Page 20 of Not My Fault

“Yeah, I obviously don’t want to take clients from anyone, but I do appreciate it. It might be nice to have a little more of a set schedule than waiting for walk-ins too,” I admit.

“Not an issue. I think you should request a 50% deposit for everyone booking online, just to weed out the ones just hoping to get a photo with you or LULY,” River adds.

“Good point.” I nod. Our normal policy was a nonrefundable $50 deposit, but 50% will probably be more than that.

“That’s about it for today, unless anyone has something to add.”

“Actually, I do.” I raise my hand. “Emily invited all of us to her concert on Saturday night. I have VIP passes for everyone and extras for any plus ones.” I pull the tickets out of my folder on the table and hand out two to each of them.

“Holy shit, this is like front row, basically.” Rae gasps.

“It’s more like a VIP box. I think I’ll be backstage, but she wanted to make sure everyone got one. I also have one for Cari if you don’t mind getting it to her.” I hand the extra ticket to River.

“Holy shit, she’s going to be so excited.” River smiles.

“Thank you, Gus.” Isla smiles.

“No worries. Emily wants the chance to meet my friends and thought this would be a fun way to get together.”

“Hell yes. I’ll be there.” River nods. I knew it wouldn’t be hard to convince her to see her favorite singer. “Aspen is going to go insane; you just got me the ticket to the best sex ever.”

“Eww. I do not need to know that.” I grimace. River is like a little sister to me. I do not need to think of her like that. Isla, Rae, and River all start laughing.

We head out of the meeting and Aspen is waiting for River in the lobby. She greets me with a smile. “Thanks for the shake, it’s so good.”

“Of course, don’t forget about me when you become famous,” Aspen teases.

“I’m not becoming famous; it’s my girlfriend who’s famous.” I shrug. The word slips off my tongue easier than I anticipated.

“I didn’t know it was so serious.” Aspen winks.

“I guess when you know, you know.” I wish I wasn’t having this conversation.

Cari and I are still texting, and although we haven’t seen each other since I started dating Emily, it isn’t like the door is shut. She’s been texting me even more, and I don’t know what it means or how she feels. It was Emily’s idea for me to give an extra ticket to Cari. I think she thought it would help make her jealous, and she’s probably right. It’s hard not to look at Emily and be jealous; she’s beautiful and talented.

“Don’t bother, babe. They said they aren’t giving out any details of their relationship,” River says, placing a kiss on Aspen’s cheek.

“How’s your ankle? You look good,” I say to change the subject.

“It was a little sprain. Imighthave overreacted at the time, but I didn’t know. It hurt like a bitch.” Aspen turns red with embarrassment.

“But it all worked out, because that was the night Gus did LULY’s tattoo.” River adds.

“Ah, that’s true.”

So much for getting the subject off me and Emily. I don’t want to lie to my friends if I don’t have to. It’s one thing to make it more than it is for the press but telling my friends stuff that isn’t true isn’t going to help anyone.

“I actually have to get going, I have a few things to do tonight,” I say looking at my watch.

“You mean, someone to do?” Isla teases.

“No, I mean doing my laundry, you horny bastards.” I shake my head with a small smile.

I grab my things and head downstairs. There isn’t anyone hanging around tonight, so I head to the subway without any issues. I need to do my laundry, pick up some cat food, and maybe hit the gym. I’m meeting Emily tomorrow for our second official date after work. We’re going out to dinner, so it’s going to be pretty casual, but I don’t want to show up in dirty work clothes. Plus, with the concert this weekend, I want to make sure I have something nice to wear to that too.

EMILY: did you give ur friends da tix?

ME: yes! All should be there

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