Page 96 of Stroked by (Stroked)
“Well, I’m not happy,” she screams at the top of her lungs, clenching her fists at her sides and squinting her eyes shut, ignoring everything Jasper told her.
Pope Francis howls and Reese covers his ears, protecting his eardrums from the high-pitched squeal of Bellini Chambers.
“Bellini, unless you want me to cancel your season, I suggest you grow up and try acting like an adult.” Jasper turns to me. “Paisley, will you help see Lauren out and grab her contact info so we can be in touch with her later about making up for today.”
“Of course.”
Standing, I avoid eye contact with Bellini and direct Lauren to the entryway, awkward silence encompassing us. What do you really say to a girl who was tricked into thinking she has a job when in fact she was picked as a match to a woman who isn’t a lesbian?
“Um, sorry about that being super awkward,” I say as we reach the door. “I hope you weren’t offended. I don’t want you to think I take your sexuality lightly. I know it comes with struggles and stereotypes.”
Lauren waves me off and chuckles while shaking her head. “No worries. I did this all on a bet anyway.” Glancing back to where Bellini and Jasper are fighting, she says, “I’m just glad I don’t have to work with her like you do. And hey, don’t sweat the whole lesbian thing. The other day, I had to pretend to be straight to get out of a speeding ticket.”
“Did you get out of it?” I ask, laughing.
“Of course.” She winks. “We do what we have to do.”
Taking a deep breath, I look her in the eyes and say, “I’m really sorry. I feel terrible.”
“Don’t sweat it. I would have had to turn you down anyway. I have a girlfriend. You actually might know her.”
Confused, I ask, “How so?”
“She’s Bodi Banks’s sister, Eva.”
“Seriously?” I ask, a little surprised with how small this world is.
“Yeah, ten years and going strong. She’s my sugar mama. She’s the most brilliant artist you’ll ever meet. Paints murals all around the city and is contracted out to other cities a lot of the time. She takes me with her to keep her company while I work on my novels.”
“You’re an author?”
She nods. “Yeah, just starting out. I was working as a school counselor but that ended quickly when some of the parents found out about my sexuality.”
My heart breaks in half. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope. It was a long battle that I don’t want to get into, but now I get to work on something I’m very passionate about. It’s been a difficult process, and I’ve had my ups and downs but Eva has been a constant champion for me. I couldn’t do it without her.”
“Do you have anything published? I would love to read it.”
“Not yet, soon.” She winks.
“Well, I haven’t had the chance to meet Bodi yet, but when I do, I will tell him I met you.”
“Please do. He adores me; I like to think more than his own sister. And hey, keep in touch. I would love to hang out, if anything just to hear about the other asinine things you have to put up with.”
“That would be amazing,” I say, feeling a little brighter. “I could use some more girl friends. I don’t have many.”
“Then I’m your girl. Let’s have coffee, and you can meet Eva. She will absolutely love this story, especially since she thought having to come up with a pizza flavor was beyond ridiculous. I did it just to prove to her I could win. Guess I won the jackpot.”
“You sure did.” We both laugh. “Plug your info in my phone, and we’ll get coffee sometime.”
“Sounds great.” Quickly, she types in her information and then hands my phone back. Leaning in, she gives me a hug and I return it. “It was great meeting you, Paisley. Call me, Eva would just adore you.”
“I look forward to it and sorry again, I really hope I didn’t insult you.”
“You didn’t.” With a little wave, Lauren takes off.
I shut the door and slouch against it, my heart starting to slow down. When Bellini told Jasper to get rid of me, I felt I was about to have a heart attack. This entire situation I’ve gotten myself into was bad decisions all around;mymassively huge bad decisions.
