by Willow Aster
She rolls her eyes. “Baby, I know that you aren’t a huge fan of his. I get it. But I think he’s really happy with her, and that only helps us. He’s practically family. I would love it if we could move forward and go back to being friends. Can you please try to be okay with this? For me?”
Fuck.
“Of course. Love you.”
“I love you the most,” she says, before she pushes up on her tiptoes and kisses me.
Who’s the dickhead now?
Who cares if Jeremy is full of shit? It has no bearing on my relationship with Cosette. I need to suck it up. This is important to her.
“Let’s go back and join the lovebirds,” I tease.
She leads me back to the table and we find Jeremy and Lydia in a hot and heavy make-out session. Maybe I’ve been misreading the whole damn thing. Wanting to see the worst in the guy because I don’t like him.
Lydia pulls away and giggles. “Oops, we forgot we had company.”
Cosette’s entire face lights up. She’s so fucking happy that the guy has moved on, and I’m getting on board. Whether it’s bullshit or not really doesn’t matter.
I kick back and enjoy the ridiculous conversation with Jeremy overselling the relationship and I don’t even fucking care. Cosette’s happy, and that’s enough for me.
We laugh, make a few jokes, and enjoy a delicious dinner. I still don’t trust the dude as far as I can throw him. But Jeremy is not a threat to me.
Thankfully, we call it a night, and we all make our way out to the street. No one has called on Jeremy again at the restaurant which is strange to me, considering he’s the boss. I don’t get the feeling he spends a lot of time here, because the servers are friendlier to Cosette than they are to Jeremy. It’s almost like he’s a silent partner.
He shakes my hand and claps me on the arm. “We good?”
“Sure,” I say, hoping he really is ready to let this go.
He pulls Cosette in for a hug and I turn to say goodbye to Lydia. She thrusts her body into mine and her hand settles between us, gripping my cock.
There is no mistaking this one.
I wrap my fingers around her wrist and step back before dropping her hand and shaking my head.
What kind of fucking game are you playing?
She just smiles and hands me a card. “This is my business card. Keep me in mind on your next project.”
Not a chance.
I ignore her and Cosette steps into my arms. I definitely didn’t misread any of this. Lydia was here for a reason, and it was not as Jeremy’s date. She was here to come between Cosette and me. If only this dickho knew that nothing could come between us.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Cosette
It feels strange to kiss Caden goodbye and go to work at the Toussaint building. I’m feeling so much better about things now that Lydia is in the picture. And my mom has been quiet for a few days, so she must know about Lydia and is choosing to suffer in silence. Thank goodness.
Caden has been very supportive of me taking this job, and I appreciate the fact that he trusts me completely. When I enter the lobby, I’m surprised to see my mother standing there with a sketch pad. She is working on the residential property while I was hired to design the lobby.
“Maman? What are you doing here?”
“I have a few tweaks to your design that I’d like to discuss,” she says, and Louie’s head pops out of her purse to greet me.
“A few tweaks? Uncle Gerard already approved the design.” I cross my arms over my chest and study her.
“Cosette, this is my company. You work for me. If I want to make tweaks, I will make tweaks.” Her tone is harsh. When my mother wants something, she can be uncomfortably direct.
“I thought we were partners?” I say, and I cringe because my voice sounds small and timid.
“You thought wrong. Maybe someday I will pass the baton, but today is not that day. It’s my name on that door, not yours.” She crosses her arms and stares at me with no expression.
Sometimes I wonder if my mother even has a heart. She can be awfully cruel when she wants to be.
“Technically, it’s both of our names.” I just want to stick it to her where I can. Dubois Designs is not Vivienne Dubois Designs.
“That company is mine. You are just an employee. And you will do your job. I may not be able to control your personal life, and the ridiculous choices that you’ve made, but I can control this. And I intend to.”
My mouth goes dry. Her words cut me deeply.
“I see. This is good to know.”
“Glad we cleared that up. Here are the changes. I’ll be stopping by daily to make sure that you uphold the correct design. I’ve already met with Gerard and he’s signed off.”
The lump in my throat is thick. I nod. “Okay.”
Jeremy walks over and he studies me before speaking. “Everyone okay?”
“Yes. Just a few changes to the design.” Maman hands him the new drawings to look over.
“Did my father see these?” he asks.
“He did. We both agree this design has more longevity. My daughter is fickle and so are her designs. She’ll grow out of it with more experience,” she says, as she adjusts the purse strap on her shoulder and raises a brow at me.
I’m not going to fight her, because this is her company after all. It’s just more of a reason for me to break out on my own. I think about the offer from Caden and his brothers and the freedom it would provide.
“Thanks for stopping by, Maman. Have you heard from Dad?” I change the subject to a topic I know she will want to avoid, which will mean she’ll be leaving sooner rather than later.
“Yes. He’s fine. He sends his love.”
I snort and she shudders at the sound. “He sends his love? I still haven’t heard from him. I’ve left a couple dozen messages.”
“The world does not revolve around you, my dear,” she hisses, and turns on her heels to leave.
I feel like a wounded bird, but I hold my shoulders high and refuse to let my emotions get the best of me.
