Cole & Jamie

Chapter 21

Just breathe in and out.

Deep breath in. And out. In. And out.

"Jamie, are you pacing?"

I looked down at Trish's round face on my phone screen. When my jitters came back in full force she was the first person I called.

"No," I lied, completing my third lap across the bathroom. I was ready. Hair. Make-up. Dressed. I even had my shoes on, a pair of sky-high black stilettos that I practically drooled over when I opened the box. There's something about the smell of a brand-new pair of shoes that never gets old.

Trish sipped from her giant water bottle before replying, "Your forehead wrinkles when you lie."

I ran my fingertips over my forehead, smoothing out the wrinkles that were in fact there. " It does not."

"Does too. You need to relax girl. You've been to parties with rich people before, pretend to care about their problems and stuff your face with their food, it's not hard."

"Those were people I didn't know or care about," I exhaled sitting on the edge of the tub. "These are Cole's friends and I want to make a good impression"

"You're freaking yourself out."

"Maybe, I am, but it's been a long time since I've had to meet anyone's friends."

"That's only because Tony didn't have any."

"He had friends," I replied.

"That pretentious asshat didn't have friends. He had peers and coworkers."

I avoided looking at the screen. It wasn't exactly a lie, Tony wasn't exactly a people person. He could be pretentious and extremely closed-minded when I told him I was moving back to Mckenzie he acted like I'd decided to move off the grid with no running water or electricity. He just couldn't fathom anyone willingly leaving New York City. "I just want them to like me is all."

"They'll love you. And probably be drooling over you too." She whistled. "You look sexy as hell."

I put my phone on the counter and did a twirl in front of the camera. "You think so?"

"I would never lie about such a thing." She groaned. "I'm honored to be able to bring life into the world and all, but I am tired of being pregnant. I can't even see my toes! I'm sure I'm due for a pedicure."

"I'm sure Joe would tell you if your toes were busted."

"He wouldn't because he's scared of me."

I heard movement on the other side of the bathroom door. "I think it's time for us to go, but I'll text you with updates."

"You better!" She said wagging her finger at me. "I'm living vicariously through you."

We said our goodbyes and I slipped my phone into the tiny beaded purse Rose picked out for me. With my shoulders rolled back and a deep breath, I opened the bathroom door.

Already dressed, Cole sat on the edge of the bed. He was so engrossed in whatever was on his phone he didn't notice me at first. I cleared my throat to gain his attention.

He finally dragged his eyes away from the screen and focused on me.

"Well, what do you think?" I asked, doing a spin for him.

He stared at me for a moment. "I think...I think I'm the luckiest man in the entire world."

I goaded him to go on. "And..."

He grabbed my hands pulling me between his parted legs. "And you look like a goddess."

"You look pretty damn good yourself." It was a simple look, tuxedo black patent leather shoes, but he made it look good. He looked so suave and sexy, I almost didn't want to let anyone else see him. "You should dress like this all the time."