Page 63 of The Money Shot
She wore neon-pink leggings with a cropped T-shirt that read “Sassy and Classy” in glittering rhinestones, and a headband that was, inexplicably, covered in sequins. To top it all off, she ‘d bedazzled her sneakers.
I tried ignoring her, keeping my eyes glued to the wall in front of me. But, of course, Nessa wasn’t about to let me get away with that.
She stepped onto the treadmill next to mine, cranked the incline up to max, and started walking as if she were climbing Everest. Then she leaned over and tapped me on the shoulder.
Reluctantly, I pulled out one of my earbuds. “What’s up, Nessa?”
“Hey, sweetie!” she chirped, her Queen’s accent in full force. “You’re lookin’ good, but you’re still way too young for me. Oh yeah, you’ve got that thing going with Jack. Or do you?”
“Well, we um, just make videos.” My cheeks felt like hot lava. “Jack and I are only friends.” Damn it.
“But you wish it was more, don’t ya?”
Shit. Was it that obvious to everyone?
“Oh honey, you don’t have to answer that because it’s written all over your face. Well, I know lots of available guys who’d totally be into you.” Nessa reached over and pinched my ass. “Though I think you and Jack make the perfect couple.”
“Ouch!” I stopped jogging for a second and wondered what I’d done to deserve Nessa’s special attention. “Thanks, but I’m not exactly looking right now.”
“Why not? You’re adorable! If I were a few years younger and less into men with beards, you’d be in trouble.”
I shook my head, smirking. “Nessa, I’m gay. You know that, right?”
“Of course I know, honey! But you can’t blame a girl for flirting a little. Keeps me young.”
I rolled my eyes, but I was still smiling. Then, as if the flirting wasn’t embarrassing enough, Nessa squinted at my face and leaned in. “Hmm. Nope. Absolutely not.”
“What?” I asked, already dreading her answer.
“Those caterpillars on your forehead! Sweetie, no self-respecting gay man walks around with eyebrows like that. I mean, come on. You’re too cute to hide behind all that hair!”
I blinked, stunned. “What’s wrong with my eyebrows?”
“Nothing a good wax wouldn’t fix. And while we’re at it…” She leaned in closer, and I took a cautious step back. “I’ve seen your videos, Liam.”
My stomach dropped. I knew this already, but my skin crawled at the thought of her seeing me, well, doing what I do on film. “Pardon me?”
She waved a hand dismissively. “Relax, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. But listen, you could do with a little manscaping. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.”
My face was on fire. “I—I don’t know what to say to that.”
“You don’t have to say anything, sweetie. Just trust me.” She reached over and grabbed my arm, her grip surprisingly strong.
I yelped and nearly flew off the treadmill, barely managing to steady myself. “Nessa!”
“It’s my day off,” she said matter-of-factly. “And my best friend, Moira, just started a new job as a receptionist at a salon in Queens. Let’s get a makeover together!”
I gaped at her, completely thrown. “A makeover?”
“Yes, a makeover. It’ll be fun! You’ll get waxed, we’ll do your eyebrows, maybe even a little facial. It’s called The Mane Attraction—cute, right? They specialize in ‘fierce transformations,’ and honey, you’re about to be fierce.”
I groaned, already regretting every life decision that had led to this moment. “I don’t think—”
“Don’t think. Just say yes.”
Before I could protest further, Nessa hopped off her treadmill and pointed to the door. “Come on, Liam. Let’s get beautiful together!”
Chapter Thirty-Two