Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25463 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25463 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Pam shoots me a surprised look.
“Wow. Just wow. I mean, I thought you were super academic and dedicated to your studies, so it’s weird to hear you say this.”
I nod.
“I know, and I’m keeping up and everything. It’s just that school’s not my only focus anymore. I mean, I still have my dorm room and everything, but most of my time is now spent at Brad’s place. He’s got a huge townhouse on the Upper East Side, and it’s nice there. We eat dinner, play boardgames, and of course, make love all the time,” I confide with a shy giggle. “It’s a fantasy come true.”
My twin narrows her eyes at me for a moment and clicks her tongue.
“Are you serious? A townhouse? So is this guy loaded or what?”
I nod.
“I guess so, although I’ve never really asked. I mean, it’s just him and his daughter living in this huge five-story structure, and it’s in one of the nicest areas of the Upper East Side, right next to the Neue Galerie. I know Brad’s in finance doing something or other, but I have no idea exactly what. He could be into crypto or day-trading, for all I know.”
“Hmm,” Pammie hums as our coffees are delivered. “And this guy is into you?”
I nod happily.
“Yeah, totally. I’m supposed to go over to his place later, in fact, for a special date,” I confide in a low voice. “I don’t know what Brad has in store, but it’s sure to be steamy.”
At this, my sister’s eyebrows practically shoot off her forehead.
“So he’s good in the sack, I take it?”
I nod, blushing.
“So good,” I say. “I’ve never come so hard before, and he was gentle my first time too. Well, not very gentle,” I amend. “I mean, he’s huge so there’s no way to be uber-gentle when you’re that size, but you get my drift.”
But instead of giggling with shared glee, Pammie merely looks thoughtful.
“What did you say his name was again?”
“Brad Landry,” I chirp while taking a sip of my own coffee. “He’s in the news sometimes.”
Pammie nods and enters his name into her phone before pressing search.
“No, no, don’t do that now!” I squeal. “OMG, I’d be embarrassed!”
Pam merely tosses her blonde curls over one shoulder. She’s gorgeous with the perfect air of designer hauteur about her, but there’s also something making her nose wrinkle and I pause.
“What is it?” I ask. “What’s got your goat?”
“Well,” she hums, “I mean, I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but …”
“But what?” I ask, fixing her with a look while putting my coffee cup down. “What’s the problem?”
“Well, don’t take this the wrong way, but I just can’t really see you with a guy like this. I mean, you haven’t dated many men in the past, and those that you did were such losers. Like Eddie Warsham from the men’s seminary. I mean, he wasn’t ugly or anything, but Pais – he was studying to be a pastor. That’s more your type, and not high-flying billionaires.”
I stare at her.
“Eddie was nice,” I say in a slow voice. “But wait a minute. Are you saying that I can’t get a billionaire? That no billionaire would want me?”
“Of course not!” my sister exclaims quickly. “No no no! I’m just saying this is a huge surprise. And you said that Brad Landry’s really handsome right? So basically, this guy can get anyone he wants because he’s rich, gorgeous, lives in a humongous townhouse, and probably has a place out in the Hamptons too. I mean, why would he want you, Pais?”
I choke a bit, humiliation surging in my veins.
“Because we get along well, that’s why,” I say in a frigid tone. “Honestly, I can’t believe you’re even saying this to me, Pam. Aren’t you happy for me? What’s your problem anyways, trying to tear down my castle?”
Pamela immediately gets a fake-contrite look on her face.
“It’s because I care about you,” she says in a syrupy voice. “Seriously, Pais, don’t take things so personal. Besides, I’m just pointing out the obvious. Now again, where did you say he lived?”
“I didn’t,” I respond in a frigid voice. “Because it’s none of your business.”
But Pam’s already moved on.
“Oh, by the Neue Galerie, right? I can just look him up in city property records, no worries.”
I stare at her.
“But why would you do that? His townhouse isn’t up for sale, and besides, you can’t afford it. I don’t know what you do for a living, Pam, but trust me, that townhouse is in the millions and totally out of your reach.”
Pamela rolls her eyes.
“You’re always so suspicious, Paisley, and of course I’m not trying to buy his townhouse! Don’t be such a bitch. I’m just curious, that’s all. Is that wrong? I want what’s best for you.”
This entire conversation is getting me hot under the collar, and my cheeks are heating up as my fists clench.