Page 20 of For One Night

She takes the spot beside me, helping to hold the wall up. “He’s an asshole, but surely, you already knew it?”

I lay my head back and gaze at the stars. “Don’t, please.”

“Fine, I don’t even care.”

“You’re lying. Besides, it’s not like he’s hurting me.” I swallow hard, fighting back the bile.

“There are a million ways for people to hurt each other, but until you’re willing to see it and admit it, I’ll be here.” She lays her head over on my shoulder.

“Amelia, I have known you for over three years now, that deep in your dark soul, how much you loathe Carter. I also understand what you think about our relationship, but right now, I need you to just be my friend. No advice. No judgment. No snide, although utterly honest and true, comments.”

Her chest rises and falls with a heavy intake of air. I brace myself for what will be the purest form of love I’ve ever received. “You’re right. I’ll forever be here, by your side, waiting to cut his balls off if you need me to.”

“Have I mentioned how terrifying you can be at times?”

She snickers. “You have not, nor have I told you how much I love your ‘fuck me’ heels. They also make you taller than me.”

I hold my foot out as we both gaze at it. “I love them. I want to wear them everywhere.”

“You have to use them for your interview.”

A smile spreads across my face. “You don’t think they look like stripper heels?”

“They’re definitely stripper heels.” She pushes off the wall. “They could help seal the deal, especially if you need to slide on his pole!”

I scrunch my face up. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.” She backs away from me and starts to wave her arms around. “You love me, you adore me, and you want to be me.”

“I’d throw my shoe at you if I thought I wouldn’t need it for the job.”

She turns, smacking her ass. “Go ahead.”

“Shut up.” I giggle. “I better get going.”

“Once you’re settled, I’m coming to visit.” She holds the door open for me.

“I’m already planning our days together.” I step through the door to come face to face with Carter.

“Ladies,”—his eyes flicker between Millie and me—“I believe we have guests.”

I lace Millie’s arm with mine. “Let’s go greet them.”

Two weeks later…

“Lola!” Carter calls through the house. “Lola! We’re going to be late.”

I grab my shoes, sliding into one before he can yell again. “I’m coming.”

“Please, you need to be there by nine.” I hop through the hall to find him with his hands shoved into his pockets, staring out the door.

I take another hop and lean into the wall to slide the other shoe on. “I’m ready.”

His eyes roam my body, taking in every inch of me before working their way to mine. “It’s good to see you chose to wear the blue dress.”

“I assumed you wanted me to since it was hung on the door.”

He purses his lips. “You’ll be working in the same building I do. I want you to look the part.”