“That’s about the mostyou-thing ever spoken,” Nat observed with a laugh. They worked together on the various foods, but she deferred to Celeste for the placement of each item on the charcuterie board.
When Roni joined them, she leaned over the island, nabbing a hunk of cheese. “Thought for sure you’d make excuses tonight, in favor of another hook up with your hunky new stud,” she accused, using a pickle spear for emphasis.
“Not true,” Nat protested. “It’s sister night. Here I am.”
“For now. You’ll sneak out.” Roni shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t blame you. He’s hot.”
Natalie reared back. “Well, duh. And also, hands off.”
“Well, duh,” Roni echoed. “Facts are facts. I’m honestly surprised you didn’t bail entirely.”
Celeste elbowed Nat. “Ignore her. She’s upset because she bet me twenty bucks you wouldn’t show.”
“Hmm.” She glared at Veronica. “You probably owe her ten.” She giggled. “Because I’m planning to sneak out and hook up with my hot boyfriend once you’re both asleep on the couch.”
“It’s official?” Celeste set aside the scissors she was using to snip clusters of grapes. “You have a boyfriend now?”
“Officially, we’re still in a fling status, aren’t we?” Nat hedged. “Since he’ll check out in a few days. But, um, I bought lingerie when I went to town for chocolate.”
Roni gawked, then worry flashed in her eyes. “You’ve fallen for him,” she said. “Seriously in love. That’s some major life news you’ve kept locked down.”
All those sexy vibes and happy floaty feelings popped and Natalie crashed hard into reality. “No,” she denied it as best she could. “If I do fall in love, I’m obviously going to tell him first.”
“Wrong,” Celeste argued. “That isnothow it works. You’d confide in your sisters first. And you’d better show us the lingerie.”
It was a wonder her cheeks hadn’t burst into flame. “Why?”
“Because, sisters,” Celeste said. “And I need to live vicariously. It’s been too long since I had a reason to shop for anything more than everyday bras and panties.”
“Your own fault,” Roni scolded. “You’ve ignored the obvious opportunities.”
Nat, mesmerized by yet another thing she’d overlooked, tapped Roni’s arm. “Who?”
“Chief Miller.” Roni sing-songed, shooting Celeste a challenging look. “Not that you’ve bothered to encourage him.”
Now Celeste’s cheeks were bright red and she wouldn’t make eye contact. “C’mon, Natalie. Let’s see the torture you have in mind for Trent.” She practically dragged Nat from the kitchen.
Natalie unzipped her bag and showed off her purchases and the teasing photo.
“I’m proud to call you my sister.” Roni gave her a high five. “Nicely done.”
“Do you think I’m making a mistake?” Natalie ran her fingers over the lace. She wasn’t referring only to the purchases, but the man she wanted to knock off his feet.
“How did you feel when you tried it on?” Celeste asked. “Good? Empowered? Or…”
“Good.” She brightened, giving the cami a little shake. “Like a sexy princess.”
“Then that’s never a mistake.”
She swatted her oldest sister’s shoulder. “You know that wasn’t all that I meant.” She dropped to the edge of the bed. “Roni’s right. I’m probably falling in love with him.”
“Probably?” Roni snorted.
“Stop,” she pleaded. It wasn’t as if they didn’t have good reason to hassle her, but falling for Trent left her feeling fragile. As if the slightest misstep would shatter her into a billion pieces and she’d never find them all. Sure, she pulled random bits of the world together to create new and beautiful artwork. She just wasn’t sure that would translate to her personal life. Was spending more time with him the smart move or just delaying an inevitable heartache?
“What if I’m just screwing up again? Maybe I have an addictive personality.”
Roni snorted again and Celeste rolled her eyes. “No way.” Celeste carefully folded the lingerie and tucked it back into the tote. “Just talk to us.”
