taking a marketing class, I realized that my talents lay in connecting people with the products and services that they needed to live their lives to the fullest. Honestly, earning my MBA in marketing was a joy and a breeze.
We had spent long nights studying for exams, exploring Portland, and trying out new restaurants and cafes together. Our friendship had remained solid, and now we spent as much time as we could together, irrespective of our schedules.
“Did you speak to Nathan about the colors?” I asked Sophie. We were undecided about the main color for the event, swinging between the traditional gold and the more modern forest green. Both would complement the pink and white peonies.
“He’s been really busy with Christian. They’re trying to settle on a tux for the ceremony. I haven’t had the chance,” Sophie answered picking up her margarita.
“Not Christian. They’ll never come to a decision,” I quipped.
“He seemed pretty certain about being mad at you the other day,” Sophie replied, laughing.
“He’s an arrogant jerk,” I said snidely.
“He likes you,” Valerie said rolling her eyes. “It’s obvious to everyone except the two of you.”
“He has a terrible way of showing it,” I answered looking away from her.
“He’s never gotten over what happened between you and his brother,” Sophie said quietly.
“It was none of his affairs,” I said.
“I’ll bet he likes you, and just doesn’t know it,” Valerie pressed.
“You’d lose your practice on that bet,” I replied waving her off.
“Let’s do it then. Get him to date you, at least until the wedding is over. It’ll prove me wrong or you right. It’s really very simple.” Valerie never gave up once she latched on to an idea. But Christian... It was ridiculous to think of. Still, a bet! “Besides you seem to like him yourself,” Valerie continued.
“You could always try something old-fashioned," Sophie said with a grin.
"Like seducing the hell out of him," Valerie chimed in.
I rolled my eyes. "Not that. I'm not interested in Christian. He's a snobby arrogant jerk who thinks he knows everything."
"But that's exactly why you two would be perfect together," Sophie said with a wink. "You could challenge each other, and keep each other on your toes."
Valerie nodded in agreement.
"Come on, Alex. It's just a harmless bet. If you can seduce Christian Sanchester, I'll buy you a fancy dinner—and I'll give you my practice."
I frowned, feeling torn. On the one hand, the idea of going after Christian made my skin crawl. But on the other hand, I couldn't deny the thrill of a challenge and what better way to get him back than by making him fall in love with me?
"All right," I said finally. "I'll do it. But you guys have to promise not to tell anyone about this. And just until you and Nathan are safely married," I said to Sophie.
My friends squealed in excitement and clinked their glasses in a toast to the upcoming mission. I was determined to make the best of the situation and show Christian that I could hold my own against his teasing and hostility. After all, I was a strong, confident woman who wasn't afraid to stand up for herself.
I finished my meal and sat back in my seat. Christian would not let me live this down if he found out. I had to win because losing was not an option.
Sophie dropped her fork and picked up her margarita.
“You’re not thinking about the bet are you? she asked laughing.
