Page 52 of Rich Girl
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”
I don’t pay attention if she’s heard me or not. Instead, I end the call and rush to the bathroom.
“Jesus, Hayden,” I gasp in shock when I see my face. It has these big blotches of red, and the makeup I put on this morning is now non-existent. This reminds me that I need to find the foundation I use at home, but I don’t think they have luxury brands at this place where I’m going.
I wash my face and get to work with the small makeup bag I do have with me. Within minutes, I look like a completely different person. Happier with what I see in the mirror, I take my top off and throw it in the garbage before putting a new top on. The jeans are mine, and they could use a good wash, and I am still wearing the wedges everywhere I go, much to Ray’s amusement.
Feeling like a whole new person, I grab my purse and walk out the door. When I get to the bottom of the stairs, I head straight for the Jeep. In the corner of my eye, I notice the guys in the shop pausing what they’re doing. They all turn as one to stare at me.
Once I’m in the driver’s seat, I glance through the windshield and wave at them. They all snicker but do wave back.
I take the expressway in the opposite direction from the city, missing not shopping at the big stores there, but also relieved that I don’t have to deal with the traffic.
The closer I get to the mall, the better I feel. By the time I pull into the parking lot there, I have a complete list of things I need. A couple of thousand dollars later, and I am a whole different person. I even found some nice quality hand cream. I will haveto make sure I put it on religiously or I’ll never get my beautiful hands back.
“Is there a nice restaurant around here?” I ask the girl at the counter while she runs my credit card.
“Oh, yes.Olive Gardenis just five minutes away from here. It’s very clean, my cousin works there…”
She must notice my horrified expression because she stops talking.
“Uh, let’s see, what else…” She puts her thinking cap on. “There’sThe Cheesecake Factoryright here inside the mall…”
I shake my head, vetoing that one as well.
“Fleming’s Steak House,” she tells me with excitement lacing her voice, sure that she’s got it this time. “I’ve never been there because it’s very expensive. But my dad took my mom there for their anniversary once.”
She leans forward like she’s about to tell me a big secret.
“Their bill was over three hundred dollars,” she whispers. “Just for the two of them!”
It’s still not at the level I was looking for, but so much better than theOlive Garden.
“Perfect!” I smile at the girl and take the receipt from her hand.
I walk out of the store, a plan in my head. Me and Ray are going to go out and have dinner at the fanciest restaurant available in this godforsaken place.
Realizing that I need a dress for this momentous occasion, I put all my bags into the back of the Jeep before heading back into Nordstrom.
As I browse through the racks of clothes, I sigh. I miss my closet back home. I wish I could just pick it all up and move it here, at least for a while. It would make me so happy.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I realize with a start that I love being here with Ray. I also love hanging out with Evie ather shop. I hate doing the work, but I love chatting with her. She is funny and down to earth, so much different from my friends back home.
The more I stay, the more attached I get. But how long can I go like this for?
Maybe I should come clean to Ray.
SIXTEEN
I bustedmy ass all day long, driving all over the damn county and then some. The only thing that keeps me going right now is that Hayden is at home waiting for me.
It sounds so surreal to even think the words. I’ve never lived with anyone like this. And I’ve never dated anyone like Hayden.
I keep on waiting for her to confess that she is not who she portrayed herself to be, but so far, she’s been sticking to her guns. I am proud of her and also disappointed that she would think I am this stupid.
The only time when I know she’s not lying is when we are together in bed. She gives me her body without hesitation, trusting me to take care of her and make her feel good. During those times, I picture what our lives together could be.
There is no doubt in my mind that I could fall in love with her. In fact, I am halfway there. But she’s a walking red flag. I’m just waiting for her to tell me that she’s bored with whatever it is that we’re doing, and she wants to go back to her rich girl life.
