“It’ll be epic.” Blythe flashed a huge smile. “They’re going to be falling all over themselves to make me happy and ease their guilt. How can I lose? They’ll do anything I want them to.”
Ricki and Abby would be here soon. Blythe had talked to Dapper for another half hour, so now she needed to scramble. She hadn’t realized what a feeding frenzy she’d been in when she’d gotten home until she saw the cracker crumbs strewn across the countertop and the dirty dishes tossed in the sink. Plus, she’d left the groceries piled on the table and chucked the other bags into the refrigerator without unpacking them.
While Blythe had been teasing when she said she’d use Ricki and Abby’s guilt against them, she might milk it a little, but she wouldn’t make them feel bad. She’d never seen Ricki so happy. It had been amusing watching Ricki attempt to cover up her bliss. Several times, she’d caught Ricki with a lovesick smile on her face, only for Ricki to snap her lips together and put on a somberexpression. Catching Ricki had become a game for Blythe. Had it been a drinking game, Blythe would have spent much of the past week drunk.
Blythe had been honest with Dapper when she said she’d be okay. She’d never admit that losing Abby had stung, but Ricki’s pain had been much worse than a little sting. Blythe would take the pain to see the smile on her best friend’s face.
And she hadn’t lied when she said she didn’t know how she’d missed it. In hindsight, maybe she subconsciously knew it all along, but everything going on made it easy to ignore. Was the threesome her subconscious speaking, telling her to give Ricki and Abby permission to be together? She’d probably never know for sure, but she’d like to believe it was a gift to the people she loved.
As she put the last of the groceries away, the front door opened. It was show time. How she handled the next few minutes would set the tone for the entire weekend. She planned on setting it right.
Blythe grabbed her cellphone from the table and rushed toward the living room. When Abby saw Blythe, she froze and clutched her purse to her chest. Ricki, who was carrying Abby’s backpack, nearly ran into the back of her.
“Oh, shoot, sorry,” Ricki muttered. When she noticed Blythe, her back stiffened.
The pair stood in their rigid pose, not saying anything. Abby glanced at Ricki. Then she took a step away from her, as if Blythe would be offended if they stood too close.
Blythe held up her camera. She had to be over the top if she was going to get them to loosen up. “Ready for the welcome shot?” Blythe dropped to her knee and pointed the phone up toward them.
Ricki glanced at Abby before she nodded. “Okay.”
“What? What the fuck?” Blythe bounced to her feet. “No. No. No.” She overdramatically threw open her arms.Damn.It would have made amazing content. Maybe she could have Ricki film it later.
Focus.She needed to get this right. Blythe pointed at Ricki. “That was too easy. You’ve refused forever, and now you’re gonna roll over and say yes?”
Ricki’s cheeks reddened, and she looked at the floor, and Abby took another step away from her.
A thought sparked in Blythe’s mind.Too dark or just what they needed?Never one to play it safe, Blythe said, “Honeysuckle.”
Ricki and Abby responded with the same wide-eyed expression, but neither spoke.
“Honeysuckle,” Blythe said louder. “Honeysuckle,” she yelled. When they still didn’t respond, she said, “Jesus. Isn’t that the damned safe word?”
Ricki gave her an almost imperceptible nod, but Abby remained motionless.
“Well, until you guys lighten up, I’m not feeling safe.” Blythe smirked. “Do you really want me randomly screaming honeysuckle all weekend—in public? I will, you know.”
“She will,” Ricki said to Abby.
Abby nodded. “I believe it.”
“Halle-fucking-lujah, they speak.” Blythe held her arms out. “Get over here and give me a hug.”
Without hesitation, Ricki and Abby dropped their bags and rushed into Blythe’s arms. As they hugged and laughed, all the tension in Blythe’s body washed away.
When they separated, Blythe rubbed her hands together. “I’ve got a full agenda planned.”
Abby groaned, but her smile was broad.
“Tonight, we’ve got reservations for dinner at Ed Debevic’s.
It was Ricki’s turn to groan. “Of all places, you chose there?”
A twinkle danced in Blythe’s eyes, and she gave them a mischievous grin. “Imagine what fun they’ll have when I tell them my best friend is there with my girlfriend.”
Abby looked at Blythe with a puzzled expression before glancing at Ricki.
“You wouldn’t.” Ricki pointed at Blythe and shook her head.
