Bed Buddies: Puck Buddies, Book Three Page 8

  He chuckles.

  “Finding myself hasn't been easy, but there are things I love, brands I am crazy about. And I have seventy-four million followers on Instagram and that number could grow easily.”

  “I agree.” The scared look on his face is easing.

  “So I did some market research on the most successful brandings for people of my age group, twenty-three to thirty-five. It’s all lifestyle. Beauty, home, travel, and entertaining. Oddly enough, Martha Stewart is still the most successful lifestyle brand. The majority of my peers are done college, setting up lives and traveling. They’re getting into relationships, starting careers, and making money for the first time. They’re looking for inspiration in those areas.” The pictures on the Power Point change to our friends’ Instagram accounts, showing their feeds.

  Her father succumbs to the idea, sitting back in his chair. “Who are you and what have you done with my child?” The pride in his eyes makes mine water. I don't think I have ever seen him look at her like that before.

  “Daddy, don’t. Sami Ford is a brand, already. She hasn’t got the best reputation. She’s known for the mistakes she made as a kid. But that’s not who I am anymore. And if I want to be different, I must show the world I am. Natalie and I have started seasonal photo shoots for the spring, creating the new image we’re going to launch.” The pictures change to Sami in all facets of life, proving her branding and the amount of exposure she has, but also showing him a possible layout for the different aspects of life and style. “I already have several weddings to go to this summer and have contacted the event planners to get inside scoops on what’s hot this bridal season. Obviously, they’re excited Sami Ford even gives half a shit about the wedding so they’re eating it up. Next we plan on purchasing several homes: a beach house, a winter chalet, and a city apartment. We’ll decorate them in my style, creating another tree branch for the lifestyle. Everything will be me and what are my choices, tastes, designs, and dreams. My peers are looking for their life, looking for inspiration, and I can be that.”

  “This is outstanding, Sami. And Nat. Outstanding.” Her father claps his hands. “I have chills imagining the empire you can build with this.” He narrows his amused gaze, not losing his humor. “Is this why the extra classes and switching your major?”

  “Yeah. I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but I didn't know how to apply it. Now I’m getting the hang of it. And I am seeing that the growing trend is not having kids early but having a life and building a career. They can’t afford kids yet. They’re barely making it in the world and some are even still living at home.” Sami grins. “Like I am.”

  Her dad laughs again.

  “So that has to end. I need to move out, show the world what it looks like when a Ford leaves home, give them something to dream about. Inspire them.”

  “Natalie, what’s your thoughts on all this?” Her dad gives me a skeptical stare.

  “I think it’s genius. Sami has always been known for being that bad girl of New York’s rich and famous, and now she can turn that into grown-up Sami. Her doing everything in her glitz and glam sort of way. And I can be the graphics, Internet, and planning.”

  “What if you offered a secondary branding, with Natalie as the option for the poor? We made this an absolute partnership where Natalie gives the discount version and Sami offers the luxury?” Her dad is getting into this, but his idea hits me in the stomach.

  “As in I would be in the public eye as well?” I gulp.

  “Exactly.”

  “That's genius, Dad.” Sami grips my shoulder from where she’s standing above me. “Sort of the princess and the pauper.”

  “That’s exactly what’ll we’ll call it.” He laughs and claps again. “This is mind-blowing. I will get design on this. Natalie, you will head the team. Sami, we need to have a magazine, it’s just common sense. It delivers so much more than Instagram. I’ll get one on board, a lifestyle one that’s classy. And I think we’ll have to look into networks. This will need to hit TV. It’s tacky but it’s the way of the world. People are lazy. They’re getting lazier. Watching everything on Netflix is how they live. We need to consider maybe being a Netflix original. It’s how the market is changing. No one watches cable anymore.” Her dad stands up, reaching across the table. “Welcome to the company.” He clasps her hand. His eyes are shining with pride and respect. “Wellsman here will give you whatever you need to get this off the ground.” His hand trembles when I shake it. He’s gushing and bursting with emotions and ends up coming around the table to hug us both, lingering on Sami and whispering something to her.

  Wellsman stays seated, looking smug as hell.

  “Well done, all of you.” Her dad’s voice cracks as he leaves the office, I think to cry alone in Ford style. Sami turns to me, shocked and maybe scared. I know I’m terrified. I don't want to go on TV. I don't want to be the pauper. But her dad is the master of marketing. He knows what he’s talking about.

  “We did it,” I say, hoping she isn’t disappointed that he sort of railroaded our idea.

  “We did it,” she repeats what I’ve said. “I feel light-headed but it worked.” She’s beaming again. A little pale but beaming nonetheless.

  “I told you this was a brilliant plan. And he even made it better, which I didn't think was possible. You’re going to make billions with this.” Wellsman stands and chuckles. “Go find your properties, girls. Congratulations.” Wellsman chuckles and offers us his hand. We both shake it. When he leaves the room, Sami slumps into a seat. “Oh my God. Did you see the way he looked at me?” she asks the room, staring at the blinds.

  “Yeah.”

  “I’ve waited my whole life to get that exact look from him.” She swallows, fingering the giant diamond on her right hand. “We need to celebrate.”

