Hindsight is a brilliant thing. Why I stayed with Tristan for as long as I did, existing on scraps of attention, admittedly shitty sex, and me doing all the work to keep some semblance of a relationship going, I’ll never know. What a waste of my time.
“I know. I tried to tell you Tristan was a D-bag, but you didn’t want to hear it from anyone. But guess what? If Cav is a D-bag, I’ll tell you. At least he’d be a D-bag that makes you come and is built like a fucking brick shithouse. Seriously, I kind of hate you right now. I want to climb on and ride that ride.”
My inner claws come out with a wave of possessiveness I don’t expect. “No one’s riding that ride but me until I’m done with it.”
“Then own that shit, girl. Millions of women would kill to be in your position, not to mention trying to get knocked up with his kid so they’ve got a hold on him for life. You’re wasting opportunities right and left.”
I cringe when she says knocked up. “Shit. I forgot to tell you. We didn’t use a condom. He wasn’t freaked out at all. I need to get checked for everything under the sun now, don’t I?” A loud whack sounds in my ear from the other end. “What was that?”
“Sorry, dropped my phone. You’re telling me Mr. Hollywood didn’t wrap it up? Are you serious? That’s criminally stupid for a man in his position. Unless . . .” She trails off meaningfully.
“Unless what?”
“Maybe he wants you knocked up. Maybe he’s the one looking for a hold on you. For real. Long-term shit. You’re a catch, Greer.”
I shove my palm out into the air in front of me, even though Banner can’t see it. “Stop. Stop right there. We’re not talking about that possibility. I’m baby-proof and that’s not changing. He didn’t knock me up.”
“But you’ve fucked twice, no condom, and he didn’t freak out.”
“Mm-hmm. That’s what I said.”
Silence hangs on the line for a few beats. “That’s just weird. It’s like Famous Dude 101 to ward off the gold diggers.”
“That’s what I told him!” My hand flails wildly, and I’m happy no one is here to see my crazy gestures.
“And?”
“He really wasn’t concerned.”
“That doesn’t make sense. I bet his agent would be concerned . . . or maybe not, because you’ve already got plenty of money and there’s no way you’re after his. I guess that makes you the safest chick out there to come in.”
I scrunch up my face. “Ugh. I’m done with this conversation.”
“Maybe you should start drinking. That’s when the interesting stuff happens.”
“It’s noon.”
“Which isn’t too early to talk about whether or not you’re going to let him pop that last cherry.”
Banner’s been selling me on anal sex since prep school. I think part of me has been holding out this long just because she’s been equal parts blasé and overly gung ho about it. When Tristan brought it up casually, I shut him down completely. Even then, I think I knew I couldn’t trust him with every part of me. And I don’t care what anyone says, letting someone put something in your out hole takes a hell of a lot of trust.
“Look, Greer. You’re a catch—the shit, if you will. If you’re finally going to take the D up the B, it needs to be a good and memorable experience. Chances are Cav Westman is used to having women throw every part of their bodies at him, so he’s got what it takes to make this good for you. And if it sucks, when we’re old ladies rolling around in our scooters wearing velour tracksuits, we’ll be reliving the time you got butt-fucked by a movie star. There’s virtually no downside here.”
Tears trickle down my cheeks as laughter racks my body. “Wow, B. I don’t even—”
“Just say you’re going for it and you’ll give me all the dirty—pun intended—details after the deed is done.”
“I’m making no promises on the former, but if I go for it, you’ll definitely get the latter.”
“Deal.”
The next call I receive isn’t nearly so entertaining.
“Greer, what the hell is going on?”
Creighton’s harsh tone surprises me. I thought we were all good finally.
“Well, hello to you too, Crey. How’s life on the road?”
“Have you seen yourself on damn near every gossip site out there this morning?”
“Actually, I haven’t.” And I’m surprised Banner hasn’t seen them or mentioned them either. But then again, she’s working her tail off today, and other than our little lunchtime chat, she’s swamped at work.
“My entire PR team was already working overtime to try to crush the ad, and now they’re bombarded with pictures of you and some actor. I need some goddamned details so they can spin it. Who the fuck is this guy to you?”
It’s a question I dreaded having to answer years ago because I knew Creighton would never understand dating someone so far outside our social circle. Before Holly, at least. I stick to the truth as much as I can.
“He’s an old friend. We met when I was at Columbia.”
“Why didn’t I know about this?”
“Because you were happily minding your own business and letting me live my own life.”
A deep sound of frustration comes through the line. “And now your stunts are impacting my life and my business, Greer. I thought you understood that. Investor confidence is taking another hit with this stuff.”