Read Online Cosmopolitan Girls by Charlotte Burley - Free Book Online Page B

decent job getting things back on track in the office after what happened last week. At least, a good enough job to fool Robert. After work, I needed to keep my mind occupied. I figured I’d catch a sale. There were bills to pay, but considering my mental state, one or two bills might have to wait. I had retail therapy to do.
    Fifth Avenue’s marvelous display of Tiffany, Gucci, Prada, and Cartier was a playground for the wealthy. Although I wasn’t wealthy, it was cool to dream.
    Henri Bendel’s always felt like Christmas to me, even on blazing summer days, decorated with its glistening, shiny cosmetic counters.
    I made my way to the scarf case. I wanted to feel pretty. And there they were! Yellows, reds, blues, oranges, purples—silk and Chanel! I quickly yanked my scrunchy off, tying the scarf pirate style with my hair hanging beneath. I stood at the mirror, pleased. I whipped out my wallet and gladly paid the petite, stylishly dressed saleslady behind the counter. She handed me the signature brown and white striped Bendel bag.
    I strutted out regally through the oversized doors. Sometimes all you need is some color in your life . . . and some sisterly advice.
    â€œHello? Faith, it’s me Lindsay. Hold on, I’m calling Angie.”
    I clicked twice, connecting all three of us.
    â€œHey Angie, it’s me and Faith.” I couldn’t wait to let loose, but Angie beat me to it.
    â€œMama asked me if I’d spoken with you. I told her that I left you a message
three
days ago. I knew you’d call sooner or later,” Angie scolded.
    â€œTell her, Angie!” Faith said.
    â€œWould the two of you shut up and listen. This is my dime and I really need your advice!” I shouted, forgetting I was on a public street. “I’ve got issues!” I was about to have a meltdown all over again.
    â€œIt’s about that man you’re seeing?” Angie smarted.
    â€œTroy hasn’t hurt my baby sis, has he?” Faith questioned.
    â€œY’all, I haven’t heard from Troy since I told him I loved him the morning he left town to go on his big shoot.” My voice trailed off. I was embarrassed.
    â€œWhat!” they screamed.
    While Faith ranted, Angie just kept the “Umph, umph, umphs” going.
    â€œLindsay, it’s cardinal rule number one not to tell a man you love him before he says it to you. I know how you like to be in control, but let the man be the man. Put a cap on your emotions and let him take charge. You need to let Troy start making more of an effort and if he doesn’t, so what! A man will come. Just concentrate on your career.” Suddenly, I heard a loud crash in the background. “Hey! I said cut it out. You are too big to be jumping on his back like that!” Faith yelled, shattering our eardrums. “Don’t have kids! Y’all, I’ve gotta go, my husband’s home. Love you and remember what I said, Lindsay.” Faith hung up to rush to her son’s rescue.
    Angie kept right on talking. “Anyway . . . Lindsay, I can understand why you told him you loved him. Believe me, all the fancy gifts and sweet talk. Humph! That man just has you turned out on his game. Forget about him! But I gotta get to Boy Scouts. Call me later. Love you!”
    â€œLove you too,” I said, disconnecting the call.
    I heard both Angie’s and Faith’s messages loud and clear, but their advice was easier to hear than apply.
    Just as I looked up, a taxi came to a screeching halt and out jumps Troy’s friend Paris. Paris is sexy in an earthy kind of way, with short dreads and full beard. He greets me with a muscular hug and I decided to pass on the available cab to chat. Maybe I’d get a clue about what was going on with Troy.
    â€œWhat’s up, Lindsay? You look great, as usual,” he tells me.
    â€œThanks, you’re looking pretty good too,” I say as I give him a coy grin.
    â€œMy boy T did