A Taste of Utopia by L. Duarte Page A

while, it’ll be much easier for her to accept.” She brushes a tear away from Lottie’s cheek.
    I’m insanely jealous that I’m not the one touching Lottie’s face and consoling her. The realization is disturbing. I file it away to analyze later.
    “Think about your mom’s health, honey,” Chloe says gently after casting another glare at me.
    I put my arm around Lottie’s shoulder and turn her to face me. “Whatever you decide, I’ll back you up, all right?”
    “As if,” Chloe says under her breath.
    “Chloe, please,” Lottie says.
    “It’s his fault that this happened, Lottie.”
    “Please, Chloe, I don’t need the drama. I need my head clear so I can sound convincing when I talk to Mom.”
    Lottie turns to me and says, “I need to make this call in private.” She looks apologetically at Chloe and enters the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind her.
    “I could sue your damn agency for this,” Chloe spits out.
    “Listen, just chill out okay? And besides, the last thing you want right now is for Lottie to find out you hired me. She’s upset enough.”
    “No, you listen to me. I made this mess for Lottie, and I’ll get her out from under your paws. How much?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “How much do you want to leave her alone?”
    “How dare you insult me?”
    “It’s not like you’re not used to making a profit out of selling yourself.”
    My breath comes in pants, my hands ball into tight fists, and I say through clenched teeth, “Pay attention because I will not repeat myself. This. Is. Not. About. Money. Last night, something happened between Lottie and me. Something that I don’t expect you to understand because I don’t get it myself.”
    I feel the muscles in my jaw pulsing. “Now, you’re going to get a refund of what you paid, until then, shut your little brat mouth and let me figure this out with Lottie. Am I clear?”
    “You wish! The only way for me to stay out of this is if I’m dead.”
    “Fine, go ahead. Shout it to the four corners of the world what happened. Have it your way. Stomp on Lottie’s heart. Some friend you are.”
    The words have the desired effect. Chloe winces and her shoulders slump in defeat.
    “I, um, I guess you’re right. I hate to admit it, but I screwed up. Big time. Now I’m trying to use you as a scapegoat.”
    She walks to the window and is silent for a moment. When she turns back to face me, her eyes have changed. They are now full of genuine concern. “Do I have your word that you’ll only act in Lottie’s best interest? Even before your own?” she pleads in a small voice.
    I don’t have to think before I answer, “Of course.”
    We’re quiet after that, and for the life of me, I can’t stay mad at Chloe. Insulted yes, but not upset. She’s a good friend who played the fool by hiring an escort without clearing it with her friend first. Plus, I have my share of guilt. What was I thinking, proposing, and marrying someone I just met? Not to mention, a client?
    But, fuck me. I don’t regret one hasty decision from last night.
    After room service delivers a cart with breakfast, Lottie reappears. She is still wearing the fluffy hotel’s robe. Her hand clutches the phone, and her face is tired and weary.
    “So, how did it go?”
    “Better and worse than I expected,” she says and plops on the couch.
    “Mom is beside herself. She is elated. She said it was romantic and adventurous. She congratulated me. She even said there should be no worries on my part. She understands what it is to be madly in love.”
    “What did you tell her about us?” I ask.
    “I went with what you said. I lied. I told her we were dating casually for a while and decided to elope.”
    “What went wrong then?” Chloe asks.
    “Dad. He’s furious. He demanded to meet you. Today. He ordered us to get the first flight back home so he can officially meet you.” The worry in her eyes pierces through me.
    “I’ll do it.” I sit next to Lottie.
    “Well, I