“You all right?” Jeremy asks.
“Yes, of course. This is nothing new.”
“I don’t know. She seems a bit harsher than usual. Maybe she’s stressed with your father gone.”
“Maybe. Have you spoken to him?” I hold my breath because if he tells me that he speaks to my father daily, my heart just might shatter. I’m feeling a bit fragile after the encounter with my mother, and I’ve been so worried about my father, that the thought of him being fine and chatting with Jeremy would really sting.
“Nope. He hasn’t returned my calls. Your mother said that he’s busy in the hospital and that I should work directly with her. She wants me to start taking over even more of the responsibilities at the other restaurants, but I would like to talk to him about that before we move forward with that plan.”
I nod. “It’s weird that we can’t reach him, right?”
“Well, hospitals are exhausting. He’s not the best with technology either, so I’m not totally surprised. His phone is probably dead and he won’t be good about charging it.”
“That’s true. I’m probably worrying for nothing.”
“He’ll be fine, Cosi. Thanks again for doing dinner the other night. Lydia really liked you,” he says, and I’m thankful that we don’t have that awkwardness between us anymore.
“Yeah. She’s great. I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks. How about you and Calden?” he asks.
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “Caden.”
“I’m just teasing. How are you two doing?”
“We’re doing great. He makes me really happy,” I say, and I can’t stop smiling.
Thoughts of Caden turn my sour mood around immediately.
“Good to hear. You deserve only the best,” Jeremy says, and it’s probably the kindest thing he’s ever said to me. “And between you and me … I liked your design better than your mother’s.”
And not only on the design of this project.
The changes in my life are going to continue to take place long after this job is done.
I am so thankful for a night out with Mya and Emma, especially after the day that I’ve just had. My mother popped back over a few hours after she pulled the plug on my design to make sure that I followed through with the changes.
I did.
I’m not going to fight her any longer.
It is her company after all, and I am just an employee there. That’s what I’ve been telling myself all day.
What that means for my future is still to be determined. But because of the Taylors, I now know I have options.
Emma is hosting a Real Housewives night at her place, and Caden and his brothers all went to Mean Mug for dinner and drinks.
Mya and I both step off the elevator at the same time and laugh.
“I’m so glad we are having a girls’ night. Work was hell today,” she says.
“You and me both.” I knock on the door.
“Are you ready to get housewife-baptized?” Emma asks as she opens the door.
I’ve watched a few episodes, but apparently Mya and Emma are pros when it comes to all things Housewives. I am ready to get lost in someone else’s drama.
Their apartment smells like lavender, and she’s always burning candles. She and Spence have a cozy place, and Emma has an amazing eye for design. The white sofa with the black throw blanket, the velvet pillows bring in a lot of texture and a splash of color, and the long modern silk curtain panels warm up the space.
She sets down a charcuterie board on the coffee table, hands us each a glass of wine, and we make our way to the couch.
“How did day one at the douchenoodle’s place of work go?” Emma asks, and Mya spews wine across the table at her choice of words. “What? I’m engaged to a Taylor. Douchenoodle comes with the territory.”
“That’s definitely a new one,” Mya says, wiping up her mess with a napkin as she continues laughing. “I’ve been conditioned with the dicks but not the douches.”
Emma wiggles her eyebrows. “And what a way to be conditioned.”
We all laugh and sigh collectively into our glasses. The Taylor boys know how to please their women.
“It was actually not a bad day as far as things with Jeremy. I told you guys that Caden and I went out with him and his new girlfriend, right?”
“Yeah, how did that go?”
“It went really well. She’s nice and they seem happy. I can’t ask for more. But that certainly didn’t get my mother off the warpath like I hoped it would,” I say, before taking a sip of wine.
“What do you mean?” Mya asked.
“She changed the entire design for the lobby project. She reminded me that it’s her company, and I’m just an employee. She thinks my designs are fickle.” I shrug, trying to push away the hurt.
“Fickle? How dare she! Cosette, forgive my French, but your mother is a motherfucker.” Emma claps her hands back and forth as if she’s getting rid of crumbs and raises a brow.
Mya and I both fall back on the couch.
“That’s not French,” Mya says over her laughter.
“Pardon, ladies. Motherfucker is universal. My bad.”
I’m trying to pull myself together before I speak. “I don’t know what is going on with her lately. She seems to be more tense than usual.”
“Any word from your dad yet?” Mya asks.
“Nope. I’m going to reach out to my aunt again next. We’ve texted and she says Dad’s fine, but it’s been very short and to the point, which is not like her.”
“Definitely call her,” Emma insists.
“So fill me in on what I’m signing onto tonight. I want to be in the Real Housewives Club.” I lean forward and pile some crackers and cheese on my plate. The board is almost too pretty to eat, but I’m starving and I can’t resist.
“Tonight is my favorite. Beverly Hills.” Mya pops a cracker with some cheese on top in her mouth and groans. “Damn, girl, this is so good.”
“It’s from the shop up the street. I swear they have the best cheeses and meats ever.”
“Well, they carry more than that. Isn’t that where your grandmother got her nipples?” I ask, and they both burst out in a fit of giggles.
