I wince, even as I think that to myself. I don’t have the courage to say it aloud. I’ll never hear the end of it from Grace if I do.
"So now, you work for him. And the two of you took up where you left off?" Grace asks as if she’s unable to stop herself.
"We had unresolved stuff. Enough that we clashed a lot. We still do.We both have our own opinions of how things should be done in the kitchen."
"It’s their version of foreplay." Phe grins.
"You could say that." It’s not far from the truth.
The waitstaff bring me my margarita. I thank them and take a couple of fortifying sips. It goes down smoothly.
"I’m glad my brother moved fast and asked you to marry him." Phe leans over and hugs me.
I hug her back.
When I glance at Zoey, she’s smiling. She’s convinced about the veracity of this wedding.
"I saw the way my brother looked at you that day. I’ve never seen him look like that at another woman. He really does love you." Phe sniffs.
"What about an engagement ring?" Grace looks at me closely.
I anticipated this question. "Things happened so quickly…” I shrug. “I’m sure he’ll get me one.” I think.
I’ve wondered about it, but then, I’ve been so busy with my job, I haven’t had time to dwell on it.
Her forehead furrows.
"It’s not a big thing, Grace.” I squeeze her arm. “It’s more important for me that I’m marrying the only man I’ve ever wanted. I never forgot him. And the moment I walked into that kitchen, everything changed."
All of that is true.
She looks at me. Really looks at me. Whatever she sees on my face makes her features soften.
She seems to have accepted the story.
"Will you have time to find a dress?" Zoey asks worriedly.
"He arranged for me to have a fitting at Karma West Sovrano’s atelier," I confess.
I managed to take a couple of hours off yesterday in between services. In his gruff way, James had mentioned to me that he had connection. The designer’s wedding collection is legendary and the dress I found is perfect.
Zoey’s jaw drops. "You’re getting a Karma West Sovrano wedding dress?"
Grace seems reluctantly impressed. She raises her glass. “To Harper and her Ice Commander. May you find true happiness."
"To Harper and James." Zoey clinks her glass with mine.
"To Harper and my brother, who has no idea what’s about to hit him." Phe laughs delightedly.
"If he hurts you in anyway, he’ll have me to contend with." Grace’s eyes turn steely.
“If he breaks your heart, we know where he works." Zoey waves to the waitstaff to get us another round of drinks.
"He may be my brother, but I’m on your side, bish." Phe’s expression is serious.
Damn, I love my friends.
"You guys are amazing." I blink away tears.
