Bad Girl by Goode, Ella (chrysanthemum read aloud .txt) 📕

“I love the city, always have. I’m from a small town in Montana, and I went to college in Philly. Stayed there after graduation but always dreamed of moving to New York. Small-town dream and all that. We used to do vision boards in school, and half the class wanted to move here. You’re from a small town too, in Oregon, right? So you probably know what I’m talking about.”

“I do. I came here for college. It was such a rush in the beginning. But after the band became known, things changed.”

“I can imagine.”

“What do you like most about the city?”

“Oh, everything, but it really is a heaven for foodies.” Tess and Skye Winchester were my soul sisters in that regard. They showed me their favorite eating spots, and that gave me a good head start. Ever since, my list of favorite food places had grown by leaps and bounds.

I yawned, and Brayden laughed softly. “Go to bed, Isabelle. We can talk tomorrow.”

“Oh, okay. Listen, I had fun tonight, but I’m not sure about the assignment. I don’t like to butt in where I’m not wanted.”

“You’re very wanted, Isabelle. Good night.”

Chapter ThreeIsabelle

The next morning, I received an email from Sasha informing me that the whole band was ready to give this a try. Well, well. I wondered if Brayden used his persuasion skills on his bandmates, or if this was Sasha’s work.

She also sent more information about the assignment. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to leaf through it all because I’d scheduled clients back-to-back. I slowly realized that I’d have to work weekends and evenings if I took on GreenFire, because there was no way I’d cancel on any of my clients. I couldn’t do that to them. For most, it took a lot to open up and develop trust in someone, and I didn’t want them to have to go through it again with another therapist. I cared too much to let that happen.

My office was in a high-rise in Brooklyn, on the seventh floor. It was a nice building with a doorman and a reception area. Despite having five elevators, they were always full. I loved my office. I had a small waiting area with two chairs and a coffee table with magazines. The office itself was small, with a desk, and two vintage chairs opposite me. Mine was all leather, next to a golden bow lamp to light up the space.

I didn’t check my phone during my morning sessions, planning to read through everything during lunch. I had a fifteen-minute break for a quick sandwich.

Devouring a pastrami on rye from the local deli while scrolling on my phone, I found I had messages from both Sasha and Brayden.

Sasha: Let me know if you like the package. We’d like to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

Brayden: Did Sasha get in contact with you?

I grinned at my phone, choosing to answer Sasha first. I would have preferred to have had a few days to consider it, but I could tell they didn’t want to wait, and I wasn’t going to waste their time.

Isabelle: I only glanced at it, but I’ll reply in the evening, I promise.

I tapped the conversation with Brayden next.

Isabelle: Yes, she sent an email saying the band wants to collaborate. Was this your doing?

Brayden: Obviously.

I laughed, holding the phone closer as I responded.

Isabelle: Why?

Brayden: I think the band needs you. And it’ll be fun for you.

I thought so too, and I was looking forward to it. Time-wise it would be a challenge, but the project was right up my alley. I didn’t want to give them a hasty response though. First, I wanted to read the info Sasha had sent me.

Isabelle: I’ll tell Sasha as soon as I make up my mind. This evening probably.

Brayden: But you can tell me now.

The corners of my mouth tilted upward. Oh, he was good, but I was no slouch in the banter department.

Isabelle: And why would I give you any special treatment?

Brayden: Because Lars was right... just not in the way he thinks. I didn’t lose because you brought me bad luck. I lost because I was too captivated by you.

Oh my God. I wasn’t expecting that. My whole body hummed deliciously. Ever since moving to New York, my dating life had slowed down considerably. In the beginning I was too busy to even miss it. In the past few months, I’d gone on a few dates, mostly with guys I met online, but nothing panned out. Neither made me feel even 10 percent of what Brayden was doing to me. I couldn’t even understand it, but I honestly wasn’t even going to try. He and I lived in different worlds, I was very well aware. These flirty messages weren’t going to lead anywhere, but I sure as hell planned to enjoy them while I could. I’d never had a strong relationship, at least not the kind Mom and Dad had, or Josie and Hunter. I’d dated plenty in Philly, but I’d never found the one. Not that I was worried. It would happen when the time was right.

Brayden: I think I deserve some insider info.

I wrote and deleted two replies before hitting Send.

Isabelle: I don’t think so. If anything, Lars deserves it.

Brayden: How do you figure?

I was laughing now, so lost in our conversation that I forgot to even bite into my sandwich.

Isabelle: Just seems fair. Besides, I like to tease you.

Brayden: I’m starting to get that.

Isabelle: My break is finishing. I’ll keep in touch. But no insider info for you.

Brayden: We’ll see.

Laughing, I put my phone to one side or I’d never finish the sandwich before the next client arrived.

***

In the evening, I read Sasha’s email on the way home and replied that I’d be taking the assignment. I lived in the Parkchester neighborhood in the Bronx. My apartment was in a lovely redbrick building with an old-world charm.

I