Page 9 of Brassy Bigwig

“Which part do you live in? I’ve been to a few different places, but my favorite is Islamorada.”

“I grew up in Miami, but I live in Southern California now. Hermosa Beach.”

“So you’re a beach bum?” I joke.

“Born and raised,” he confirms. “What about you? Where do you live?”

“New York,” I answer.

Just as he opens his mouth to say something else, his friend calls him from the other side of the pool.

“Hey, D!”

D?

How do you get “D” from Trey Everett? While I’m left to wonder, they continue their conversation.

“We’re going to grab some lunch. You coming?”

“Yeah,” he shouts back. “I’ll be right there.”

Damn it.

I haven’t gotten my fill of speaking to him, but I’m not sure I ever would if given the chance. I offer him a smile when he turns back to face me.

“Well, Genevieve. It was wonderful meeting you.”

“Same to you, Trey.”

I feel like an idiot when my heart clenches as he begins to walk away. I put my sunglasses back in place to hide the sadness I know is in my eyes. I’m so stupid, why am I acting like this? Before I’m able to get too upset by the lightning fast ending to my shortest, make-believe relationship, he pivots and takes hold of my attention once more.

“So I was thinking.” He walks a few steps back toward me.

“You were, were you?” I answer coyly.

“We should probably keep our dinner plans for tonight,” he continues. “In the event you run in to that kid again. I wouldn’t want you to get caught in a lie or anything.”

“You bring up a very good point." I play along. "I do hate a liar, and I wouldn’t dream of being labeled as one.”

I’m not sure which of us is working harder to come up with these bullshit excuses, but I welcome them all.

“I’ll meet you in the lobby at eight, then?”

“It’s a date,” I confirm.

Quickly, I wonder if calling it a date was too much, but his wink and half smile tell me he isn’t bothered by it. He may even like the idea.

I try holding in my big, goofy grin, but I can’t.

“Looking forward to it, Genevieve Morgan.” He flashes me his killer smile before turning and walking away again.

Same here, Trey Everett. Same here.

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