Retail Therapy by Roz Bailey Page B

you, but as you can see, the joint is jumping and packed to the gills, and we’ve got three hungry brothers here with places to go.”
    As he spoke, Kyle and Xavier slid into the two empty chairs and started fussing over Hailey and me as if we were offering them water in the desert. It’s just so typical of Trevor and Xavier, buttering up and sucking up to get exactly what they wanted.
    The waitress came over and I sulked as she took our order. If my frantic night of spending was taking an unwanted detour, why couldn’t it be with an eligible bachelor I was interested in? Kyle was nice enough, but not my type, my cousin was like an annoying brother, and Xavier was the antithesis of my perfect man. And now that these brothers had hooked up with us, they were a toxic mix of manicide, guaranteed to chase away any healthy, well-adjusted possibilities.
    Please. OK, dinner was a write-off. But at least Kyle had the seat next to me.
    â€œHey, pretty lady,” he said almost shyly. “That is one fine suit you’re wearing.” He tilted his head over the table for a better look. “Damn if it isn’t Chanel. And that ring ...” He lifted my hand onto the table to study my amethyst-and-diamond cocktail ring. “Now that is exquisite. It looks like a Gerrard. Did you get it in Europe?”
    I squeezed his arm, my fingertips falling into the buttery texture of his sleeve. “You know your designers, Kyle. Actually, Gerrard just opened a boutique here, in a Soho loft. Haven’t you heard? Jade Jagger is their creative director.”
    â€œI did read about that, but it’s by appointment only. I can’t believe you got in already. I’m so jealous.”
    â€œWhen are you going to get out of that horrendous insurance company and get a job that uses your talents?”
    â€œAnd starve?” Kyle lamented. “No, thank you, girl. I’m happy in my little cubicle, going over actuarial tables and bringing home the bacon every two weeks. Some of us need a steady paycheck.”
    Our attention shifted across the table where Xavier and Trevor were making a huge fuss over Hailey, having recalled that she appeared on a soap opera.
    â€œA real, live actress!” Trevor shouted for the tenth time, causing heads to turn toward our table, where Hailey, God love her, was flushing strawberry pink.
    â€œI can’t believe I’m sitting beside the fish-girl on All Our Tomorrows ,” X said.
    Trevor flung a hand at him. “She ain’t no fish-girl! She’s a mermaid. Get it right, bro.”
    â€œExcuse me!” I cut in. “Her past is a mystery. She doesn’t remember where she came from, but was found floating in Indigo Falls. You know, if you guys can’t watch, at least buy yourself a copy of Soap Opera Digest .”
    â€œSo, Hailey, you’re a woman of mystery,” Kyle said. “I confess, I’ve never seen your show, but if you’re an example of the new cast of daytime, I just might tune in.”
    â€œThank you!” she said sincerely. “Honestly, it’s been a roller coaster ride since they signed me on. And New York became a much friendlier place once I could afford a cab ride. I’m not from around here.”
    â€œHow did I know that?” Trevor asked.
    â€œMaybe it’s the fact that she hasn’t solicited you or lifted your wallet yet?” Xavier added.
    â€œNot to pester you,” Trevor went on. “But can you answer me one question about the show? Are you really a mermaid? Or is that just some lame-o twist the writers threw in to make us tune in tomorrow?”
    â€œI really couldn’t say,” Hailey answered.
    â€œAaaww!” the guys moaned in unison.
    â€œNo, really! The truth is, I don’t even know what’s going to happen next week! I’m not sure the writers know yet. And forget about figuring out who my parents were and if I’m really entitled to part of