Chapter 123

Aaron called Anna on Friday morning as she was lying on the couch reading. She smiled as she answered the phone, but didn’t seem to be able to hide her loneliness.

“You sound lonely and bored,” Aaron said. “I’m going to call Cam and have him take you out tonight.”

“Aaron, really. I’m fine.”

“It’s Friday night in New York City. You haven’t experienced the nightlife yet, and you should... if you’re feeling okay. Cam knows all the good places.”

“Aaron—?”

“Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, but?—?”

“If you’re better, I’m not going to listen to arguments. You need to get out.”

“I did ‘get out.’ I went to the library.”

Aaron huffed. “That doesn’t count and you know it.”

“Aaron—?”

“I’m calling Cam. Find something hot to wear. You need to get laid.”

“Aaron! I’m engaged!”

“To a jerk who fucked another woman the night he threw your engagement ring at you. He didn’t even ask you!”

“We’re only getting married because we have to.”

“Then live a little before you do. God, Anna, if he was the same Kurt I knew, I wouldn’t be encouraging this, but you’ve been miserable since he gave you that ring, and that asshole deserves to be showed up.” He laughed. “I might even have Cam take a picture so I can send it to him.”

“Oh, Aaron, don’t. I’ll get into trouble.”

He grunted. “Fine. So, go pick something out to wear, get showered, and all that good stuff you girls do. And have fun tonight.”

“I don’t know if I have anything that would qualify as hot. I’m a jeans-and-t-shirt kind of girl now.”

He laughed. “Oh, Cam will love to take you shopping. Okay. I’m going to call him. He’ll be there soon.”

“Aaron—?”

“Love you. Have fun!”

He hung up before she could protest, and then she smiled. Okay, maybe going out sounded like fun.

Ten minutes later, Cam knocked on the door. He lived in their building, which was how he and Aaron met. It was weird to think about Aaron in a relationship with a guy, but he was happy and that’s all Anna wanted for her best friend.

“Oh, honey, I’m so glad you’re all better!” Cameron squeezed inside as the door opened and hugged Anna hard. “You look fabulous!” His flamboyance was an endearing quality. “Okay. Get your purse. We’re going shopping!”

“I can’t wear this, Cameron! I’m half naked!” Anna stared at herself in the store mirror. The white miniskirt was so micro it barely covered her rear. The pink top was held together between her breasts with a single tie. She could almost see her nipples through the sheer fabric. Granted, when she was at Gatherings as an Elder-Mistress, she wore a sheer white dress that showed everything, but that was different.

Cameron laughed. “You’ll have more clothes on than most of the women there. Haven’t you ever been to a club?”

“I—well, a few times. Back home.”

“And what did you wear?”

“I dunno. A skirt and sweater or something.”

“God, girl, how did you get laid?”

“I had a boyfriend.”

Cameron rolled his eyes. “You have a body women would die for and men will want to touch. You should show it off.”

“But I’m not good with men. I mean—?” She stopped when Cameron frowned. “I don’t know how to say no to them.”

“Just say ‘no’ and back away. The place we’re going to is very exclusive and discreet, and it has excellent security. If they see you in trouble, they’ll rescue you.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“Yes, you can. Stop worrying so much and relax. Or I’ll get you so drunk you won’t remember the evening, and you’ll wake up with a hunk in your bed.”

Anna rolled her eyes and returned to the dressing room to change back into her regular clothes. At Cameron’s insistence, she purchased the new outfit and promised she’d wear it when they went out.

“Omigod, did you hear about the condo that was just sold down the street?” Cameron asked as they left the store.

Anna didn’t pay any attention to city gossip. The other dancers talked endlessly about the celebrities and rich men from the gala, but the topic bored her. She supposed she just didn’t know enough about the normal world to understand it. “No.”

“Well, it was the most expensive condo in the city and he—yes, it’s a he —paid cash for it. Was approved by the building’s approval board and everything, even though he’s a foreigner.” Cameron wiggled his eyebrows. “He’s supposed to be incredibly hot. Don’t you read the paper?”

“Cameron, I’ve been sick for three weeks.”

“He just moved in on Saturday. It was the front page of all the gossip rags.” He put his hand up in the air, emphasizing each word. “Handsome, rich, unmarried European buys billion-dollar condo!” Then he giggled.

Anna rolled her eyes. “New fodder for the other dancers.”

“Maybe he’ll be out tonight. Maybe he’ll see you and sweep you off your feet.”

“If he’s European, my father-in-law will probably know him, and if word gets back to him, I will be in so much trouble. Cam, please remember that I’m supposed to keep my private stuff private.”

He grinned. “What happens in a New York club stays in a New York club.”