Fluttering my eyes open, I strained to focus my vision.
“Yosiah?” I mumbled.
My body felt heavy and weak, like someone had dropped a boulder on my head.
“We were invited out to dinner. I need you to get dressed.” At the mention of dinner, my stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten anything besides the protein shake I had earlier.
Covering my mouth as I yawned, I slowly sat up and looked around the living room. “Who did what?” I questioned, turning toward him.
Yosiah stared at me, confused. “What’s wrong with your eyes?”
Quickly, my hand went to my eyes and I wiped them. “I’ve had a long day.”
His head cocked to the side and he gave me a once over. “If you need to stay home then I’ll say you weren’t feeling well.”
“No!” I blurted out just as he turned to leave. “I’m fine now.” Clearing my throat, I looked around for my phone. “What time do I need to be ready by?”
He didn’t look convinced before checking the time on his phone. “By eight. A few clients invited us out with their wives.”
“Okay, I’ll be ready.” I nodded, locating my phone and checking the time. I had two hours to get myself together.
The news I learned today came crashing down the moment I was alone. Slumping forward, I dropped my head in my hands and released an exasperated sigh. Before I didn’t want the divorce because of my pride, but now a sense of survival had kicked in. Never in my life had I been this stressed out. Life was supposed to be easy. All I wanted was to party and enjoy my youth while my husband spoiled and loved on me. Was that too much to ask?
More than ever, I needed to get Yosiah to drop his resentment toward me and fall for me. Not only did I now have to make sure I ended up pregnant before my birthday, but now I also had to secure my future by getting divorce off the table.
This wasn’t the first dinner I’d been with Yosiah for business. Most of the time I sat next to him with a smile on my face, looking pretty and allowing him to do his thing. It was something I grew up seeing my mom do often with my dad. She always told me a pretty face was meant to be seen and not heard. At the time, it made sense. Business talk was boring to me and both my dad and Yosiah were able to secure contracts all on their own. Tonight I was still nursing the hangover from yesterday and the devastating news I’d received earlier. Being social was the last thing on my mind, so just looking good next to Yosiah benefited me tonight.
So far I’d been tuned out of the conversation. There were two other couples at the table not including Yosiah and me. From what I gathered, they were all in the sports entertainment industry.
I was in the middle of bringing my medium-well steak to my mouth when my name was called for the first time this evening. It seemed like everyone had forgotten I was even here until now.
“Yes?” I turned to Maggie. Her husband owned the Riots basketball team. Apparently they were looking to upgrade their computer system in the arena and wanted to work with Yosiah’s company.
“You’re popular on social media, correct? If I remember correctly you’re always doing mini fashion shows and what not?”
I was surprised she knew who I was. Most of my following ranged from mid-teens to mid thirties. Maggie had to be in her fifties at least. She looked good for her age, but not someone I was used to following me.
It was subtle but Yosiah slightly tensed next to me when I was addressed. I was sure he thought I would make a fool out of myself and mess up his deal by being brought into the conversation. Ignoring him, I answered.
I nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”
Her mouth split into a smile. “I knew it. My daughter loves your page! Corey, this is the girl that Casey was talking about the other day.” She tapped her husband’s arm. “Our daughter just turned sixteen, and when we went shopping for the winter, she insisted most of her outfits came from a haul you did at the beginning of the year. She’s always watching your page for fashion tips.”
My brows shot up. That wasn’t what I was expecting to come out of her mouth.
“I’m glad I could help. If she liked my winter haul, then she’s gonna love my spring haul.” I grinned.
“I’m sure my wallet won’t,” Corey mumbled, causing both me and his wife to laugh.
“Are you a stylist?” Brandy asked. She and her husband, Jason, were stakeholders in the Riots franchise.
“I should be, but no, I am not. I just enjoy clothes, shopping, and looking good.” I lifted my shoulders.
“Mhm, do you have a card? Our twins are turning eighteen at the end of the month and they have a photoshoot scheduled for their senior photos. I planned on bringing a stylist in, but looks like one just fell into my lap. I would love to hire you to help style them. Of course you’ll be compensated.”
Her question caught me off guard. I had been messaged for styling tips before but no one had officially come out and asked me to style them.
Blinking a couple times, I nodded and cleared my throat. “I don’t have a card, but I can give you my number and we can work out the details.”