---- Chapter 37: Rolling with My Rich Bestie The weekend was just on the horizon, and after a whirlwind of a week, Clara decided to extend her weekend just a bit longer. She dropped Leo and Elsie off at kindergarten, then grabbed Sierra, and the two strolled around, sipping iced lattes and chatting like besties. When Sierra heard about what had gone down with Owen, her face softened. As the old saying goes, marriage is like a second life for a woman-and it really rang true here. "Well, that's water under the bridge now," Sierra said gently. "You can't swim back upstream. But I also really want to give this a chance. So I guess I'm just trying to go with the flow." As a true friend, Sierra listened-then encouraged. "Then trust your heart. I can't promise a storybook ending, but love is worth the risk." Clara squeezed her hand. "Wishing the same for you." Sierra smiled. "You know, you can't argue with an unpredictable heart-but with a career? You can build that. Lately, I've been thinking maybe I should start something of my own." Clara's eyes sparkled. "Yes! Tell you what, I'm totally in. Emotional backup, financial support-whatever you need." Sierra literally clapped. "With your investment and my hustle, we'll crush it! Women entrepreneurs are on fire right now. Just yesterday, I went to a nail salon-I kid you not, the owner was twenty-something, angelic, and her pitch was flawless. She sold me a membership in like, nothing flat." ---- Clara laughed. "Yeah? What'd she say?" Sierra grinned. "Your hands are your second face!' 'Beautiful nails are the romance you wear!' 'It's s-self-love, it's a vibe!' Fifteen minutes of non-stop selling-and she got me to sign up!" Clara shook her head. "God, social pressure is nuts. Today it's your hands, tomorrow your neck, next week your forearms-or whatever. If your body isn't sparkly, shame on you." "Exactly!" Sierra agreed. "But honestly, I don't know if I have the stomach for starting a business." "Take your time," Clara said softly. "Absolutely." Sierra grinned. "Since we're both free today, let's actually do something fun." Clara teased, "What-am I hanging out with my rich bestie today?" Sierra threw her chin up. "You betcha. Today is all about pampering ourselves-inside and out." Clara blinked. "That early? The spa must be closed." "It's not if you've got VIP passes-and I've got connections," Sierra winked. Soon enough, they slipped into a chic boutique spa. Sierra flashed her loyalty card and got them whisked ---- into a cozy treatment room with ambient lighting and soft music. Sierra casually shrugged out of her dress to change, and Clara politely covered her eyes-then peeped through her fingers. "Hot dang, girl! Those curves-what is Austin even smoking?" "Why even mention that guy? Such bad jujul" Sierra had already changed into her clothes and strolled over to unbutton Clara's blouse. Clara was rocking a shirt-dress today. "Come on, girl, let me help you change." Clara burst out laughing. "Stop it! I'm not exposing myself in front of you." Sierra winked conspiratorially. "Fine, fine-you're saving that for Mr. Hot Lawyer." Clara blushed. "Aaron's not that dirty-minded!" "Is that your final answer?" Sierra teased as Clara ducked into the bathroom for a change. They ended up spending over three hours there-facials, massages, steam-all the spa essentials. When they emerged, they looked refreshed, glowy, and like they owned the world. Next on the agenda: afternoon tea. They picked a place ---- with stellar reviews and ordered almost everything on the menu, serving up petite pastries that looked like edible jewelry. "Pic first!" Clara grabbed her phone and snapped shots, complete with drooling emojis for her story. Just then, her phone buzzed. Aaron: "I'm starving." She looked at the clock: 1 p.m. Clara texted: "You haven't eaten?" Aaron: "No time. Bring me something." She blinked-no question mark. He was ordering, not asking. She tapped her lip. Head to the office? Felt a bit drastic. Clara: "Have Matt bring you lunch." He answered instantly. Aaron: "Matt's not my wife." The text hit her like a jolt. Aaron: "You said we were strangers-so why don't you come... get to know me better?" Across from her, Sierra noticed the blush creeping onto Clara's cheeks. "Uh oh-Aaron's texting you?" ---- Clara glanced up. "How did you even know?" Sierra smirked. "Spidey senses, babe. Had you pegged from that beat-change in your vibe." Clara sank into her chair. "He wants me to bring lunch." Sierra grinned, dragging a sip of tea. "Then do it! You've got the day off-time to show up and shut down those desperate secretaries." Clara rolled her eyes. "That's not why I'd go." She stared at her phone for a moment-then typed: "Okay. I'll be there in an hour. What should I get?" Aaron shot back in record time: "Whatever my wife brings, I'll eat." He practically skipped out of his office-snapped his half-eaten lunch shut, tossed it midway to the trash, and flagged down a secretary. "Prep something girls like-fruit, snacks." After all... his wife was coming.