“It’s not like I’m doing it to be noticed,” I say. “I’m doing it to make money.”
Tessa erupted in laughter again. “Do you have any idea what you just said?”
Brick in gut again. “Yeah, I do. Maybe I should flog myself.” I laugh nervously at my own joke.
“Better yet, I’m sure Braden will be happy to flog you.”
I stiffen. I haven’t told Tessa about Braden’s enjoyment of dominance in the bedroom. So why is her statement so prophetic?
Betsy. Betsy probably told her about Braden’s tastes.
“Skye? Did I lose you?”
“No, I’m here. I’ll let you know how the meeting with Heather goes.”
“Where’s Braden?”
“He’s in L.A. today on business.”
“That works out well for you. He doesn’t even have to know about your little dinner with Crystal’s.”
Except he’s supposed to be back this afternoon. But I don’t say that to Tessa.
“I suppose so,” I finally say. “I have to run. I need to make something presentable out of my wardrobe for a business dinner. And for a business meeting in New York next week.”
“Out of your wardrobe? New York? We need to do some shopping.”
Tessa’s right. I have nothing to wear in New York. I wore jeans and blouses to work with Addison. And now that I work for myself? I wear whatever. The little black dress Braden had made for me or a black leather bustier…
“You just scared the shit out of me,” I say to her.
“Don’t be scared. This is great. It’s a chance to shop.”
“You know I’m not the shopaholic you are.”
“If it’s money you’re worried about, don’t. I’m the best at finding bargains.”
“True.” Tessa and I are on nearly the same budget, and she always looks like a million bucks when she’s spent only a hundred.
“This weekend,” she says. “You’re mine.”
I can almost see her eyes bulging out of her head through the phone.
“We’ll hit all the outlets, plus Ross and T.J. Maxx.”
I don’t mean to, but I groan. To Tessa, shopping is an all-day adventure akin to an amusement park. To me? It’s like sitting through a bad movie. With a groping date. And popcorn without enough butter.
Tessa laughs. “We’ll have fun. Just think of all the great photos you can take for your social media posts.”
“No company is going to pay me to post about buying cheap clothes.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” She laughs again. “We’ll have fun anyway. And I guarantee you, by the time I’m done with you, you will be ready for New York and beyond.”
“Great. That still doesn’t help me tonight.”
“Tonight’s easy. Wear the bustier you bought at the store.”
Except the bustier no longer exists. But I don’t tell Tessa. It’s too personal.
“Yeah, I’ll figure something out,” I say.
“Call me after dinner. I can’t wait to find out what kind of deal they offer you.”
“Will do.”
I end the call, walk to my closet, and peruse the garments hanging there.
This is going to take some doing.
Chapter Nine
Heather Thomas is beautiful in a really unique way. She has a Morticia Addams vibe going, but it works for her. She’s dressed all in black leather, even her pants, and though she isn’t as naturally pale as Morticia, her red-black lipstick makes her appear that way.
She stands when the maître d’ brings me to her table in the back of Union Oyster House. Funny, I haven’t been here since my first dinner date with Braden. It’s one of my favorites.
Once I see Heather, though, I feel like a child in my navy blue sheath and black pumps. Sure, I look professional, but Heather looks like the goddess of death.
“Skye!” She pulls me into a hug.
Okay, she’s a hugger. I can deal with a hugger. But her dark look doesn’t go with the whole hugging thing.
She pulls back. “My, you do look fabulous. And I have to say, you fill out our bustier like no one I know.”
First thing she does is compliment my rack. Interesting start to a business meeting.
“Sit down, please.” She gestures to the chair that the maître d’ is holding out for me. “I just can’t wait to discuss everything with you.”
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to our discussion as well.” I take the menu from the maître d’. Not that I need it. I know this menu by heart.
“I adore seafood,” Heather says. “It’s simply fabulous. You said you eat anything, so I hope you adore it as much as I do.”
“I do. I didn’t get such good seafood growing up.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I grew up in Kansas, rural Kansas. Meat and corn country.”
“Really?” She lifts her eyebrows. “You seem so…urban.”
“I’ve been here since college. I went to BU and never left.”
“Wonderful. Just fabulous.” She closes her menu. “I’ve been talking to corporate, and we’re very excited to have you come on board, Skye.”
I force a smile. “Thank you. I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“I personally think you are the next big influencer on the rise. I’ve gone back through all of your posts, and your photos for Susanne Cosmetics are just fabulous.” Heather unfolds her napkin and places it in her lap.