Page 24 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

She did as I instructed and I could hear the smile in her voice when she said, “You always know what to do, don't you?”

“I do my best.”

“So, how about it? Will you help me with my wedding? I'm so sorry to ask you this last-minute. I really wanted you to enjoy just being a bridesmaid.”

“Actually, I'mmorethan happy to be your decorator, Jen. I consider it an honor.”

She squealed. “You're a life-saver!”

“Why don't you meet me at my office and we can go over the colors you want?”

“That would be so wonderful. I need to wash my face. I've been crying.”

I laughed. “Yeah, me, too.”

“What?”

“I meant, I need to wash my face, too! I haven't done it yet today!” I held my breath while squeezing my eyes shut.

I hope she doesn't ask. Dear God, please, don't let her ask about it.

Jen giggled. “Oh, well, I'm glad I could remind you. What else are girlfriends for?”

“For decorating, that's what!”

“I'll totally pay your full fee, too. I don't expect the free treatment just because we're friends. I want you to get your money out of this.”

“I wouldn't mind tossing you a friend discount.”

She sighed. “You reallydoknow what to do. Let's meet in about twenty minutes, okay?”

“That sounds good to me!”

“Thanks, girl. You saved my life!”

“Any time!”

Click.

I nodded with determination. “Alright, it's Saturday afternoon. Traffic should be light. I'll make it just in time to my office from here.”

I rose resolutely from the couch and went to the bathroom. I washed my face as I said I would. As I patted my face with a fluffy towel, I ran through the color swatches in my head. I had a catalog of everything in my office filed away in mental drawers. It was easier for me to help people when I knew what I had. From what I could divine of Jen, she would likely want cool colors for her wedding—that meant blues and greens and purples.

I set the towel down and reached for my eyeliner. Helping Jen gave me an excuse to look better than I had in a few days. At least the liner would hide some of the puffiness of crying. Of course, since she had been crying, I didn't feel half as bad. I applied a light peach to my lids and then added a beige lip stain with gloss over it.

After puckering my lips, I tousled my curly black hair. Although it was messy, it looked like a controlled mess. I would at least be somewhat fashionable. I studied my blouse and cringed at the stain on the front. I peeled it off and dug through my bag sitting near the toilet, favoring a teal tank and a pair of black leggings.

I smiled at my reflection. “Looking better already.”

I wandered through the living room, slipped on a pair of ballet flats, and grabbed my purse before heading out the door. The sun showered over me and made me smile wider. I hadn't realized I needed fresh air until I stepped outside. I hopped into my car and maneuvered through the Saturday afternoon traffic to get to my office.

I clutched my keys as I approached the front door to my office. I unlocked the door and wandered inside, sighing as I set my things on my desk near the back of the room. All around me were displays of all sorts of decorations and portraits of homes I had fashioned. I went behind my desk and gathered my wedding supplies—an idea book with plenty of spreads, a folder with rental companies for all sorts of wedding supplies, the color swatches ring, and about a dozen fabrics that I thought might appeal to Jen.

I set them out on my desk. “Thank God for work.”

The bell for the door chimed and I perked up.

“Clara, you are such a doll,” Jen chirped. “Thank you again for doing this at the last minute!”

---