"I told you I had to get my wallet back from her. Back off, Trey. I mean it. You're making her feel uncomfortable," he said earnestly.
Trey sat back in his chair and stared at him with concern.
"What?" he asked, not bothering to hide his annoyance.
"You're sounding like Adam," Trey said quietly.
He gasped. "I am not!"
Trey shook his head, astonished. "You are. That's why I have to continue with the ISAG whether you like it or not. That's the promise we made to each other."
"She's not like that!" he said in a half-shout, making a few heads from nearby tables turn their way. He took a deep breath to calm himself down. Damn it, Trey was annoying the hell out of him.
Trey snorted. "I seem to remember Adam having this exact same reaction when you tried to tell him what you thought of Sandy."
"Ari and Jasmine are best buddies. I just want to be good friends with her since we'll probably see a lot of each other in the future," he muttered.
"Then why have you changed your MO with her? If you want to be good friends, shouldn't you be staying away for a while until the afterglow of your one-night stand has well and truly faded?"
He fidgeted in his seat, unable to meet his friend's questioning gaze.
Trey's eyes widened. "You've already had sex with her more than once."
He laughed. That was the funniest comment. Even during his first night with Ari, he'd had sex with her more than once. Several times, in fact.
"Dylan? Is this serious?" Trey asked with a shocked expression.
"Don't be ridiculous," he scoffed. "We're just...friends with benefits."
"And how are you going to make that work exactly?"
"Ari's different. She knows where I stand."
Trey shook his head in resignation. "You've lost the plot."
"Don't be so dramatic."
"Now you can't expect Adam to listen to you when you're just as bad as him."
"Ari is different from Sandy," he said in a miffed tone.
"Yeah, she probably is. It wouldn't hurt to prove that though, would it?" Trey challenged.
"She doesn't deserve that kind of treatment."
"Exactly what Adam says about Sandy. And you know damn well that woman is more interested in Adam's money than anything else, even though Adam's too blind to see it. This is for your own good, Dyl."
He exhaled loudly. "Ari is different."
"Why are you afraid of testing her, then? Scared she won't pass?"
"No. I'm sure she'll pass. There's just no reason to do it. I'm not interested in a relationship."
"But you plan to continue seeing her casually?" Trey asked pointedly.
"Maybe," he lied, knowing full well he did plan to see Ari again.
Trey smirked. "Adam told me you only had eyes for Ari last weekend when you guys had lunch with Jasmine's friends. He thinks there's something between the two of you."
"There isn't. Apart from some lust," he insisted.
"So what's the problem with testing her then?"
"I told you already. There's no need. I'm not interested in Ari besides the sex," he said heatedly.
"Okay. The problem is I don't believe that," Trey stated.
He rolled his eyes in frustration. How the hell would he get Trey off Ari's back?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ari groaned as her too-bright bathroom caused her head to pound harder. She mentally added 'buy dark curtains for bathroom window' in her to-do list. She grabbed the sink for support as she trundled to the toilet.
What a time to have a migraine. Today was her last day at Eros and she wouldn't be there for the design team's big farewell lunch. Fortunately, her manager had been sympathetic when she called in sick.
She was going to miss her workmates, and what was more, she was going to miss having a job to go to. By the end of the day, she would officially join the ranks of the unemployed.
After two weeks of desperate searching even for lower paid positions, she hadn't had any luck. She hadn't even been offered a single interview. Her impeccable reputation in the industry was now her biggest drawback. She was overqualified for the vacant positions that were available.
She finished peeing and tried to fight off her nausea as she washed her hands.
As she crawled back to her bed, she forced herself to relax. She only had occasional migraines, but when she got them, it was almost debilitating. They were usually from extreme stress, and lately she was having a hell of a time of it—what with worrying about Kenny and how she would afford her bills and...not hearing from Dylan.
