Aleah squealed. “Are you home?”
My gaze dropped to the ominous card sticking out of my purse. “For a little while. Thought I’d fly in for a visit and see everyone.”
“Perfect. That makes what I have to ask that much easier. Do you think you can head to San Francisco next weekend for a photoshoot? I want to see you, but I also have a modeling job for Physique. It’s for a story I’m writing. The pay will totally be worth it.”
My body thrummed with exhilaration. “Seriously? You want me to model for a spread in Physique?”
A trill of laughter resonated through the phone. “You have a killer body, Emma. I have the booty shorts and sports bra picked out for you. What do you say?”
I wanted to scream with excitement. “Hell, yeah, I’m in. I’ll book a hotel and drive up Friday.”
“Perfect,” Aleah replied happily. “But you’re more than welcome to stay with me. It’d be nice to catch up.”
Grinning widely, I could feel the burn in my cheeks. “Sounds great. I’ll talk to you more this week.”
I hung up just as we pulled up to Reagan’s beachside apartment. “I see you got yourself a gig next weekend,” Reagan pointed out, her excitement matching my own.
Opening the door with my purse in hand, I climbed out and grabbed my suitcase out of the backseat. “Which is awesome,” I said. “Guess it helps when you’re good friends with the lead journalist.” This was one instance I didn’t mind having a personal advantage. It felt like I was on air; I was so happy. I’d posed for numerous magazines but never Physique. This was going to be a perfect addition to my resume.
Reagan and I walked up the stairs to her second-floor apartment, and I tried my best not to let my suitcase bang against the steps. “Aleah didn’t say what the story’s going to be about?” Reagan wondered.
Shaking my head, I couldn’t stop smiling. “No, but I’m sure it’ll be with some big-time athlete she wants me to pose with. The magazine’s been doing that a lot lately. I think they’ve found it drives up more sales.” Of course, having a female and a male in the pictures appealed to both parties.
Reagan unlocked the door and pushed it open for me to walk in. The place smelled like coconut and pina coladas, and all around the living room were succulent plants. Very earthy and calm.
“Come on,” Reagan said, taking my suitcase and waving for me to follow her, “I’ll show you to Peyton’s room.”
I already knew which one was hers, but it was nice having my sister welcome me into her place. We walked past the kitchen to the hallway, and Peyton’s room was the first door on the left. Reagan opened the door and set my suitcase on Peyton’s aqua-colored comforter. The walls were beige, but that was typical for an apartment. Peyton was the one big on succulent plants, and her room was full of them.
“Now I know what to get Peyton for Christmas,” I joked.
Reagan cackled and shook her head. “I think there’s a new one here every time she comes back from out of town.”
I sat down on the bed. “When is Peyton coming back?”
“Not sure,” Reagan answered, looking at all the little trinkets on Peyton’s dresser. “She’s in Charleston for a movie. Gabby went with her, which means I’ve been training with Dad instead of her.”
She shook her head incredulously, and I tried to keep from smiling, failing miserably I might add. I knew what that gesture meant.
“So, you haven’t had anyone go hard on you? Is that what I’m hearing?” I teased.
Reagan huffed. “Nope. I guess Dad thinks I’m going to break. Although, he doesn’t have an issue with Gabby beating my ass.”
I’d learned my lesson a long time ago, never get in the ring with Gabriella. She was more brutal than any drill sergeant could ever think of being. Pulling my phone out of my purse, I glanced down at the time. It was a little past seven.
“Who’s going to be at the gym?” I asked.
Reagan lifted her gaze to the ceiling as if she had to think about it. “Uh, let’s see. I’m pretty sure it’ll be our brother, Ripp, and Braden.”
A sense of reprieve washed through me. “Not Carter?” I wondered.
Shaking her head, Reagan walked to the door. “He’s still in Vegas. He just beat Kase for the heavyweight title.” I knew he’d won because I watched the fight. I’ve watched all of them over the years.
“Okay,” I said, getting to my feet. “Let’s go see the guys.”
I was safe from seeing Carter for now. All I had to do was avoid him until I could leave for San Francisco.