“Um…uh, runner’s legs,” Ricki stammered.
Blythe took a step back so she could better see Abby’s legs. “Hot damn.”
“Yeah.” Abby ran her fingers along the draping in her dress. “I run.”
“Uh, sorry. I just notice other runners.” Ricki picked up her book.
“Do you run, too?” Abby asked.
“It’s how I keep my stress at bay.”
“And she’s been putting in a lot of miles with that asshole boss of hers,” Blythe said.
“Maybe we could go for a run sometime.” Abby put her hand on Blythe’s forearm. “Do you run, too?”
Ricki laughed. “To the refrigerator.”
“Hey. I ran that 5K with you last year.”
“It was three years ago. And you walked half of it.”
Blythe shrugged. “She’s such a stickler for details.” Then she grinned at Abby and touched her hair. “You look incredible with your hair down.”
“Uh, thanks.” Abby broke eye contact with Blythe, and her gaze landed on Blythe’s tie. She reached out. “I love your tie.”
Though Blythe wanted to comment further on Abby’s appearance, she didn’t since it was obvious it made Abby uncomfortable. Blythe stood up taller and straightened her tie. “I don’t clean up so bad, huh?”
Abby smiled. “You clean up very well.” She glanced at Ricki, who was stretched out on the couch. Her eyes narrowed. “Uh, are you wearing that?”
“Cutoff shorts and T-shirts are the new chic,” Blythe said. “But I don’t think she’s pulling it off well.”
As a confused expression settled on Abby’s face, Ricki said, “I’m not going. I thought you’d like some privacy.”
“Oh.” Abby’s smile faded.
“I was trying to convince her she should go when you walked in,” Blythe said.
“Um,” Abby rubbed her chin, “if I remember right, you were talking about nuts.”
“Excellent memory.” Blythe glanced at Ricki. “Do you remember why we were talking about nuts?”
“I probably said you were nuts,” Ricki answered.
Abby shook her head. “I distinctly remember hearing you say Blythe was into nuts.”
Blythe groaned, remembering the conversation. “You don’t want to know.” She pointed at Ricki. “But perhaps you can convince her to come to dinner.”
Abby leaned back in her chair as the waiter cleared the plates. Before he hurried off, he assured them he’d return with a dessert menu.
The dinner had been delicious. Abby couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such an amazing meal, and Blythe and Ricki had her laughing the entire time. Their friendship reminded her a lot of what she had with Madeline, except for the teasing. The duo thrived on their banter, but Abby understood it was all in fun. She suspected they’d do anything for each other. Well, except for Ricki’s refusal to go on camera.
Blythe had been true to her promise. After she’d posted the video of them entering the restaurant, she’d put her phone away and hadn’t checked TikTok during their meal. They’d agreed that Ricki would record a few moments, but she did it so inconspicuously Abby hardly noticed. Only once did Blythe ask to repeat a moment so Ricki could record it. Ricki refused, and Blythe didn’t push.
“You’ve heard all about our exploits and our families,” Ricki said, “but we haven’t heard about yours.”
“I could listen to you two talk all night,” Abby said and meant it. “I envy your being friends since junior high.”
“She’s the one you should envy.” Blythe pointed at Ricki. “She’s had the privilege of having me in her life all these years.”
