Camera Shy (Lessons in Love, #1)(104)

“If you need help,” Lennox says with a sly smile, “social media stalking is kind of my specialty.”

I snort. “I wish it were that easy. But the stuffy middle-aged board members don’t seem to be active on socials. I’ve been digging through public earning reports…it’s quite riveting,” I say, emphasizing the sarcasm in my tone. “I’m actually grateful it’s Friday. I need a break and am due for some fun.”

My reward for tireless, sleepless, thankless days of work for a contract or job offer I haven’t even earned yet? Finn. Motherfucking Finn Harvey and his dirty words and rock-hard body…all night. All I have to do is get through this stupid photo shoot.

“Ah, speaking of fun…” Lennox takes another sip from her drink, enjoying the attention as I stare at her like a fish on a bait line.

“What? What’s fun?”

“You know Ruby’s?”

“The strip—I mean gentleman’s club?”

Lennox nods. “The bar manager, Cass, is a friend of mine. She hosts her birthday there every year. They shut down the entire club for a night and throw a costume party. It’s huge. All the dancers, bouncers, close friends, and even a few celebrities usually make an appearance. It’s not just fun…it’s Vegas fun. It’s the Friday after next. You should come.”

She’s wearing that pleading look Palmer wears when she wants me to change out of my sweatpants and go clubbing with her. But a birthday bash at a Vegas gentleman’s club seems a little out of my league. “If by costumes you mean pasties and G-strings, I’m going to have to throw you a ‘no’ on that one.”

“Oh, come on.”

I quirk one brow. “So I’m right about the costumes?”

“Mainly,” she mutters. “But you don’t have to get that intense. And plus, Finn’s going. I’m sure he’d love to show you off.”

Oh. Finn’s going? “He didn’t mention it.” I’ll admit that kind of hurts. It’s yet another reminder that Finn and I only make sense in closed quarters. I wouldn’t fit in with his normal friends. “I’m sure he would’ve invited me if he wanted me there. I don’t want to rain on your guys’ parade.”

“First of all, I want you there, so you’re invited. Second of all, Cass just sent out the invites two days ago. He hasn’t had a chance to ask you to go. You’ve been pretty much unreachable holed up in here.” She swivels her finger in the air, gesturing to my prison—aka Dex’s four-thousand-square-foot luxury home. “Finn even told me not to bother you while you were working.”

“Doesn’t your boyfriend want to go?”

She shakes her head. “Not his thing.”

“I don’t have a costume.”

“I’ll find you one or make you one.”

I cringe at her response.

“We’ll keep it classy. Sexy, so you fit in, but we’ll cover all your bits.”

I roll my eyes. “By bits, I hope you mean all my wiggly parts.” I pat my stomach, which admittedly is a little flatter than normal. I don’t think I’ve eaten much over the past few days as I frantically dove down the Legacy Resorts wormhole.

Lennox lets out a frustrated grumble. “I see what Finn is talking about now,” she mumbles under her breath but doesn’t elaborate. “Okay, story for you—there’s a dancer at Ruby’s named Brielle. She’s the most athletic, flexible, sexy piece of ass you’ve ever seen. She’s by far the most requested and highest-paid dancer there. Nobody works a pole or a lap like Brielle.”

“That’s lovely,” I deadpan.

“My point is that she’s nearly twice your size. And she’s fucking beautiful. I think you see the world as very black and white. I don’t know what you think you know about Las Vegas and beauty standards, but I’m willing to bet you’re making wrong assumptions.” She presses her lips together like she’s nervous to continue. “And it’s the same with Finn. He’s not patronizing you when he says he likes you, Avery. He genuinely thinks you are one of the most intriguing and stunning women he’s ever met. The more you say that’s not true, the more you’re calling his opinion worthless.”

I knew Lennox was sassy, but I had no clue she was so deep. “Wow, just call me out, why don’t you?”

“I’m trying to help you get out of your own way.”

“Is all this flattery just because you want a job?”

She croaks in laughter. “No. You and Finn are good together. He’s relaxed and smiley all the time. He finally stood up to his dad. You don’t understand the effect you have on him. He’s been my best friend since we were in diapers. We were raised together and I have never seen him this happy. And you seem…” She holds her palm to the ceiling and points at my chest.

“Happy too,” I finish for her.

“Good. So be happy. It’s right in front of you. Stop thinking you don’t deserve it.” Lennox winks at me.

“Thank you, Lennox. You are a really good friend.”

“Okay, come on, let’s go finish your makeup and start your hair. And I can’t wait to show you the wardrobe Finn picked out for you.” She laughs to herself as she points to the black shopping bag on the living room coffee table that she brought over with her. It’s tiny. I have a sneaking suspicion that the lingerie he picked out for me is wireless. Dammit. Men just don’t understand. Wire support under the girls is far more flattering.