Sophie:OMG! Yes! Your timing is impeccable. He’s actually staying at the hotel for the week. There’s a convention at the casino, and he booked a room for the duration. Jared says he should be in the casino on Tuesday night.

Ava:Tuesday works for me. We can both be Zoey’s wing-women and ply her with booze before sending her to bed with Henry Cavill’s twin.

Me:I said I’d meet him, not that I’d sleep with him on the first night.

Ava:Bitch, please. A super-hot, super-rich,no strings attached roll in the hay? It’s just what you need.

Me:What is that supposed to mean?

Ava:We all know how long it’s been. And the fact that you’re agreeing to meet him at all speaks volumes.

Me:Hey, it’s been just as long for you, hussy.

Ava:We’re not talking about me.

Sophie:Girls, girls. Settle down. We’ll get Zoey hooked up, then I’ll find someone just as awesome for you, Ava.

Ava:Thanks, but no thanks.

Me:Why not? I’m sure Sophie can find someone amazing for you.

Sophie:Yeah, why not?

Ava:I’m on a man-ban. I gave up sex for lent.

Sophie:Lent is months away, and you aren’t catholic.

Ava:Whatever. I’m still on a man-ban.

Me:Okay, what about a woman? *winky face emoji*

Ava:Only if it’s you, lover. *waggles eyebrows*

Me:*blushing* Hush. That was supposed to be a secret.

Sophie:You guys are ridiculous. See you at the horseshoe bar on Tuesday? Eight o’clock?

Me:I’ll be there.

Ava:With bells on.

I drop my phone to the mattress and lay back down with a sigh. My girls always make me feel better. And if things work out with this whale, I won’t be pining over Sam while watching him on his date with the cocktail waitress.

My stomach churns at the thought, and I force it away. Instead, I try to picture the whale––Branson. I wonder if he really looks like Henry Cavill, or if Sophie was exaggerating. It doesn’t matter. As long as he’s nice and somewhat attractive, I’ll give him a chance.

I have to. Otherwise, I’m going to drive myself insane thinking about Sam and the future love of his life.

This…crush, or whatever it is I’m feeling needs to end. Because if it doesn’t, I’m going to end up hurt and pining for a man I can’t have.

And that’s just fucking sad.

Chapter14

The Definition of a Man-Whore

Sam

After golfing with the guys yesterday, I spent the evening texting with Charlene. I’ve known her since she started working at the casino, and while we’ve flirted, a little, and had drinks that one night after work, I haven’t actually had any kind of meaningful conversation with her.