Sucker For Pain

Chapter 6

I am pretty psyched when the work week began again and I could focus on other things besides my huge mistake over the weekend. As an event planner and it being the Summer, there are so many parties and functions going on that it was almost enough to keep my mind off of a certain lead singer of a kick-ass rock band.

That is until Valary called to remind me of the July 4th party I volunteered to help plan in a few weeks for the gang.

"We are thinking of doubling it as a birthday party for Brian," she said completely oblivious that I was a total traitor.

"And who exactly is we?" I asked knowing the answer. Of course it was Michelle. She would do anything for Brian to fall madly in love with her again after the broke up the last time. I felt bad for the twin because Brian had cheated on her multiple times but she couldnt seem to take the hint.

"Well me and Michelle," Val said "just because they aren't together, doesn't meant she doesn't care about his birthday."

"Uh huh," I replied absently as I typed an email to the GM of LA Live. "I'm sure."

"Are you typing?" She asked irritated, always expecting my full attention when she called.

"No," I said, typing softer. "I'm listening to you."

"You're going this weekend aren't you?" She switched subjects on me a clear sign she was trying to keep me on my toes by changing up the conversation.

"Yes of course, I'm going. Abi has been sending me reminders for the last two weeks," I replied "I've got it on the calendar."

"Did she let you invite a plus one?"

"She did so I invited Sara," I said waiting for the explosion. Sara was a friend from work that Val knew liked Brian. For that reason, she didn't like when I included her in plans. I didn't blame her...I wouldn't want competition for my sister either, if I had one, but there was no way in hell I was going to face the weekend near Matt without a buffer.

"Are you fucking serious?" Val asked "Michelle is going to flip her shit."

"Well she can flip her shit if she wants. Sara has a boyfriend right now anyway."

"I guess that should count for something," she huffed. "So do you want to ride with us? Matt got the Tahoe out of the shop. There is more than enough room."

"No," I replied a little too quickly so I began to to backtrack "I mean, I don't know how late I have to work on Thursday. I'd hate to hold you guys up."

"C'mon it'll be fun. That way Matt can be the designated driver and we can drink all we want," she giggled.

Great. Just what I needed, more drunken encounters with these two. "We'll see," I said as I realized how pushy Val could be. I mean I always knew she liked to be in charge but for some reason that day, it irritated me.

"Not we'll see. You're coming with us."

Like hell I am. "Look Val, I'm totally slammed at the moment. I've got to go."

"Oh alright fine, but don't forget about  tonight."

"Tonight?" I said panicked.

"Oh for God's sake, Jess...don't tell me you have to work. We're supposed to go bikini shopping. Remember?"

Oh fuck...yeah I remembered. Except at this point, I would have rather had a root canal. "Oh yeah...that...I can make it."

"Westminster at 7...right outside of Macy's," she commanded.

"Yes, you're Highness. I'll be there."

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I arrived at our designated meeting place at 6:55 and foundd Val sitting contendedly at a small table near the cookie kiosk sipping a soda and eating a sugar cookie.