My Best Friend and My Odd Side Job: Trouble in Love Series, #1

By Jessie Cal

Best friends. A fake date. A real kiss. 

Faye is focused on one thing: becoming a fashion designer. To pay the bills, she has multiple odd jobs, including being a wedding stopper. So when her best friend Ralph lies to his boss about Faye being his girlfriend, she wants to strangle him. But she agrees to play the part because that's what friends do.

Except not really. Friends don't feel sudden butterflies when they look at each other. Or feel their hearts racing at the touch of a hand. And most importantly, friends do not, under any circumstances, share a passionate kiss.

You'll love this lighthearted sweet romance novella because the fun banter will keep you laughing until the last page.

Get it now.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessie Cal
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223317449

Jessie Cal

Jessie lives in a small southern town with her prince charming, still falling in love with each passing day. When she's not visiting family, getting together with friends, or volunteering in the community, she's either watching romantic movies, reading romantic books or writing her next sweet romance novel.  Join Jessie's Exclusive VIP Group at jcalbooks.com and chat about all things romance! You'll also get exclusive sneak peeks on new releases, behind the scene bloopers and much more!  Connect with Jessie on:  Facebook: facebook.com/jcalbooks/ Twitter: @JessieCal3 BookBub: @JessieCal Goodreads: @JessieCal

Book preview

Chapter 1

FAYE AVOIDED looking at the clock as she rushed out of her bedroom half-dressed with only her thick curly brown hair ready to go. As she brushed her teeth with one hand, she frantically looked for an outfit to wear. It didn’t help that her entire wardrobe was scattered over the apartment. If only she had the time to hang it back up, she wouldn’t have to go on a goose chase every morning. But she couldn’t deny that her mess was also her source of inspiration. If her jeans hadn’t been sticking out from under her summer dress last month, she would’ve never thought to turn that dress into a sexy blouse and sew the rest of the fabric onto the hem of her jeans. Her unique designs would one day make her big break. She was sure of it.

When Brida smoothed against her leg, Faye realized she’d forgotten to put out her cat food the night before.

Oh, goodness.

Chancing a quick glance at her watch made her cringe. She was going to be late. Once her electric toothbrush vibrated a third time, she spit in the kitchen sink then opened her mouth under the faucet.  But no water came out. Brida jumped up on the counter and meowed for the thousandth time. 

Are you kidding me?

Faye turned the lever in all directions, but nothing. She glanced over at the pile of unopened mail on top of the dining room table and wondered if she’d missed another of maintenance’s notes about shutting the water off. Why couldn’t they just send it through email?

Leaving the toothbrush on the counter, she slipped into a turquoise cocktail dress that was on top of the sofa before reaching for her makeup bag. As soon as she opened the door, Brida bolted into the apartment next door. Ralph’s door was half-opened. He was home and had been up for hours. It was impossible to tune out the sound of his makeshift woodshop. Every time he cut a piece of wood, her walls would violently shake. If there were earthquakes in New York City, she would constantly live on the verge of panic because of her best friend’s annoying hobby.

I need to use your bathroom! Faye announced over the piercing noise of the power saw and rushed into the guest bath without waiting for a response.

What was that? Ralph asked, shutting off the machine.

They shut the water off on my apartment, and I’m running late, she explained as she washed her face.

Just clean up the sink when you’re done, he called out a little louder than he had to. Perhaps he still had earplugs in.

I always clean up after myself. She hadn’t bothered to shut the door as she applied her makeup in front of the small mirror.

Really? Ralph appeared by the door with his oversized pajama pants and white tank-top hanging loosely on his body, and his short dirty blond hair thrown to all sides. Is that why the sink was smudged with all that brown powder you put on your face?

I rinsed it off, she said, leaning closer to the mirror to put on her eyeliner.

That stuff needs to be scrubbed off.

I thought you said this was my bathroom whenever I came over? She moved on to her mascara.

