Page 64 of Scandalous Secrets

“But did I really think that this was going to turn into one of my romance novels?” I asked, shaking my head.

“Maybe. Why not think that? You deserve it.”

“Clearly not. Because I lost him.”

“Correction.” She held up a finger. “Helostyou.”

True. He lost me the second he said there was nothing between us, and again right after when he barely fought for me. For us. He gave up so easily when he walked out the door, and it crushed me. I didn’t even remember how long it took me to peel myself up off the floor once he had gone, red ball gown and all.

“I just don’t know how to be around him,” I said.

“You just keep doing what you’re doing. Being the best personal assistant. Make him miss you while taking the money he owes you.”

“It doesn’t feel right.”

“Why the hell not? It’s your job. You earned it.”

“I guess that’s all it really ever was…” I said softly.

“You know it wasn’tjustthat,” she said, wiping a tear from my cheek.

“I just want to forget him.” I shrugged.

“Well, let me help you.” Heart lifted her wine glass and signaled for me to do the same.

I laughed and took a big gulp, followed by a delicious bite of pizza. There wasn’t anything that would make me feel myself again, but pizza and wine and my best friend helped. We ended up watching a rom-com and passing out in my bed after a fit of giggles over something I could hardly remember.

Hours later, I groaned as I rolled onto my back and looked at the clock. It was 9 a.m. I couldn’t remember the last time I had slept in that late.

“Ditto,” groaned Heart from next to me.

“We probably shouldn’t have opened up that second bottle of wine,” I said, rubbing my temples.

“Probably not, but it was fun.”

“It was.”

“And the fun is not over yet,” she said, sitting up with more energy than I could muster.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, looking at her with one eye squinted to avoid the brightness of the morning.

“You and I are going on a proper spa day. My treat.” She grinned.

“Aww, come on, Heart. You’ve done enough. Just our slumber party has me feeling better. Really.”

“Better isn’t good enough. I want you feeling amazing.”

I rolled my eyes, but smiled. I knew I wasn’t getting out of it. There was no arguing with Heart when she had her mind set on something.

“Fiiiine,” I sighed.

“That’s better. Now let’s eat some leftover pizza.”

An hour later, we were pulling up to the Four Seasons Hotel. I looked up at the white stone building that towered over us as Heart tugged me through the revolving glass doors. We rode up the elevator to where the doors opened to a large front desk area with white marble floors and modern wooden tables with orchids sitting in vases on top. I breathed in the floral scent and immediately felt relaxed.

Monica checked us in with the smartly dressed woman behind the gray swirled marble counter. She then led us through the spa, pointing out the steam room, the sauna, the meditation room, and several other rooms we would probably not even get to. The final stop of the tour was the locker room, where we found plush white robes and cloud-like slippers in our oak lockers. I undressed and slid on the robe that felt like a warm hug.

“Mmm,” I said as I wrapped my arms around myself.

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