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“Congratulations.” I pat her back and then gesture for Pete to bring us another round. “We’re celebrating, Pete.”
“I’ve got you,” he says with a wink before hurrying off to the bar.
“How did this happen?” Erin wants to know. “Marion hasn’t said anything to me.”
“We don’t want to announce it officially until it’s all done,” Millie says, and frowns over at Erin. “And I’m sorry for holding out on you. You’re my best friend.”
“It’s fine.” Erin waves that off. “Is Marion leaving?”
“No, she’s starting a catering company and doesn’t want to handle both businesses, and, since I’ve been there for so long, she offered it to me first. I had a meeting with Ryan, and he’s going to front me the money, and my next meeting was going to be with you, Erin, because I’m going to need a bookkeeper. But we’re here now, and I couldn’t keep my mouth shut anymore.”
“Of course, I’ll help you,” Erin says and shimmies in her seat. “Oh, this is so fun.”
“Look at us,” Polly says, her gaze moving over all of us. “A table full of badass business owners.”
Erin frowns at that. “I love the sentiment, but I don’t own a business.”
“Bullshit,” Millie says before I can. “You do bookkeeping, you’re building that gorgeous event space at the ranch you’re in charge of, and you’re marrying my brother, which makes you the new co-owner of the ranch. You’re one badass business owner, Erin Montgomery.”
Erin blinks at her, and then she smiles and does another shimmy in her seat. “Holy fucking shit, you’re right. I own shit. Damn, the taxes are going to be a pain in the ass.”
“You’re not wrong,” I reply with a grin, and Millie scowls.
“I don’t want to deal with taxes,” Millie grumbles. “That’s why I need you, Erin.”
“I’ll help,” Erin promises. “Okay, you guys, we need to keep doing this. And we should start a group for other women in business, to help each other.”
“Oh, I like that,” Polly says, nodding. “That has a lot of promise. I can’t tell you how many times I wish I’d been able to ask questions from other business owners.”
“I mean, you can call me,” I remind her.
“Of course, but wouldn’t it be fun to be able to network? There are so many amazing businesses in this town, and we could all grow so much by learning from each other. I’m all about lifting my friends up. Let’s do this. We need a name.”
“Will we need a handshake, too?” I ask, making the others laugh.
“What about We’re the Shit,” Millie suggests.
“Here she goes,” Erin says, rolling her eyes. “She tried to help me with my social media handle. I didn’t use her suggestions.”
“I know,” Millie continues, rubbing her hands together. “Girl Gang.”
“That feels a little aggressive,” I reply, and then we all goggle when Pete comes out carrying another huge tray full of every dessert on their menu. “Holy shit, Pete.”
“You’re celebrating,” he says simply. “You need some dessert. We have a huckleberry cheesecake, chocolate cake, fried ice cream, apple pie, strawberry shortcake, and my personal favorite, salted caramel sundae.”
“I think I just died and went to heaven,” Abbi mutters as we all eyeball the treats before us.
“Dig in, ladies.”
“I’m in love with Pete,” Millie decides as the waiter walks away. “I’m going to marry him.”
“He’s already married,” Polly reminds her and takes a bite of the apple pie, dissolving into a puddle of happiness. “Damn it, because I’d marry him, too.”
“Back to names,” I remind the table.
“She Works Hard for the Money,” Millie suggests, and I shake my head at her. “What? You guys are no fun. Oh, how about?—”
“I have it,” Polly announces, holding her hand up before Millie can continue. “Iconic Women’s Collective.”
