Layers(78)

We all break into high-pitched hoots of laughter as he concludes.

Out of breath, I say, “Quit your day job and write children’s books. You’ll be rolling in money.”

“Hales will illustrate them and I’ll do the PR,” Tasha adds.

“Drink, ladies?” Ian asks, standing up from the floor after doing a fine job on my nails.

“What’s on the menu?” We ask in unison.

“Well, evil twins, do you have any strawberries around?”

“Frozen,” Tasha nods toward the freezer.

“So strawberry daiquiris it is.” Ian grins from the kitchen.

“I love you, you take such good care of us,” I say loudly over the noise of the blender. Ian reciprocates by sending an air kiss my way.

We pile onto my bed, a pitcher on the nightstand and each of us with a full glass of pink frozen delight.

“To the gifted bartender.” I raise my glass and my two friends join.

“To no more sex at the office,” Tasha says, giggling.

“To love,” I say and burst out laughing. Out of the three of us, I can’t believe I’m the one saying that syrupy nonsense.

“We need to watch this one’s intake, god forbid we return her broken to the psycho,” Ian murmurs cynically and Tasha nods in agreement.

“You guys are really intense,” she says over her glass.

“I guess.” I shrug.

“Well, he seems very determined about you.” My eyebrows furrow and Ian turns to focus on Tasha.

“I’m just saying …” she says, checking out her nail polish.

“What are you insinuating?” Ian speaks my thoughts.

Her eyes come back to observe us both. “Well, he’s a serious mid-thirties, successful businessman. Not a kid, you know … I don’t think he’s into playing or taking things slow.”

I take a long sip, looking at Tasha above the rim of my glass.

“I’d expect it to become much more serious pretty soon, if you guys continue at this pace.”

“Oh, c’mon.” I say and shake my head in skepticism. What does she know? Frankly, I personally am not ready to leap into something more serious than our current situation. Hell, I’m still getting used to all this love/relationship thing. There’s nothing to really stress about anyway, it’s just her romance obsessed, vivid imagination.

“Don’t c’mon me, Hales, he took you to meet his mother, for heaven’s sake.”

Ian nods. “She does have a point …”

I take a deep, thoughtful breath.

“Well, we were already there. It’s not that this trip was planned around this meeting. He usually visits her when he’s in Baja, so this time wasn’t any different.” Was it? No way! She hasn’t got the tiniest clue. I’m sure both me and Daniel are on the same page. Enjoy the present …

“If denial works for you, go ahead. I still think I’m right.”

“Then let’s agree to disagree.”

She rolls her eyes dismissively and I twist my mouth.

After my second glass I start feeling too warm and somewhat tipsy; I strip down to my tank top and boyshorts.

“Last one for you, thank you,” Tasha says, taking away my glass, completely disregarding my disapproving pout.

“Hey.” I turn to Ian. “I wasn’t going to say anything but,” I halt for a second to gauge what I am about to say, and with both Ian and Tasha highly attentive I continue, “my Ken doll boss is going to invite you to an interview for a photo shoot of YOU’s summer issue.”

Ian’s face lights up. “Is that so, gorgeous?”

“Hold on, there’s more.” I beam at him.

“What is it, Hales?” Tasha asks.

“The photo shoot is in the … Maldives! On some exotic island. I can’t recall its name right now.” Alcohol …

“Are you f**king with me?” Ian breathes.

“And I’m going too,” I add.

“You are kidding me,” Tasha mutters, studying me carefully.

“Nope, all that’s left is for Ian to wow the focus group at YOU.”

“Easy part.” Ian winks, ever self-assured.

“Guys, I will be so jealous,” Tasha says, pouting.

“You’ll have Rob,” Ian mocks her and we all crack up into hysterics.

“So tired,” I say, yawning.

“Come here.” Ian offers his chest as a pillow and I’m cradled in his embrace, slowly dozing, half listening to them talk about the last guy Ian was “seeing” till I fall asleep.





Chapter 31: From Zero to a Hundred in a Split Second


“Hey.” I dream of Daniel setting up the bonfire in Baja. “Hales.” He is talking to me. “Hales.” Someone is lightly rocking me by my arm. Opening my eyes to a fine slit, realizing it’s not a part of my dream, I look at the blurry figure bent next to me. Blinking a couple of times my vision clears.

“Daniel,” I whisper, immediately elated. What is he doing here? Did I sleep a whole day? Did I miss work? He smiles at me, his eyes gentle. As I comprehend that I’m still rested on Ian’s chest I raise my head quickly.

“I’m dizzy,” I whisper. Daniel tries to look upset, though his eyes, gleaming in the dark evening light, give him away.