Grounded (Up in the Air #3)(85)

She smiled back, tilting her head. "Well, have fun. I bet the locals will get a kick out of you two."

I laughed. "Yeah, right? I don't suppose we'll blend in." 

She pursed her lips. "Do you ever? I don't see too many supermodel couples strolling around together."

I wrinkled my nose at her. "James is the supermodel."

Her lovely brow wrinkled in consternation. "So it's like that, huh? You're going to need to work on your self-esteem, girl, to be with a man like that, otherwise it could be the end of you two."

I blinked at her. Her tone had been gentle but firm, so I didn't take offense. I just didn't agree. "I don't have low self-esteem. I just know that I'm not in that league."

She shook her head stubbornly, her silky black hair moving across her shoulders with the movement, her rosebud mouth pursing. "That's ludicrous. Answer one question for me. Have you ever been approached by a modeling scout before?"

I flushed. "Not by anyone serious. A few people have said something, but I knew they were just trying to scam me."

She gave me a sympathetic look. "Seriously, as someone who has a real hetero-girl-crush on you, you need to work on your self-esteem. You're stunning, and you need to just acknowledge the fact and then get over it."

The whole conversation made me uncomfortable. "Um, thanks. So did we have any other details to go over for the showing?"

She sighed and shook her head. "No. Let's go grab Frankie and get something to eat. I can't come to town and not see her. She'd kill me."

We had an impromptu girls' lunch. I wasn't sure if it was a late lunch or an early dinner.

Frankie greeted me with a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and a huge grin. She wore her usual half-shirt with daisy dukes, showing off her myriad tattoos.

"I just spoke to James," she told us. "He needs to work for a few hours, and he told me to keep you entertained. Sucker." She rubbed her hands together like an evil cartoon character. "I have plans."

Danika laughed richly. "Oh boy. He's in trouble, huh?"

Frankie nodded. I tried to follow the strange conversation.

"First we eat," she told us.

We went to the casino's Mexican restaurant. We ordered and started snacking on chips and salsa.

"Do you mind if I bring Tristan to Bianca's gallery showing?" Frankie asked Danika, studying her closely.

Danika didn't hesitate. "Why would I mind? Bring whoever you want."

"Well, I know you aren't speaking to him … "

"That's not true. He and I have absolutely nothing to talk about, but I'm not avoiding him."

Frankie nodded. "Good. Because I have a red carpet thing for my show coming up. It's in town next week, and I want you to come. I was worried you wouldn't come, since Tristan will be there, but now you can't use that as an excuse."

Danika just shrugged. "If you want me there, I'll be there. Tristan and I will just stay out of each other's way."

Frankie sighed. "You used to be best friends. I wish you guys would at least start talking again."

Danika gave her a hard look. "Don't meddle, Frankie. Trust me when I say that you don't want to press this issue. I can be civil, but he and I will never be close again. We are bad for each other, even as friends. Bad things happen when we get together."

"You'd feel better if you forgave him-"

"I did forgive him. We went through all of that when he was doing the rehab thing. I'm over it, but forgiving doesn't mean that I'm willing to make all of the same stupid mistakes again."

"You know he's in love with you, right?"



       
         
       
        

Danika laughed, and it was a bitter sound. "Please. Don't make me laugh. That man isn't capable of it. Now drop it, Frankie, before I leave."

Frankie threw up her hands in defeat, her mouth twisting. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Consider it dropped."

Food arrived, and the two women pretended like the whole awkward interaction had never happened.

I followed suit, though I was beyond curious about whatever had happened between Danika and Tristan.





CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Mr. Incensed





We gorged ourselves on cheese enchiladas and chiles rellenos. I was over-stuffed when I finished, but I'd found my new favorite restaurant for comfort food.

The meal went smoothly after their little confrontation, and the women laughed and joked like old friends. We were finishing our meal when Frankie looked at me with a wicked smile, rubbing her hands together.

"How do you feel about branding James onto your body? Just something little. He did it for you. Don't you want to return the favor?"