Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“I can take your measurements and notes on what you’re looking for and send you pictures along the way,” I tell Bri. “It shouldn’t take too long since school doesn’t start back up for a couple of weeks.”
“Really? I can totally pay you.”
“Just the cost of the material would be good. Honestly, I’ve never done a maternity outfit before, so it would be good practice.”
Thoughts of creating a beautiful maternity line swirl in my brain. Stylish dresses and cute rompers. I grab my phone and start typing to remind myself to check out various maternity lines, and Nicole laughs.
“I can practically see your creativity flowing.”
“You know designing clothes is my happy place.” I waggle my brows. “When would you need it by?” I ask Bri.
“I’m due in November, so I’d like to get the pictures done in October, when it cools down a bit.” Bri grins. “Can we do the measurements in a few days? We’re leaving tomorrow for the Bahamas for my wedding.” I glance down at her wedding ring, and she laughs. “We’re renewing our vows.”
Nicole snorts out a laugh, and I feel like I’m missing something here, but when neither of them explains, I let it go. I learned a long time ago to mind my business. It’s what keeps me out of trouble and off everyone’s—including my stepfather’s—radar.
“Oh! You should totally come,” Bri continues. “It’s only for three days.”
“I appreciate it, but I wouldn’t want to intrude.” And I can’t even imagine what the cost of a room would be wherever they’re staying.
“We booked an entire wing of the resort for privacy, so we have plenty of rooms available,” Bri says. “A private bar and a beach that’s within walking distance, and we’re not allowing anyone to pay for anything.”
Damn, that does sound nice … and I haven’t been on an actual vacation in … well, ever. When I was growing up, we were too broke to go anywhere. And once my mom snagged Eric, they shipped me off, and he always made sure I wasn’t there for any family vacations—not that I’m complaining because the thought of spending any more time than necessary with that man makes my skin crawl.
“You should totally go,” Nicole says. “We’ll have so much fun.”
“Really?” I give her a playful side-eye. “Me, you, and—”
The door opens, the bell chiming, and right on cue, in walks Nicole’s boyfriend, James.
According to her, they’ve only been dating for a short time, but they’re practically attached at the hip. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were engaged and married by the end of the year.
“James!” Nicole pops out of her seat and flies into her boyfriend’s arms.
He’s dressed in a suit since he’s an attorney, and I chuckle to myself, remembering what Nicole said when she told me about him.
“I didn’t know what he did for a living when I met him, so I’m willing to look past his job title since I like him.”
Bri laughs. “If it helps, you won’t be the only single person there. Lorenzo—my brother’s best friend—is coming, and he’s completely unattached.”
She waggles her brows, and I shake my head.
“Not happening. My focus is on school.”
Men are a distraction I don’t need.
It’s not that I’m against dating. One day, I plan to find a man to spend my life with. I want to get married and have babies and maybe even get a cute dog or cat.
But not yet. Not until I’ve achieved all the goals that I’ve made for myself.
Bri shrugs. “Regardless, you should come. It will be a good time. We’ve rented a yacht, and it will be a relaxing trip there and back.”
My, how the rich live …
“Thank you for the invite, but—”
“Just think about it,” Bri insists. “We’re leaving in the morning. If you decide to go, Nicole can text you the directions to the port. If not, it’s all good.”
“Thanks. And when you get back, I can measure you.”
“That would be great. Thanks.” Bri smiles, her hand going to her belly.
I take the last sip of my coffee and stand, knowing now that James is here, Nicole will be preoccupied.
I say a quick bye to Nicole, James, and Bri, and even though I’d rather be anywhere but there, I head to my mom and Eric’s house—since I have never considered that place my home.
Since I don’t have a car, not needing one where I live, Eric insisted I use his driver, refusing to take no for an answer. When I tried to argue, my mom gave me the look that said not to be difficult, so I gave in. While I hate that it means he can keep tabs on me, being able to call for a ride is convenient.
Mom asked me to meet her for lunch, but when I look at my phone, I notice I’ll be a bit early. Oh well. Maybe we can eat now and get it over with, and then I can head to the fabric store that recently opened that I want to check out while I’m here.