“Harper, Rachel, and the girls.” His body instantly relaxes, and I’m sure he’s relieved it’s not another man.
“Right, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to just assume.”
“It’s fine,” I blurt out. “It doesn’t really sound like my kind of thing, but I haven’t seen Rach for so long, and I feel bad turning down Harper again since she has been bugging me to go out since I started here.”
Saxon stands. “That’s great, Brooke. Have a lovely night with the girls.” He turns to leave, but stops at the door. “Be safe, Brooke.” He doesn’t look back as he exits my office.
The knot in my stomach tightens, and I’m not sure if it’s because I might have upset him or because I won’t be seeing him again until Monday.
I shake those thoughts quickly from my head. I can’t be thinking like that.
Freshly showered and dried, I stand in front of my en-suite mirror applying body lotions and perfume. The doorbell rings and I quickly throw my silk robe on as I make my way to the front door.
Swinging it open, I find my best friend standing there, tall, blond, and beautiful in black leather pants and a bright red halter-top. Her hair is teased, and she has easily pulled off the punk rocker look while still looking smokin’.
“Wow, Rach. You look hot,” I tell her in awe.
“I know, right?” She laughs as she enters.
Closing the door behind us, I follow her through to the kitchen as she throws a shopping bag onto my counter. Glass bangs together and I wonder what she is doing. She pulls out a bottle of Midori and a bottle of Malibu rum, giving me her most mischievous smile. I should’ve known.
“Just a little something to get us started.” She winks at me and begins riffling through the cupboards.
“Shot glasses are still in the cupboard above the fridge and pineapple juice and whipped cream is in the fridge,” I tell her before making my way back to my bedroom.
Scooby Snack shots were our thing in college. Being expensive to drink out, we would load up before leaving the dorms, and it would hold us until the night was over.
I doubt this still worked for Rachel as she could drink more than most men, but I was a lightweight, barely drinking anymore, and was sure it would still send me over.
By the time I’ve finished in the bathroom, Rachel has made her way in carrying six shots on a tray. She places it on my dresser, grabs two off and hands me one. Holding hers up, she toasts, “To girls’ night; bring it on,” she says, throwing her shot back. I giggle at her and follow suit. Yum.
“Now what are you going to wear?” she asks me as she makes her way to the closet, handing me her empty glass as she goes. I place hers, along with mine, on the tray and head over to my closet where clothes are already being thrown around.
“I really want to be comfortable,” I tell her as I enter the closet.
“Here,” she says, throwing my favourite black skinny jeans at me. Thank God. She then hands me a loose fitting silk black singlet.
“All black? Is it going to be that grunge?” Apparently Rachel knew of the new club we were going to.
“This way you can be comfortable, fit in at the club, but also fit in if we decide to head somewhere else.” Good thinking.
Rachel bends over and grabs my bright blue high heels and matching clutch. “This enough colour for you?” she asks sarcastically.
“Shut up.” I grab my shoes and clutch and leave the closet. I can’t hide my excitement. I purchased the shoes for a wedding last year and haven’t been able to wear them since. What better occasion than a girls’ night out?
Quickly dressing, I stand in front of my mirror. I decided to straighten my hair tonight, which pulls it down to the lower part of my back. Going heavy on my makeup with dark smokey eyes, I’m pleased with what I see.
Rachel steps up behind me, handing me another shot. “Hot,” she says nodding her head at me.
“I know, right?” I laugh, imitating her earlier statement.
Rachel laughs, and we both throw back our second shot before heading to the tray and picking up our third. “Here’s to getting laid,” she toasts. I look at her with wide eyes. “Well, me anyway.”
My face falls. I miss Saxon. I throw my shot back, angry at myself for even thinking of him. You don’t miss your fuck buddy when heading out on a night with the girls. I think it’s just missing Nate and being in a relationship, and drawing those feelings and putting them onto the relationship I have with Saxon. Yes, I know that’s all this is.
Rachel and I head to the kitchen and each have a couple more shots while we wait for the taxi.