She's My Sleeping Pill

“You should be thankful that I agree to this.” Stefan retorted which caused Thomas to smirk. “Just one time.”

“You agreed without telling me? You should have discussed this with me first.” Cayenne hissed softly as she pinched his waist. “What if I can’t do it? You will embarrass me.”

“When did I ever agree to something that could embarrass you?” Cayenne thought about it but she couldn’t think of an incident where Stefan embarrassed her except for their moments in bed or the bathroom. “You couldn’t think of anything, right?”

“Don’t worry. This business is something that you have done in the past.” Thomas added. “We’ll be there for you so there’s no need to worry. And of course, Stefan wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“So, what exactly is it?”

Monet smiled and reached her hand to receive the bag that her helper brought. From there, she took out a thick folder and showed Cayenne what was inside it. “I designed all of these.” Cayenne wanted to say ‘they’re beautiful, but the next words that came out from Monet’s mouth made her swallow back the compliment she wanted to say.

.....

She thought she was just hearing things. “What did you say again? I might have misheard you.”

“I said I want you to model for me. You and Stefan to be specific, but I only need Stefan for the last piece.”

“Why me?”

“Well, I was apprehensive when it comes to getting professional models who only model for money. I need someone who can express the feeling of what is like when getting married. I want real emotions that could impact other women out there.”

“Is that really necessary? You are well-known so many people will still look for you to make their gowns.”

“I don’t design just for anybody. I want stories.”

Cayenne didn’t know what else to say for excuses. First, Monet was known internationally and many people will surely look forward to her designs. If she fails as a model, it will affect the reputation of the designer, too. Second, Stefan already agreed. She didn’t want to disappoint her husband because he trusted her to do this for his friend. She was excited yet she also felt fear.

“I know you can do this. You just have to be yourself. You’ll look good in these. We can also think about getting one for our wedding.”

“We are married.”

“I want to give you a real wedding. A grand one.”

“It’s not necessary.”

Hearing her response, Thomas and Monet looked at their friend. He wanted to make all the best things possible for Cayenne but she was too dumb to even realize his intention. Although they could understand why she was very tight when it comes to money, they also felt that she didn’t really have to be so thrifty because Stefan was extremely wealthy.

“So, do you agree or do you disagree?” Monet asked once again. “Thomas will be the photographer for this wedding.”

“Wedding?”

Stefan glared at his friend and Thomas bit the insides of his mouth to stop himself from laughing. It was just a slip of the tongue but it could ruin the entirety of Stefan’s plan.

“Since this will be a photoshoot for wedding gowns, I want it to feel like a real wedding. We will also make a short video that will promote my works.”

“Am I the only person who will wear all of the gowns?”

“Not really. I asked a few friends of mine to model for me as well. You will wear three different designs plus, another gown which is paired with a suit that Stefan will wear at the end.”

“I see.”

“So, do you agree?”

All three pairs of eyes were looking at her expectantly, waiting for the ‘yes’ word to come out of her mouth. “Can I think about it? I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.”

“Sure.” Monet smiled happily and pushed the folders to Cayenne. “I will let you have this for you to check the designs. Just return it to me tomorrow before you guys leave.”

“Are we staying here for the night?”

“It works better that way since Stefan looks a little drunk to me.”

“Let’s get drunk tonight! It’s only once in a while!” Thomas exclaimed and poured more wine and booze into their glasses.

Cayenne wasn’t really fond of alcoholic drinks so she only took little sips of her wine. Unlike her, the three friends, who reunited for quite some time, were now drinking as if there was no tomorrow. She wouldn’t doubt that they’d wake up with splitting headaches the next day

Around 11:00 in the evening, since Stefan can’t drive soberly, Monet told the helper to show them the guestroom. Thomas whined that he didn’t want the helper to help him because he knew the place very well. With staggering feet, he made his way upstairs and opened the door that he chose.

Watching him on the side, Monet sighed helplessly at her foolish heart. She will surely regret it the next day but right now, all she could think of was to be selfish for once.

Thomas opened the door to her room and lay on the bed as if nothing happened. With his eyes closed, Monet walked to the bathroom and took out a small bottle from her cabinet. She planned this for a very long time but she was afraid. Now, for some reason, she felt bolder and wanted to do it to the point of risking their friendship.

Slowly, she poured the content into her humidifier and let it spread all over the room.

***

The next morning, Thomas woke up groggily while pressing the heel of his palm to his forehead. He knew that they’d have a hangover the next if they drink too much but he just couldn’t stop himself from drinking when he finally reunited with his friends. Sadly, Travis wasn’t around to join them.

“Huh?” He looked around and found that the room he was using looked a little bit more feminine. “Is this Monet’s room?” He panicked at the thought but he noticed that the room barely had her personal belongings. The vanity mirror didn’t have the skincare that women would usually have. The wardrobe didn’t have many clothes either. “Oh! Thank God I didn’t do anything wrong. My back stings a little, though.”

Unbeknownst to him, in another room, Monet was shoving all her things randomly. Her skincare items were thrown on the floor. Some of her designer bags and clothes were still on the bed. She was moving here and there despite the soreness of her waist and her inner thighs. Unlike other lovers, she didn’t have the time to relish the moment of their passionate night. What they had was pure sex and no love involved.

“Sorry.” She muttered with tears rolling down her face.