Kinley: We have a fitting soon, and then we’re Utah bound. I do smile, by the way, just not around you!
Figures. I have been a jerk to her before, so it makes sense. I try to picture what her face would look like smiling. She’d probably look really pretty but kind of hard to be sure when she frowns so often around me. I decide to make her an offer, one that sounds like a win-win for us both. Me to make her smile, her to go to a game.
Me: Well…if I can manage to somehow make you smile twice within the first week, I’ll go to a crummy football game with ya once the new season starts?
Kinley: Ha, you’re not going to ruin football for me! All you would do is bitch and moan. However, let’s modify it a little. If you can’t get me to smile twice in the first week, then you have to do as I say the whole trip. No bullshit or remarks.
That could be hard, but I’m sure I could manage. But what if I do get her to smile? I think about it for a bit before replying back to her.
Me: Hmmm. Okay. But if I do, then you have to cook a meal of my choice for me. That work for you?
Kinley: I can’t cook for you. Pick something else.
Surely she can cook. Aren’t all southern women supposed to be able to cook? Maybe she doesn’t like to cook, so she says she can’t.
Me: Nope. That’s the deal. Not changing it.
Kinley: Well, since I’m going to win, you have a deal! Get ready, Hockey Player, I don’t lose.
Neither do I, Kinley.
Well, where bets are concerned at least. I can’t really say I don’t lose, seeing my current situation and all. I press the button to go ahead and put my phone to sleep before sticking it back in my pocket. Finishing my drink off, I decide to go home and enjoy my peace and quiet and aloneness while I can before this trip.
Chapter Eleven
Kinley
I push my hand through my blonde hair. When I was in college, no one ever told me I would be hauling boxes in my high heels. However, right now, that is exactly what I am doing. LSMP’s fall line is starting to roll in. We only get a few samples of each set of clothes, and those are for the models and friends of the company.
I fill my car with the three, very heavy boxes and quickly jump in to crank up the air conditioning. It’s May, and it’s already hot. I grab a tissue from my purse and pat the small beads of sweat around my brow, careful not to smear my makeup.
I hate to say it, but I have to take these items to Carson’s house. For whatever reason, he couldn’t come to my office where we have a fitting room. I’m sure it’s because of a girl, or maybe he’s hungover.
I push the button for the gate, and I’m buzzed in. I park my car close to the door, so I don’t have to carry the boxes so far.
“Well, good morning, Kinley,” Carson calls out from the front door. Of course, he’s in a pair of boxer briefs, looking hot.
“Shut up and help me,” I yell at him. I can hear him chuckling all the way from the door. However, he does come out and help me.
Once we get all the boxes inside, Carson hands me a bottle of water. I say thanks and rip open the first box. I pull out eight shirts, five sweater vests, and ten ties. The next box has all the jackets and accessories in it. The last box holds all the pants. I didn’t bring the shoes because that’s an easy part. I lay it all out on his long couch and on the chair.
“Is this all of it?” He stands next to me observing the clothes.
“Yep, what do you think?”
He doesn’t answer because a gaggle of giggles comes from down the stairs. It’s two very large breasted girls. One has red hair and is very thin. The other has black hair and is just as small.
“I thought I told you two to leave,” Carson barks at them.
“We thought,” the red head starts.
“Well, you thought wrong. Leave. I have work to do.” He uses the same tone.
“Well, I hope you’re not doing her because I didn’t think you were into fat girls,” the other girl says, giggling with her friend.
My mouth drops for a second, and I’m about to lay into her, but Carson is quicker. “Get the fuck out of my house now. I don’t know who you think you are, but you don’t insult my guest.”
The girls don’t say anything else. Instead, they leave.