Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Peyton is wowed, and nods with approval.
“No wonder they call you a unicorn at the club,” she murmurs in an admiring tone. “You’re really something, Carrie. But seriously, I think there’s something to the whole reverse psychology thing,” she adds again. “By pulling away, they’re actually drawing you in.”
“So what do I do?” I crinkle my brow. “I mean, how do I progress our interactions if they’re always being standoffish?”
Peyton winks.
“You just have to flip the script, girl. Use reverse-reverse psychology.”
I scrunch my brow.
“No way.”
My pretty blonde giggles.
“Yes way! You have to do the same thing back to them,” she drawls. “Act standoffish, and it’ll drive them crazy. Then, the three of them will wonder what they’re doing wrong and plug you whichever way you like. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
I think for a moment because actually, it sounds like an intriguing idea.
“I should give them a taste of their own medicine, shouldn’t I?” is my murmur. “It would definitely upset the balance, and move things along faster.”
Peyton shoots me a funny look.
“Move what along? Your relationship, you mean?”
“Yes—” I begin, but then my mouth snaps shut because of course, I’m not supposed to be looking for a relationship when it comes to James, Brad, and Casey. Instead, I’m supposed to be using them as part of my scheme to lure Bruce Chapman into my arms. But for some reason, the thought of Bruce doesn’t raise tingles along my spine, nor does it make me feel warm and squirmy inside anymore. In fact, I can hardly even picture Bruce’s features at the moment because I’ve been so wrapped up in my Club Z shenanigans.
I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to get my priorities straight because I’m losing sight of the ultimate prize: to get Bruce Chapman’s attention. That’s what I’m supposed to be focused on, and I need to stick with my original plan. But what was that plan again? Oh yes, to get naughty with Casey, Brad, and James in front of Bruce so that Bruce gets jealous and makes a play for me. Now, it all sounds somewhat silly and childish, but I’ve already invested too much. I need to follow through even if I feel ridiculous.
I sigh then. Things are definitely confusing, and I need some time to get my head on straight because Brad, Casey, and James are messing with my emotions a bit. Okay, maybe a lot. But I will figure this out because there’s too much riding on the line now. I’ve already done so much, from the stalking, to joining Club Z, to the anal prolapse, not to mention the back door fisting. If I don’t deliver, I’ll have wasted a lot of time and energy.
But in the interim, I turn to Peyton with a smile.
“Thanks for your advice, girlfriend. I really appreciate it since I’m new around the club, so it’s good to have some insight on how to handle things,” I say. “But enough about me. What brought you to Club Z, girlfriend? Do you like it?”
She nods while sipping at her drink.
“I do like it,” she confesses. “Is that bad? I’m actually just a bartender, so I don’t have any official “hostessing” duties, although of course, I totally dress slutty as part of the job. But actually –and don’t tell anyone this—I think I’m going to quit soon.”
I stare at her.
“Oh no! You’re my only friend at Club Z! Who will I talk to if you’re not there anymore?”
Peyton smiles.
“You’ll meet lots of other girls, Carrie. It just takes time to settle in. But yeah, on my side it’s more of a family thing. Things have been getting crazy so I need to quit and take care of some stuff.”
I shoot her a concerned look.
“Oh no. Is everything okay? It’s fine if you don’t want to say,” I rush. “I totally get it if it’s too much sharing.”
Peyton sighs, looking a bit dejected.
“No, no, it’s okay. It’s a little sad actually because it has to do with my parents. My mom and dad have been married for a long time now, but their marriage is far from stable. In fact, I think my mom’s cheating on my dad.”
“Uh oh,” I murmur in a quiet tone, shooting her a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry to hear that. Is your dad … I don’t know. How is he?”
Peyton shoots me a rueful smile.
“He’s in bad shape. To be honest, I don’t care if my mom cheats because that’s her business. But I feel really angry and sad because my dad’s completely devastated by all this! He’s left his job and stays holed up in the house while basically, my mom goes out with her boyfriend and flaunts her romance in his face. It’s so embarrassing and really inappropriate too. We’re from a small town, and this is not how people act. It’s almost as if my mom’s a completely different person now.”