She left a message in his voicemail three days ago to see if he wanted to get together at her place. Heck, asking guys out wasn't something that came naturally to her, but she reasoned Dylan could be waiting for her to make the next move. He hadn't contacted her since they'd had lunch at Eiko's with Trey.
Well, obviously, he just didn't want to have anything to do with her anymore. He hadn't called back.
She didn't know what had gone wrong. Wasn't he the one who'd suggested the "friends with benefits" arrangement? Had he met a new "friend" who gave better benefits?
She let out a small whine and pressed her hand against her temple as the throbbing in her head increased. She only had herself to blame. She should have known she was someone who could only sleep with a guy if she really liked him—yet she went and had casual sex with Dylan not just on one night, but two. Now she hurt at the thought that he was done with her.
No job. No Dylan. Little wonder her once-in-a-blue-moon migraine had flared up.
She moaned in agony as her phone rang. Keeping her eyes shut, she groped for it on her bedside table. She opened an eye to peep at the screen. It was Jasmine.
"Hey, Jaz," she answered miserably.
"Gosh, Ari, are you okay?"
"Migraine."
"Oh, I'm sorry. You're at home, I take it?"
"Uh-huh."
"You sound terrible," Jasmine said sympathetically. "Why don't I go over there and give you a hand with whatever you need?"
"No, I'll be fine, thanks. I just need to stay in bed until it passes. What's up?"
"I was calling to see if you're available for dinner tomorrow night? But if you're not feeling well, we could do it some other time."
"Oh, I'll be fine by tomorrow night. This darn migraine should be gone by this afternoon."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, positive," she assured Jasmine.
"Well, Kane's mum invited us over to her place because she wants to talk to you about making her an outfit for both Faye's and my weddings. Apparently she's had a look around, but hasn't found anything special enough for her liking."
Ari felt the zing of excitement in spite of her pounding head. "Wow. She hasn't even met me yet."
Jasmine chuckled. "She's seen me in a couple of your designs. Plus of course, I've talked you up."
"Thanks, Jaz. If I didn't have this blasted migraine, I'd sound more enthusiastic."
"Oh, Ari. Do you want me to come over? I have some time."
"No, thank you. I'll get better quicker if I lock myself in my room in peace and darkness."
"In that case, I'll let you go. I'll text you Kane's parents' address. Can you get there by six-thirty?"
"Yes. I'll be there, bright and chirpy."
As she ended the call with Jasmine, Ari remembered an important fact. Kane's mother was also Dylan's mother. Ah, damn.
*******
"Hello, Mrs. Summers, it's lovely to meet you," Ari said to the smiling woman who greeted her at the door. She could see why Dylan and all his siblings had turned out so good-looking. Their mother was beautiful.
"Please, call me Linda, Ari. It's wonderful to meet you. Please, come in. The others are on their way."
Ari followed Linda meekly, a little uncomfortable that she was the first one to arrive.
"I've seen some of your designs that Jasmine's worn and I'm really impressed," Linda said conversationally, as they went to
sit on the couch. "I've looked around for something to wear for the two weddings coming up, but I just can't find anything I like. The person making Faye's dress only does wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Faye said she wishes she'd known about you when she was doing research for her dress. Anyway, it would be great if you could design a couple of outfits for me that would blend in well with the themes of the two weddings without me looking like a bridesmaid."
"I'd be glad to, Linda. I've brought a few sketches along, and we could talk about what you want exactly."
"Good. Let's do that after dinner, shall we?"
Their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell chime. Linda answered it, and Ari was surprised to see a stunning looking woman with long, raven hair at the door.
"Rosalie! Are you hand-delivering my spices again?" Linda asked with delight.
"Yes. I know how stressed out you get when your pantry is not stocked up. I also brought you some new items you haven't tried before," Rosalie said, opening a carry-bag and showing Linda the contents.
"Ooh, thank you. I am running low on these. Come on in, darling. Do you want a drink?"
"Thank you. Whatever's on offer would be great," Rosalie responded.
