Page 24 of The Last Key
I flip my hand through my hair, then meet her fierce gaze. “Maybe I’m starting to.”
“Then don’t be a dumbass.Take your shot.”
We stare at each other for a moment. No one will win this standoff, so I roll my eyes, signaling it’s time to move on.
“How’s the makeup business?”
“A lot uglier behind the scenes. It’s growing, though. London is giving us shit about trying to get a store open there. The number of hoops we have to jump through is ungodly. Business is good here, except Brighton. That fucking store can bite my ass.”
“Why don’t you close it?”
“Because it’s Brighton.”
“Aw, look at you being sentimental.”
She sips her wine, then looks at me pointedly. “Tell anyone, and I’ll kick your ass. You know I can take you.”
“Beat my ass is more like it. Yoga and walking are the only forms of exercise I do.”
“If you’re sticking around, I could use your help.”
I choke on my sip of wine. “Mine? I’m not exactly the best person to sell makeup.”
“We both know the store sells more than that. And the tinted moisturizer you’re wearing, your favorite face wash, and the sunscreen you love all come from there, too. What I need is more help with Brighton than the makeup. One of the girls is out on maternity leave. Any chance you want to fill in? Work your Kennedy magic and talk with the customers? Figure out why they like coming there—or don’t. I don’t know, but I’ve got to figure out how to get people in the door.”
I shrug. “Sure, why not? When do you need me?”
“Tomorrow?”
“This was a trap, wasn’t it?”
She smiles wickedly. “Nope. Just convenient. Nine to two, okay? Call me after and tell me what you learned?”
“What am I? Your spy?”
“If that makes you feel more badass, sure.”
“Great.”
I take a drink of my wine.
“Hey.”
“Hm?”
“I really have missed you, babe.”
“Yeah, I’ve missed you, too.”
We tip our wine glasses together and smile.
We may be different as hell, but our friendship is one of the longest lasting I’ve ever had. We don’t get to see each other often anymore, but no matter what, we’ve always got each other’s backs. We don’t worry about talking every day because our friendship remains strong regardless. And whenever we’re together, it’s like no time has passed.
CHAPTER EIGHT
DEVON
“So,”Justin says, dropping onto the couch next to me, a beer in hand, “I’m sleeping in the spare room, huh?”
