"The lifestyle of the super rich family who has a habit of returning from the dead and stopping weddings is gossip for the restofus."
"Whose wedding wasstopped?"
"Yours."
“Ohh.” Her entire body grew warmer.It was time to change the topic. She took a deep breath. "No. I'm okay. There was no real drama with me. Em, do you know what it's like to be swept offyourfeet?"
"Truthfully, no. I thought it was some story that the movies all liketosell."
The elevator dinged, and they stepped off. Belle found her room key as she answered, "After the Marines, I truly never thought I'd land ina placelikethis."
She intended to throw open the door, but she dropped the key. She lowered her gaze to pick up the keys as her friend said, "Is it a forever kind of love or just afling?"
She flinched and waved the key to open thedoor. "Why?"
"Belle, you aren't capable of meaningless flings. It was why I voted against you and Mr. Owns-All-The-Banks. Are there any otherclothes for me to pilferthrough?"
"Nottoday."
They both stepped inside. Belle expected her to gasp, but her friend stared at her and waited for ananswer.
Belle shrugged. "You don't get a vote in my life, and all I know right now is that he asked me to stay for New Year's and Iintendto."
Em twirled around her feet and must have stared at the room. Belle walked pastand dropped her bag on the side table near thecouch.
"Is he throwing a huge blowout or am I interrupting some big romantic vacation with just my presence in your room?" Emasked.
"Don't be silly. He has a meeting, and I wanted to spend time with you." She took off her heels and left them on the floor. "He did say you're invited to a party soon. And that he'd ensure you meet allthe rich eligible menthere."
"What if I don't want a pretentious jerk who thinks his bank accountmatters?"
"Peter's not like that." Belle smiled. Now that was her best friend. She went over and brushed her hand on her shoulder. "He also said he'd have the driver take you to a bar where you can meet regular, non-rich guys. Totally uptoyou."
Em stepped away and had her mouthwide open. "You had this conversation with Peter Morganaboutme?"
Belle nodded. "Of course. You're myfriend."
Em went toward one of the balconies. "This is a fairy tale here in Miami. I can't imagine you'd ever want to returntoDC."
"This is like a dream." Belle then pointed to the other side. "Check out both balconies. And don't forget that ceiling. It's hand-painted."
Em shook her head as she glanced up. "I'd want to stay here,forever."
Belle rolled her shoulders. She needed to change out of these clothes and take a fast shower. She folded her hands inherlap.
"Life isn't a dream or a fairy tale. I'm just going to enjoy mytimehere."
"Well I'd be sad to lose one of my best friends, especially since I thought you were going to stickit out in DC with me. We were going to end up single and adopting cats. Now it’s asoloplan."
“You deserve more.” Belle's heart constricted. "I don’t have a plan for my future anymore. For Colt, the choice was easy, Em. I didn't want tobehere."
"For Mr. Monopoly, though, it seemsyoudo."
"I don't have anansweryet."
Em shrugged. "I hope it lasts, hon. I'll roundup the guys. Meet me downstairs in a half an hour. Let's goshopping."
She hugged herself. "Soundsperfect."
