He hung up before she could curse.

Chapter 23

Gavin got Kristin’s message as soon as he arrived home.

He hadn’t realized at first that she had called. He was probably in the PT room and didn’t hear the cellphone ring. But as he walked into the townhouse and tossed his keys on the counter, he turned on the speakerphone and hit voicemail.

“…Just want you to know I’m thinking of you.”

He couldn’t believe it. Her voice sounded as if nothing had changed, as if she hadn’t cheated, and made it abundantly clear that their relationship was over. What the hell did she want from him now?

Disbelief was replaced by annoyance. He wandered to the fridge and poured himself a beer.

It wasn’t that his ex-girlfriend was awful; it was more that he hadn’t known before that there was something so much better out there. Even his friendship with Jessica was more meaningful than what he had shared with Kristin. It was as if he had been vacationing every year at the same little shore town, and then suddenly found himself on the French Riviera.

And he had no intention of ever going back. He could admit it now; he was relieved to be out of their relationship and rid of her.

Without thinking twice, he deleted the message.

—

It was Saturday, and Jessica had a day off. But it didn’t feel like one.

Terrell had dragged her from store to store in Princeton, insisting that she try on everything. Dresses and skirts, pants with a leather panel down the side that accentuated her lean figure. Blouses of soft silk in shades of gold, green, and rust, all meant to flatter her coloring. Some of the tops were very low-cut, and before she could reject them he insisted that she try them on with a push-up bra. The results were astonishing.

As she viewed herself in a three-way mirror, even the salesclerk gushed in admiration. “This is so much fun! It’s like fitting a model.”

“I have to admit, I am surprised,” Jessica admitted. “I wouldn’t have picked out most of this stuff.”

“Well, buying new yoga pants does not a wardrobe make.” Terrell clicked his tongue. “I’m not going to say ‘I told you so,’ girlfriend. But I told you so. Now try on the Fürstenberg wrap dress.”

“Oh, for God’s sake. Where would I ever wear something like that?” But she admired the pretty print, which looked feminine and sexy all at once.

“Anywhere,” her neighbor said, exasperated. “It’s all about the styling. You can wear this to lunch with friends with boots and tights. And it can take you out to dinner, with some good jewelry and a metallic clutch. Are you starting to get it?”

“Yeah.” She gazed at the dress and saw the difference as the salesclerk switched out the accessories. The outfit looked completely new when she added a chunky necklace, kitten heels, and an elegant wrap.

Her gaze shifted to Terrell. He was wearing a black tee shirt and jeans. Simple enough, but there was not a wrinkle to be seen, and his clothes fit him perfectly. She now noticed that the leather belt he wore was obviously good quality and expensive, as were his shoes.

She had to hand it to him. Girlfriend knew what he was doing.

“Good. Now try this.”

She grimaced as he handed her a form-fitting leopard-print top. “What? That’s not my style.”

“Exactly the problem,” he said firmly. “You don’t have one. That’s what we are trying to establish here. You’ve got that great body, and that amazing hair.” He released it from its knot, letting it fall around her shoulders as he held the blouse beneath her chin. “The dark browns really accentuate your green eyes. Didn’t you say you were going to a bridal shower? And it’s sort of a combination bachelorette party and the gift-giving thing. Right?”

“Yes, but—”

“No buts. You can’t wear workout clothes for that. This will be perfect.”

But she couldn’t keep resisting when she saw that the top looked really cute. Especially paired with a brown leather motorcycle jacket, tight jeans, and boots. Terrell chose simple gold hoop earrings and a bag to complete the look, and once again Jessica was shocked at the difference a few well-chosen accessories could make.

“I’ll take them. All of them.” As the salesclerk rushed off in search of tissue and bags, Jessica shot Terrell a look. “There goes my paycheck.”

“Well, it’s about time. When you consider you haven’t bought yourself anything except yoga pants in what, five years? I think you’re overdue.”

She couldn’t argue. The man was right.

Chapter 24

“So you are sure this is okay?”

Jessica frowned as she turned to the mirror in her bedroom, casting a critical eye over her outfit. It wasn’t that it didn’t appear fashion forward; it was just so different, something she could never have envisioned.

“You look fantastic!” Terrell gushed, fingering the motorcycle jacket. “I love, love this outfit! It is so damn cute! And your makeup is divine. That soft brown shadow is perfect, and I adore the red lip.”

“I was afraid this is a little much—”

“That’s because you aren’t used to seeing yourself in anything decent. Tonight you’re going to partayyyy!”

When she still seemed a little doubtful, her neighbor grinned, hearing a knock at the door. “Let’s get another opinion, shall we?”

Dramatically, he flung open the portal, and as she entered the living room, Jessica heard a collective gasp from Nikki and Cara.

“OMG, you look amazing!” Nikki strode into the room, dropped her bag, and caressed the sleeve of her jacket. “Where did you find this? I want one.”

“And that top, those jeans, the boots,” Cara said in awe. “You really clean up nice!”

“I will take all the applause.” Terrell sashayed out the door, giving her a little finger wave. “Have fun, gorgeous.”

“Is he your stylist?” Nikki asked in amazement as he disappeared.

“No.” Jessica laughed. “He’s my neighbor. He just happens to be very good at this sort of thing. I’m sure he’d be happy to help you if you’re interested, but you always look so great.” She openly admired Nikki’s miniskirt, silk top, and sparkly heels.

“And you, too.” She turned to Cara, who had also obviously put some effort into getting glammed up for the evening. With a tight rock-band tee shirt, boots, and jeans, she sported an edgier vibe that suited her personality.

“This old thing?” Cara smirked, hooking her arm through Jessica’s. “Are we ready to have a blast?”

“More than ready,” Nikki said, leading them through the door. “We just have to stop and pick up the other girls, and then Darcy. Then we’re on our way for cocktails and hot men!”

—

“You seem pretty calm for a guy who is getting hitched next month,” Brian said to Chase, smirking at the pitcher’s cool demeanor.

“Two weeks,” Chase corrected him, as he shrugged into a button-down shirt. “And no, I’m not anxious at all. It’s all about the girl.”

“Awww,” Jake said, rolling his eyes with a grin. “You’re done for, pal. You might as well start wearing knee socks and shorts, and smoking a pipe.”

“You should talk, tough guy,” Chase shot back as Gavin grinned. “You and Nikki are just about inseparable. When are you joining the club?”

It was Jake’s turn to smirk. “Soon, I hope. Trying to think of a romantic way to pop the question. I don’t want to do the usual restaurant bit, or the ballpark thing.” He shuddered at the thought. “Nikki deserves better than that. But by this time next year, we will hopefully be planning my party.”