My mouth drops open but I quickly close it. “I actually did not know that. I love it.”
“We’re really proud of it.”
“I have your Belvedere skirt. It’s one of my favorite pieces.”
“Oh! Thank you! See, you’d be such a great fit! You’re so cool! Gen Z is really moving away from dressing for other people and embracing their own style. Quirky and unique.”
I could definitely see myself wearing pretty much anything they make.
Of course we don’t commit to anything, and Harper and I talk about things over dinner that night at a restaurant near the hotel. She has notes about our meeting with Monrovia in New York, which I also really liked.
I’m impatient with all the analysis, though. She has lists of pros and cons for each of them. It’s overwhelming, and I get bored with it. Finally, I say, “I just need to think about it, okay?”
“Of course.” She closes her tiny laptop computer and smiles. “Do you think we could have a decision for them by Monday?”
Today’s Thursday. I nod. “Okay.”
We talk about some other business things and then what to do tomorrow on our last day in L.A. We debate Universal Studios over shopping or the beach. In the end, we spend the day in Beverly Hills, and I blow a ton of cash on clothes and makeup. I even buy Josh a designer necktie travel roll and a tie to go in it. I don’t know if he has one, but he travels a lot and they have to wear suits, so maybe it’s something he can use.
I miss him.
Yes, we text. Yes, we sext. We even talked on the phone this morning.
Geez, it’s not like we see each other every day, even in New York. But…I’d like to. I’m falling deeply in like with him. And even though I’m going home tomorrow, I won’t see him until Sunday because he has another game Saturday night.
I’m super happy to be home when I roll my suitcase into my condo on Saturday. I kick off my shoes and toss my jacket onto a chair, then throw myself down onto my couch. “Home.”
I have so much to do. I didn’t do much work while I was gone. But what I really want to do? Make popcorn, pour a glass of rosé wine, and watch the hockey game in my PJs.
So that is what I do.
—
Sunday, I get together with Lilly. We decide to have lunch, so I meet her at a place near her, which is the same building Josh lives in. We’re going to plan a night out at the Fine Fox, and then I’m going to Josh’s place.
I walk into the Cheerful Rhino a few minutes before noon and search the room with my eyes. There’s Lilly, waving at me from a small table against one wall. I make my way over to her, unzipping my jacket.
“Hi!” Her smile is bright. “So nice to see you again.”
“You too!” I hang my jacket on a nearby coatrack and take a seat. “This is a cute place.”
“It’s close to Easton’s place and mine, so we come here a lot.”
“Oh, you two don’t live together?”
She shakes her head. “We’ve been talking about moving in together. My roommate just moved out so I’m on my own now. But that’s okay. I’m kind of enjoying being self-sufficient.” She makes a face. “It’s been a long time since I was.”
I’m not sure what to make of that, but the waitress comes and asks about beverages. I ask for a coffee and Lilly requests the same.
“So what is the name of this place you two went to?” Lilly asks.
“The Fine Fox.”
“It sounds fun. There’s a place my friends and I go to sometimes to play Skee-Ball. Hungry Dog Lounge.”
“Do you want to go there instead?”
“No, no! The Fine Fox sounds amazing. I was looking at it online and we can make reservations for a big group.” She pulls out her phone and reads off prices for renting tables by the hour. “I think we should get Layla to help also.”