  “Well, lucky the guys are home,” I add and sit next to her. “The Princess and the Pauper.” I say it out loud, unable to deny the genius of it.

  “It’s brilliant.”

  “It’s brilliant.” Although I don't know how to break it to my mom I will be the world’s most famous pauper.

  Chapter 10

  Jerk this

  August 29, 2015

  Sami

  I’m midway on my last economics paper and a giant helping of Cecelia’s nachos when the phone rings. It’s Nat.

  Shit!

  After avoiding her during the first days with Brady as her roommate, I should have called and asked her how her first day of work was. Her desperate and violent attacks have chilled which can only mean she and Brady are settled, have already fucked, or she has moved out and hates me.

  Taking a breath and hoping for the first two options, I answer, “Hey, girlie. How was the first day?” What I really want to know is what is going on with her and Brady. The guy is a stallion and there’s no way he won’t try to fuck her. She’ll be so wracked with guilt she’ll break up with dipshit, and I won’t have to tell her about William’s vile ways. Seeing his brother last month and finding out what William does, has bugged me ever since. I should have seen it before. I should have been a better friend. Matt saw it. God, he’s annoying with his ability to notice shit.

  “Good.” She sounds weird.

  “So did everyone seem cool? Were they secret nerds like you?” I laugh and get up, pacing around the room so I don't sound as if I’m doing homework. Technically, I should be drunk or doing something fun since it’s summer and I’m not supposed to be taking summer courses.

  “No. Just regular nerds. Except one girl, Liz. She seems like a secret nerd. Super pretty and funny.”

  “Oh, so you found your Hartford Sami. How fun.” I laugh, mocking her. I hate the fact she’s working there and making new friends, even though this is what she needs.

  “I did. She’s not quite as pretty as you but way more down-to-earth.” She’s smiling when she speaks, mocking me.

  “You bitch.” I laugh harder. “You commoners say ‘down-to-earth’ as though it's a good thing to
be boring—well, it’s not. It’s better to be spicy and zesty and want some flavor in your life,” I feign offense and take a bite of the nachos on my bed, chewing quietly so she won’t know I’m eating her favorite food.

  “Are you eating? ‘Cause that was a lot of food referencing there.”

  “You know what I mean, dick.” I laugh and crunch, simply letting it happen. She knows me too well to hide it. “I’m eating nachos.” I wince as I say it. “I had Cecilia make me jerk chicken nachos.”

  “My favorite?” She gasps. “You’re eating my favorite nachos and calling me the bitch?”

  “Come and have some. I’ll send a helicopter.”

  “I would love to,” she moans. “But I have to work in the morning. This is one of those nine-to-five gigs where you have to show up five days a week.”

  “Oh shut up, I know what a job is.” Her rich-people hate is still strong. “Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this meal. What’s up with William?” Her texts about his dad’s birthday party are the start I need to create a wedge. Surely she has seen through whatever lies he’s told her.

  “He said he sent me a voice text invite but it didn't show up.” She seems to be accepting that explanation.

  “If you believe that moron I will kick you in the vag.” I fucking hate this. She clearly is eating another spoonful of his bullshit. “He doesn't deserve you. He never has.” I accidentally let it slip out, a little bubble of the rage and hate I’ve felt for so long.

  “Okay.” She sounds gutted. I hold my breath for half a second and come up with a plan.

  “I’m a little bit drunk again, so don't hate me if this comes out wrong.” I try to slur and be how I would if I were actually drunk, saying what I think should follow the last statement. “He’s a douche. A D-bag. A wanker. A fuckwit. He’s not worth the paper you wipe your ass with nor the shit stain you leave behind. I hate him, more than I hate anyone. Oh my God, that feels so good. It’s been years of me bottling that up, but I’ve finally said it.” Surely that explains my feelings, and if not, I can claim the drunkenness got to me.

  She doesn't say a thing. I can’t even hear her breathing.

  “Say something,” I snap, panicking.

  “I-I don't know what to s-say. I thought you liked him. In high school I assumed there was something between you.” She’s crushed. It’s exactly as I feared. I wish I were drunk.

  I need to smooth this over. I try to say it differently, losing the drunk act and just being truthful. My stomach is killing me but I need her to see the truth. “In high school he was older and cool, and I was dumb and didn't know better. He’s the gold standard for guys in our circle, Nat. But I’ve been outside our circle for a while and there are some really nice guys out here. And they love and care in a whole different way. I love you—like more than anything. You’re the kindest, funniest, stupidest, smartest, bestest girl in the whole world. I used to beg God to make us gay so we could just be together. You deserve someone who makes it all about you. I hate the way you chase him up and down the coastline, doing all the things he wants to do. Nat, you’re your dad. You always say you’re so much like your mom but you’re not. You’re your dad, to a T.” I pause for a breath. “And—”

  “You don't have to explain, Sami.” She sounds like shit.

  “I do. I have to. I know this hurts. We love each other and depend on each other, and I’ve been lying about this for a while, thinking you’re going to see what a knob he is. But you aren’t. You’re letting things slide and taking the path of least resistance. You’re being down-to-earth, and I think it’s high time you pull your head out of his ass and start seeing him with your eyes and not your mom’s.” This was a mistake, a huge mistake. I have to fix it. “I’ll be there tomorrow. I shouldn't have done this over the phone. I love you. I’ll see you then.”