I said this was the only bathroom you’re allowed to use, he clarified. Doesn’t mean you can trash it.

Sometimes I wish you weren’t raised an only child. When she turned to face him, her eyes landed on the coffee cup in his hand and she flashed her pearly whites. But then you grind coffee beans and I remember why you’re the best friend a girl could have.

He rolled his eyes as he handed her the to-go cup. I really should take off the lid and force you to slow down.

You know I don’t have time for that, she said taking a careful sip, trying not to burn her tongue. It happened more often than she cared to admit.

Got another wedding? he asked, leaning against the doorway.

Yep, and I feel pretty good about this one, she said, taking another sip.

Why is that?

Because… who gets married on a Thursday? Her face twisted in disgust. Probably someone who has something to hide. That being said, I think they deserve what’s coming.

How could you be so insensitive? He shook his head as if it was hard to recognize her sometimes.

I’m not insensitive, she protested, looking back at her reflection in the mirror. I just need to get in the right frame of mind if I’m going to go through with it. And thinking that they don’t deserve it only makes my job more difficult.

You don’t need to be doing this. You’re juggling too many things. You’re gonna burn out.

Easy for you to say, she said, shoving her makeup back into the bag with her free hand. Installing alarm systems for millionaires pays well. Working part-time at a handbag store, not so much.

It wouldn’t be so bad if you actually stopped buying the handbags.

When a screeching sound came from the cat attacking Ralph’s dog somewhere in the apartment, Ralph glared at Faye.

You let the cat from hell into my apartment?

She just hasn’t eaten, yet, Faye said, leaving her makeup bag on the sink and pulling out her phone. Can you feed her for me? My ride is here.

Faye.

You’re the best! Faye wrapped him into a quick hug then headed out the door. See you later for the game!

I’m not watching football—

Sure, sure!

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Over there! Faye yelled, startling the driver. He stomped on the breaks a tad harder than he’d intended and by the huff in his throat, she could tell he blamed her for it.

That parking spot says reserved, the driver pointed out.

Yes, reserved for me, she lied, looking at her watch for the thousandth time. The car didn’t even come to a full stop before one of her legs was already hanging out the open door. Here you go. She threw a few extra dollar bills on his lap while swinging her purse over her shoulder. Don’t leave. I’ll be right back.

He let out a frustrated sigh and she wondered why he was so annoyed. He hadn’t even seen the coffee spill on his back seat—yet.

Maybe she should have let him leave. But there was no way she would make it to her third job in time if she had to wait for another driver to come.

I’ll give you an extra tip. I promise. With no more time to waste, she jumped out of the car and ran as fast as her high heels would allow. As she reached the double doors of the church, she stopped, smoothed out her dress, took a deep breath, and reached for the handle.

The door was heavy but thankfully not so old that it was squeaky. She was able to sneak inside and take a seat in the back without drawing much attention. Not that it would matter in a few minutes, but still. A moment to collect her thoughts without the glare of daggers from strangers was always helpful.

The couple was still lingering on their vows, and she wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. It felt like summer still wasn’t over.

Okay. Focus, Faye.

She dug into the abyss of her purse and shuffled through the many lipstick-stained tissues before finally finding the envelope she was looking for. It helped that she’d already ripped it open at home, but it was still loud enough when she pulled it out that it turned some heads in her direction.

She scanned through the letter as quickly as she could. It hadn’t been the first time she read it, but the feelings were just as important as the words, and thanks to drama class, she was a good enough actress for this.

...speak now or forever hold your peace, the priest announced, catching Faye by surprise.

This is it!

I object! Faye called out, stumbling to her feet. Me! Over here! Yep. Hi…

When the bride and groom turned toward Faye, the shocked expression on their faces was way too familiar to faze her. She’d been doing this for three years now.

Garry, I have a message for you. Faye started, glancing briefly at the open letter in her hand. "I can’t let you go