Ari watched the interaction with interest. Rosalie looked to be in her mid-twenties. She was wearing a sexy black dress with high heels to match. She looked like a model, not a delivery girl. She idly wondered who she really was, and was pleased when Linda started the introductions.
"This is Ari, Rosalie. She's Jasmine's friend and she'll be designing her wedding dress."
Rosalie extended a hand to her. "Hi, Ari. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Ari replied with a smile.
"Rosalie is the daughter of a friend of mine, Ari. They own a spice shop and provide me with the best herbs and spices I could hope for," Linda said.
"I can smell something really wonderful in your kitchen, Linda," Rosalie commented.
"That's just my chicken pasta bake. Say, would you like to stay for dinner, Rosalie? There's plenty of food."
"Linda, you always cook plenty of food. Are all of your boys coming tonight?" Rosalie asked nonchalantly.
"Only Kane. Although I think I will call Dylan and ask him to come, too," Linda said with a wink to Rosalie. "Why don't you two come with me to the kitchen? We can continue talking there while I check on my bake."
Ari followed the two women, frowning at the unsettling suspicion that Linda was inviting Dylan for Rosalie's benefit. The way that Rosalie's eyes sparkled at Linda's suggestive wink, she was clearly thrilled to bits about it.
*******
Ari was coming out of the bathroom when she heard Linda call out.
"Dylan! Why are you so late, darling? We've finished eating."
Her heart started galloping. She pressed her hand to her chest, coaxing herself to relax.
"You called me at the last minute, Mum," she heard Dylan answer. "I had to finish something for work. But I haven't eaten yet, so are there leftovers for me?"
"Plenty. Anyway, it's good you're here. Rosalie needs some company while the rest of us girls discuss wedding and bridesmaid dresses," Linda said.
Ari stood still, hidden from view, as curiosity burned within her. How would Dylan react to Rosalie?
"Dylan!"
"Rosie, this is a surprise. I didn't know you'd be here," Dylan said pleasantly.
Rosie?
"I just dropped by to give your mum some spices and she invited me to stay. You must be hungry, darling. Come and I'll fix you up a plate. Your mother's busy with wedding stuff."
Darling?
"Why, thank you. That's so nice of you," Dylan responded in a tone too flirty for her liking.
"Oh, Dylan. I've missed you. I haven't seen you for over a month," Rosalie whined.
Ari didn't catch Dylan's reply as the couple went into the kitchen. The two were evidently well acquainted.
Quietly, she went back inside the bathroom and gazed at herself in the mirror. She tapped that part of her chest where a pinching sensation bothered her and gave herself a little pep talk.
Arielle Mitchell, you'll be fine. Tonight, you are working. Those clients are also your friends and they expect you to be enthusiastic and professional. You will wow them and they will be more than happy to pay good prices for your creations.
You need this. Kenny needs this.
You don't need Dylan. Plus he obviously doesn't need you since he's got Pretty Miss Rosie.
She scowled at herself for letting that last sentence slip into her consciousness. With a shake of her head and a deep inhale, she walked out of the restroom and proceeded to the living room, where Jasmine and Linda were waiting for her.
*******
"Mum, Rosie and I are — Oh, hi, Ari. What are you doing here?"
Ari involuntarily swallowed as she turned to face a clearly surprised Dylan with a smug-looking, Pretty Miss Rosie hanging off his arm.
"Hi. I'm taking your mum's measurements," she answered in a neutral tone. In truth, she wanted to wail.
"I can see that. But why?"
"She's making my outfits for your sister's and your brother's weddings," Linda answered. "She's also designing Jaz's wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses."
"Oh," Dylan responded, looking lost.
"How exciting for you girls," Rosalie gushed. "Well, Dylan and I are going now to meet up with a couple of his friends, so I'll see you all again sometime soon. Linda, thanks again for inviting me to dinner."
"Oh, it's my pleasure," Linda answered, looking absolutely delighted. "I'll walk you two to the door."