  “Okay.”

  I hang up and almost gag a little.

  How could I do this to her? How could I tell her the William truth over the phone? She’s alone with Brady and has to work.

  Shit!

  I don't sleep all night, desperate to get to Hartford but also needing to finish my paper. When it’s done I take the most pathetic nap in the history of naps.

  Nadia wakes me when it’s time to go.

  I throw on clothes and makeup but I don't look better. I look how I feel.

  The drive to Hartford is agony. I text Matt a few times, but he’s got a game and can’t chat. Finally, I call Carson.

  “Why are you calling?” He doesn’t ever just say hello.

  “I fucked up. I sort of started the whole William is a dick conversation last night, over the phone. I told her he’s a piece of shit, but not why I think it. And now I’m driving to Hartford to see her and smooth things over.”

  “While that sucks, this is it. You have to do it now. You and Rich have been holding on to this too long. She needs to know. Have some drinks and let it all flow, tell her the whole truth. And if she doesn't listen, tell her dad. He’ll never allow her to date Will again.”

  “You’re right. I should have gone straight to her dad in the first place. Why didn't I think of that?”

  “Stop being a pussy, Sami. Jesus. Just be you, say it boldly, and then get her drunk.” He hangs up and I sigh.

  I get to the restaurant before her, nervous and sweaty. When she arrives, I leap at her, hugging her too hard.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.” She looks exhausted and stressed.

  “I’m so sorry. I shouldn't have told you like that.”

  “It's fine. I don't understand why you didn't tell me before.”

  “I didn't want you to hate me.”

  “I never hate anyone,” she snaps.

  “I’m really sorry, Nat.” I don't want to argue with her about her epic grudge holding. It’s scary. Or her mother’s frightening brainwashing so I just keep apologizing. It’s easier than telling her why. “Like honestly, so sorry.”

  “Hello, ladies.” The server comes to the table and I try to hide the fact this is going to be a rough night with my winning smile.

  “She’s going to have the blackened chicken Caesar salad and a side of the home-baked mac and cheese. And I’m going to have the crispy chicken Thai salad. And I will have another dirty martini, and she wants gin and tonic with extra lime.” She doesn't look like she wants to eat, but if I order food it might distract us for a moment, the time I need to gain some bravery. Knowing I’m going to break her heart is killing me.

  “Okay. Sounds amazing, ladies.” He smiles back at me.

  “Thanks.”

  He gives me the look, the one that suggests he knows exactly who I am and is a little star struck. He does a weird bowing motion and leaves the table. I swallow hard and glance back at Nat. “I’m so sorry.”

  “You’ve said it like a hundred times. Stop. It’s getting annoying.” She reaches across the table, holding my hands. “I get it.”

  I feel worse. “No, I was a coward. I kept hoping you’d see how lame he is but somehow he keeps roping you back in.” I’m trying so hard not to cry that this is coming out kind of mean again.

  “Seriously, stop. I just want to know what makes you hate him. The things you haven’t told me.” She knows me too well. She pulls back as the drinks arrive. “Hit me with it.” She lifts her glass and downs the entire thing in one sitting as the server walks away. “Do it.”

  I try to open my mouth but it’s sealed shut. It refuses.

  “You have to. You owe me.” Her words cut me.

  I take a cue from her and down my drink too, the entire martini. It’s aggressive but this is about to be the worst day of my life. Worse than Tandy by a thousand. “Okay, so last summer when you were broken up, he slept with Karen on his dad’s yacht.” I try to start where Rich did when I called him and got the complete details on the story.

  “Hartmann?” Her cheeks flush.

  “Yeah.” I lift the onion from my drink and chew it, wanting to spread them out a bit. “T
hen you guys broke up in November, and he slept with Annalisa when he was home for Thanksgiving.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me? She slept at my house in November. We had that huge Twilight movie night. What a bitch.” Nat’s face is bright red and her eyes are shiny, like she might cry. I panic and wave at the server, pointing at our drinks. I don't know why we even bothered to order food. This is going to be a liquid night.

  The liquid courage hits and I blurt the rest really fast. “Then you guys got back together, and when you broke up in April he slept with like five girls from Princeton. He was bragging about it when Rich was with them and he told me. Rich said he hated the way Will always broke up with you so he could bang chicks and not actually cheat on you. Then he would get it out of his system and get back together with you. Rich said William’s been doing this from the time you first started dating. He said he knows he will marry you because you’re the right kind of girl. But he isn’t ready to get married, and he doesn't want you to meet someone else so he strings you along until he’s ready and has sown all his wild oats. These little breakups keep him sane.” I almost throw up from breaking her heart this way.

  She looks sick. Her eyes are wide and confused. The information is an overload, but I think she’s heard me. The server delivers the next drinks and she downs hers and motions for another as she growls, “He purposely causes fights and makes me think it’s my fault so he can fuck someone else? He’s stringing me along so I won’t meet someone else and be happy?”