“Sure is. Meats. Cheeses. Nipples. How can anyone compete?” Emma says before reaching for the remote. “So here’s what you need to know. This will be a baptism by fire. We’ll fill you in as we go. You’ve got your big players, Kyle is married to Mauricio, the king of Beverly Hills real estate, and they have a bunch of gorgeous daughters. We would most definitely be friends with her.”
“Definitely,” Mya says. “And my favorite, Erika Jayne. She’s an icon. A powerhouse in the fashion world. She was on Broadway, she sings, she dances.”
“She was married to a rich old dude, and apparently there are some legal issues there, but power to the woman. She left him and is finding her way on her own and we are here for it,” Emma says.
“Kathy is a new fave housewife. She’s Kyle’s sister and funny as hell. Lisa Rinna is on the show,” Mya says, covering her mouth as she chews.
“The lady from Melrose Place?” I ask, absolutely fascinated.
“Or Days of our Lives if you’re talking to Yaya or Estella. Hells to the yes. The woman doesn’t age,” Mya says.
“Ooohh … who is she?” I ask, pointing at the screen as each woman reads their taglines and I’m already captivated.
“That’s Dorit. She’s quite the fashion icon herself. The woman knows how to dress, that’s for sure,” Emma says, shoving a loaded-up cracker in her mouth. “And she takes a selfie like a pro.”
“Holy mother of dragons, is that Garcelle from NYPD Blue? I love her!”
“Yes, ma’am. Buckle up, girl. We’re just getting started.”
We spend the next hour entranced in all things Beverly Hills. There is some sort of catfight going on over the use of the word violated. There are tears and arguments, fabulous clothing, a few low blow digs, a gourmet meal prepared by the sexy Harry Hamlin. I mean, you can’t make this stuff up. This cast is as good as it gets.
But most importantly, I laugh through the entire show. The commentating from Emma and Mya is as entertaining as the show. They choose sides, they give me the backstories, share their favorites—and I’m all in.
I feel a closeness to Emma and Mya and a comfort I’m not used to. I love it.
“Thanks for getting me up to speed. You’re stuck with me now, because I only want more,” I say, shaking my head after we watch the previews for next week.
“Right? I told you. You’re the missing piece to this trio,” Emma says.
“I’m so glad you and Caden are together. You two just fit, you know?” Mya refills our glasses with wine.
“He’s the best. I never knew I could be this happy,” I admit, feeling a little vulnerable with my words.
“You deserve it, Cosi. I’m so happy for you.” Mya leans over and wraps an arm around my shoulder.
“I get what you’re saying though. I had a hard time believing I could be as happy as I am. But once you let yourself just enjoy it and stop worrying about the other foot dropping, you realize that you really can just be that happy. You found one of the good ones. And he’s lucky to have you too,” Emma says, dabbing at her eyes.
“Ever since this one got engaged, she’s all sappy.” Mya laughs and hugs me a little tighter.
“What can I say? Old Solemn makes me sappy.”
“Sappy looks good on you.” I stand up and help them clear all the food to the kitchen just as the door flies open.
“Honey, I’m home,” Gus sings out as he bursts through the door.
Spence, Jesse, and Ca
den stroll in behind him. Caden wraps his arms around my middle, his chest to my back, and rests his chin on my shoulder.
“How was the show? Did you have fun?”
“So much fun.”
“Good. Missed you, lover,” he whispers against my ear and I melt into him.
“Missed you too,” I say.
“Good Lord. Get a room, people,” Gus shouts out.
My head falls back in laughter, and I hug everyone goodbye. Because even a few hours away from Caden is too long.
“You ready?” he asks, as he pulls the door open.
“Yes.”
The answer means so much more than what he’s asking. Because when it comes to Caden Taylor, I’m ready for all the things.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Caden
“What are we doing tonight? Jesse said Mya invited all of us over for dinner?” I kiss Cosi hello, putting my arms around her waist and pulling her as close as I can get her. “Mmm, you smell so good.”
“Yeah, her mom is in town. I’m so excited to meet her!”
“Oh, have mercy on us all. Why couldn’t we have gone to a restaurant?”
She giggles. She doesn’t realize. We’ve tried to tell her about Estella’s cooking, but no one ever thinks it’s as bad as it is until they’ve sampled it firsthand.
“I’m going a little bit early to help Mya. I thought you’d want the extra time to shower and get ready.”
“You sure you wouldn’t rather help me get ready in the shower?” I nuzzle into her neck and love the way she trembles into me, like my words and closeness cause her to shiver.
“I’d love nothing more than that, however, I’m having a good hair night and don’t want to have to redo it.” She pulls back, grinning and I kiss her on the forehead.
“Your hair always looks good. I always want to sink my hands into it and give it a good yank.”
She laughs and skirts around my wandering hands. “Later you can have your way with my hair.” She blows a kiss and backs out of the room. “I’ll see you in half an hour.”
I watch as her sweet cheeks walk away, her sway reeling me in. When she glances back once more and sees where my eyes have been, her cheeks turn that rosy shade I love and she laughs.