Ari felt sick...heartsick. She pretended to make notes in her notebook, desperate for something else to do than watch Dylan walk out the door with another woman.
"Uh...bye, girls," she heard Dylan say.
She raised her hand for a brief wave and dared a glance at his direction. He was looking at her with an unreadable expression. Hastily, she went back to her task of doodling on her page.
Don't worry, Dylan. I get the picture.
"Ari," Jasmine said quietly. "Do you want a drink or something?"
She gave Jasmine a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "No, thanks, I'll be fine."
"I'm sorry."
"For what?" she asked in surprise.
"For that," Jasmine replied with a tilt of her chin toward the front door.
She pressed her lips to hide her distress.
"It's quite obvious something else went on between the two of you than just a one-night stand," Jasmine said sympathetically. "Didn't work out, huh?"
Her lips tugged in a semblance of a smile as she shook her head ruefully. "That's the way the cookie crumbles," she said resignedly.
"If it's any consolation," Jasmine continued, "I don't think there's anything serious between him and Rosalie. Kane would have told me about it if there were."
"It's really none of my business. It was only two nights of casual sex for us," she said bravely.
No need for Jasmine to know about the "friends with benefits" discussion she had with Dylan that wasn't going to happen anymore. Broadcasting that would just make her feel like a reject all over again.
*******
"We'll really miss you, Ari," Selina cried.
"I'll miss all of you, too," Ari responded as she hugged her now ex-officemate. "Thank you so much for organising this, Selina. It's so good of you guys to give up your Sunday afternoon to have lunch with me."
"Hey, we were really sad that we didn't get to say goodbye to you last Friday. You picked a bad time to have a migraine. We had a blast from midday and nobody returned to work in the afternoon. Considering the circumstances, the managers turned a blind eye."
"I'm sorry I missed it. But at least my good friends are here."
"So what's the next chapter for you, Ari?" a male voice said from her other side.
Ari turned her attention to Henry, the good-looking guy from marketing. "Continue banging on doors for a job," she said with a chu
ckle. "I'm lucky a friend of mine's getting married. She's commissioned me to make her bridal party dresses. That'll keep me busy for a while, until I find another company who'll hire me."
"If you need any help, I'm here for you, Ari," Henry said with a look that conveyed sincerity.
She smiled. "Thank you, Henry. I appreciate that."
"Actually, I was wondering if you could do me a favour," Henry asked hesitantly.
"Sure."
"My brother is getting married, too. He wanted to impress his fiancée so he took it upon himself to volunteer for some tasks involving the wedding. One of them is to hire his and the groomsmen's attires. But he's also smart. As his best man, he's passed the job on to me. I have absolutely no idea what to do."
"What exactly do you need help with? Research a place where you can hire tuxedos or suits?"
"I don't even know what we should be wearing," Henry replied, looking totally bewildered.
Ari laughed. "So you need help with everything, in other words."
"Yes, please," he responded pleadingly.
"Okay, no problem."
"Thank you! You're a lifesaver," Henry said, kissing her on the cheek.
Ari felt Selina poke her on the ribs.
"He likes you, you know," Selina whispered in her ear.
Ari smiled, welcoming the ego boost that covered up her gloom.
Dylan might prefer to be with Pretty Miss Rosie, but he wasn't the only man in the world.
CHAPTER NINE
Dylan groaned as he tried to get out of bed. The dull throbbing in his head reminded him of the miserable night he'd had. What exactly possessed him to get himself drunk?
Ari's face floated in his head.
Ah, yes. Guilt. Shame. Remorse. Or whatever else the discomfort in his chest was called.
He slumped back in his bed and pulled the covers over his head.
Last night hadn't been all bad. He'd been entertained by Trey putting Rosalie through the ISAG. Trey was really good at it, and Rosalie had no idea she was being tested. She'd passed, but it was a moot point because he wasn't interested in her.
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