Page 47 of Billionaire’s Game

Chapter Nine

The next day,I rode with Lacey to the office. I was still a little uncomfortable and nervous about my new look. My hair was still long, but it had gotten a much-needed trim and I had actually brushed it. When I’d mentioned I wanted to put some color in my wardrobe, Violet had been ecstatic. Now I was the proud owner of clothes that weren’t just khaki or faded.

My once colorless wardrobe now had sprinkles of blue, pink, red, and even a little bit of yellow. I thought yellow washed me out, but Violet said all colors were meant to be worn. I didn’t quite trust that fashion advice, but what did I know? I’d lived in jean shorts, jeans and flannel shirts for eight years straight. My wardrobe was practically crying for an update.

I pulled at the red polka dot skirt Violet had convinced me to wear. It was really snug and I was surprised that it actually looked pretty great on my rear end. I hadn’t considered my rear end an asset until Violet had said, “You have some junk in your trunk, girl,” and high-fived me.

I was wearing a graphic tee with the skirt which Violet said was totally fine. I loved the whole graphic tee look and liked that I could wear it with a professional skirt and still look put together. I felt like myself, just a dressier version.

I nervously pulled at my hair. And then I nervously pulled at the tight skirt I was wearing and finally, I fidgeted with the clingy, long-sleeve, graphic shirt I had on.

“Stop fidgeting. You look great,” Lacey said, not for the first time. She’d helped me pick out this morning’s outfit.

“You really think so? I don’t know,” I said as I looked down at my new shoes, pointy-toed, red, and adorable. “I don’t know. I just don’t feel completely like myself.”

“Trust me. You look like you, just an updated version. Like Lesli 2.0 instead of Lesli 1.0.”

“Thanks... I guess.”

She laughed at my dubious tone as she impatiently waited for the stoplight to change. She lowered the sun visor and looked at the little mirror inside. “Ugghhh,” she groaned at her reflection, as she flipped the sun visor back up and said with a voice full of disgust. “I gotta get more sleep. I think I’m starting to get bags under my eyes.”

I shook my head. “You’re crazy. We have great genes. We don’t get bags. It’s all in your mind.”

She whimpered as she pulled away from the stoplight. “Don’t humor me. I’m falling apart, but whatever.” Then she perked up. “Anyway, we’re not talking about me.”

I groaned inwardly. I had hoped that the topic of conversation would continue to be the nonexistent bags under her eyes instead of my makeover.

“Seriously, you look good. You’re wearing clothes that actually fit and something other than a t-shirt. And your hair is freshly cut. You’re actually making me envious. I haven’t cut my hair in at least a year and I’m pretty sure it’s covered in baby drool half the time. Sebastian loves to eat my hair.”

“You look great. You're a hot mom.”

She beamed. “You think so?”

“Definitely.”

“You aren’t just saying that to make me feel good about not showering or washing my hair in days?”

I laughed. “I didn’t need to know all that information, but, umm, no... I’m not just complimenting you to appease you… It’s a genuine compliment. You’re a great mom and you make motherhood look good.”

She placed her hand over her heart and said, “That’s soooo sweet. I knew there was a reason you were my favorite cousin.”

“I’m your only cousin.”

She giggled and I punched her lightly in the shoulder.

“What do you think the chances are that Jude will hire Violet?”

“One hundred percent.”

“Oh. Those are good chances.”

“Yeah. With the holidays coming around, we need all the help we can get. And if you recommended her, she has to be close to perfect.”

I thought of Violet and grinned. “Well, I wouldn’t say perfect.”

“Soooo...” Lacey said clearing her throat meaningfully. “What did you and Magnus end up doing the other day? I know you snuck into the house pretty late.”

I immediately turned away from her and looked out the window. I knew if I faced her, she’d be able to tell I wasn’t being completely honest. “Oh, you know, we went back to his place and watched some of the old Brain Pain episodes.”