Page 86 of Hacking His Code
“My friends and I are having a girls’ night tomorrow. Why don’t you come with?”
“A girls’ night?” I exhale in distaste. “No, thank you.”
“Ah, come on. It’s a great group of women, and I think they’ll like you.”
“You do realize I have no real girlfriends, don’t you?”
“That, I cannot understand.” Remi smiles at me. “What’s not to love? You’re smart, good at your job, and really likable, despite what you might think.”
I have to admit, it’s tempting being allowed into the exclusive places women go together, and certainly better than spending another evening alone. The friendships forged from shared life experiences are something I wasn’t afforded in high school or college, and I do think my mother would want me to go.
It sounds terrifying, but maybe if I invite Neon, she’ll be my courage. Someone like her is good in any social situation.
“Do you think I can invite an…acquaintance? Her name is Neon, or rather Sam. She’s been there for me during my mother’s hospitalization.”
“Of course,” Remi enthuses. “We’ll start out at Madison’s and see where the night takes us.”
I pull out my phone to send a text to Neon, excited that I won’t be spending another evening laid out on the couch, devouring quarts of ice cream.
Arinessa:Wanna go out tomorrow for girls’ night? My boss invited me out, and I’d like it if you came along.
Neon:Sure, but only if you let me do your hair and makeup first…and pick out your outfit.
Arinessa:Seriously? You don’t think I can dress myself?
Neon:Honey, this isn’t some hillbilly apocalypse you’re going to. You’re allowed to be cute.
Arinessa:Fine.
“Count me in with a plus one.”
“Awesome. I’ll add you to the reservation.”
“Who else is going? College and high school friends of yours?”
“Fiona Fables Heartshire, Sadie Lavinius, Grace Anders might attend, though she’s been busy, there’s rumor Nadine Stry—”
“Holy shit! You can’t be serious. Are you for real taking me on a girls’ night with the world’s elite?”
“Well, that’s not what we call ourselves…but I suppose others do.”
I shake my head. “There’s no way—”
“You’re going—that’s the end of it.”
I could fight her and spend every moment of the weekend waiting for a call from the hospital while thinking about Hunter Davies, but hanging out with a bunch of pretentious billionaires might actually be less torturous.
“Fine. Count me in.”
Arinessa
Tryingto figure out what to wear with Neon is never what I would consider fun. She’s rainbow neon everything, and I’m just trying to make sure everything is free of stains.
“I remember when I ordered this for you.” Neon holds up a black corset. “It’s perfect.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to wear anything Hunter purchased.”
“Then tell me what we’re left with? Because over the last three weeks, I’ve seen you in pizza-stained tanks, Eeyore pajamas, dollar store sandals, and jorts. You seriously have jorts!”
