Just friends? Pfft. Yeah, right.

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Kayla sipped from her mug, pulling the sunglasses over her face. I stared at the newspaper in front of me, looking for any vacancies. I knew I should apply for another company but I felt like this was a time to start something fresh. Like I had told Logan. It is time for a new me.

“Shit, paparazzi,” Kayla cursed, turning her head away from the window.

I continued to frown over my newspaper. “Can you see me in a uniform?”

Kayla lifted her sunglasses just enough to roll her eyes at me. “You’ve been in a uniform for half your life. I thought you wanted something freer.”

“I do,” I grumbled. “But, nothing here seems to jump out at me.”

“Why not just work with me for a while?” she asked, smiling. “It’d be so much fun.”

I glared at a man in a cap trying to take a photo of Kayla from behind his newspaper. “I’d rather not be chased around, thank you.”

Kayla huffed. “You don’t have to show your face. You could be the guy behind the scene, pulling on all the strings.”

“I thought that was Garrett’s job,” I pointed out, one side of my mouth lifting.

“But, he’s such a tyrant sometimes,” she stated, pulling her cap over her face more. “Can we get out of here? I don’t want to attract any more attention.”

“Alright, come on,” I agreed, getting my stuff.

Kayla grabbed her things and left some notes for the bill. She hooked her arm through mine when we walked out. Her face was still very much hidden and I glanced around to make sure no one was following. Ever since word that her new album was releasing got out, there seemed to be more paparazzi appearing. Some knew to keep their distance, but there were those who are just so rude and demanding.

“Hey, that’s Dave,” Kayla said, her pace quickening. “Let’s go say hi. Who’s that girl he’s with?”

I knew very well who that girl was. And I really did not want to say hi. Too late. Dave already saw us, frowning at Kayla’s get up.

“Hello, Dave,” Kayla greeted, shaking his hand.

Dave smiled his warm smile, arm around Emily’s waist. “Hey, Kayla. Jo.”

I smiled back at him although I knew he must be irritated with me for not answering his calls and messages. Well, I could tell him I have been busy.

“Who do we have here?” Kayla asked, noting the way Dave was holding onto Emily.

Emily reached out a hand, mega watt smile in place and lovable personality dripping from every pore. “Emily Bates. It’s nice to meet a friend of Dave’s. It seems as though all he talks about is business here and business there.”

Kayla smiled, cautious but friendly. “Yes, men can get so competitive at times. Especially when it comes to work.”

Emily laughed and patted Dave’s arm. “That’s exactly what I told him.”

“So what are you guys up to?” I asked.

“Some shopping before I have to head back,” Emily replied, lifting the bags of shopping. “Dave is staying a little longer though. He has got business to do. Utterly boring.”

I smiled. “I bet.”

Dave checked his watch. “Mimi, we’re going to have to rush if we want to make it for our reservation.”

I tried to hide my wince when I heard him call her Mimi again. Eugh.

“That’s a drag. I’d rather stay here talking to you two. Being stuck in a room and only talking to Dave’s business associates can put such a damper on a girl’s mood,” Emily said, crest-fallen. Aw, she’s sweet.