She shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. It’s starting next season. He’s going to be dressed in a little Lions costume.”
The three of us listening to Kit all sighed collectively at the cuteness of the image.
“Oh, we have to get Barclay his own Instagram account. That would be such a good fan base!”
“I think that’s exactly what Murray has planned. Dog fame.” Kit picked up her beer, and smiled wide. “But if it keeps Murray happy, then I’m all for it.”
Lauren sighed beside me.
“You guys are so good together. Honestly, the boys were the actual worst before you both came along.” She nodded to Kit and Beulah, and then turned to me. “Do you remember, Lowey?”
I shook my head. “Not really, you’ll have seen them more than I did. I only ever saw the three of them at big events, and they’d rarely stayed with us. They always seemed to have more important things to do.”
“Yeah, women,” Lauren snorted. “Well anyway, they were the worst. It’s made me so happy you girls came along so we can hang out more. I love our Thursday nights.”
“Me too,” smiled Beulah warmly and genuinely. “And because the boys do everything together, it won’t be any time before Penn meets someone, then you’ll have a new sister-in-law.”
Lauren rolled her lips in a grimace. “Nope, he’ll be single forever. He’s the worst of the lot.”
“Do you think you guys will get engaged soon?” I asked quickly, not to either Beulah or Kit in particular, but desperate to change the subject before we delved into Penn’s love life. Then I realized I sounded like my mother. “I’m sorry, that’s none of my business.”
Kit’s throaty laugh rasped out like she lived on a diet of whiskey and cigarettes, when I doubted she’d ever touched them. It was one of the things most surprising about her, seeingas she looked like she’d been made out of sugar and spice and all things nice.
“Murray’s made it very clear we’re spending our lives together, so I’m in no rush for when that becomes official.” Her expression softened, and she leaned in slightly. “I’d rather officially become Bell’s mom if I’m honest, but I’m waiting for Murray to ask. It probably hasn’t occurred to him, as in his eyes, I already am.”
I wrapped my arm over her shoulders and pulled her into me. “You’re such a good mom, and Bell is the best baby. She’s so cute.”
“Thank you. I know I’m biased, but I agree.” She laughed again. “Beulah, what about you?”
“Getting married?”
“Yeah, think it’ll happen?”
“Yes.” Her eyes sparkled like a yellow diamond caught in the sunlight. “But right now we’re just getting used to loving each other as fiercely as we hated each other, if that makes sense. We’ve only just moved in together, and I’m trying not to rush anything. Not that Rafe is paying the slightest bit of attention to that. He thinks I don’t know he did fuck-all to help me find an apartment.” She rolled her eyes with a smirk.
“Yeah, these boys will always find a way to get exactly what they want.” Kit’s beer sloshed slightly as she lifted it up for acheers!“The trick is to get what you want at the same time, without them realizing it.”
Beulah smirked, lifting up a Chucks-clad foot. It would have had a little more impact if she’d been in the stilettos she wore ninety-nine percent of the time. “Yeah, I got a shoe closet built.”
“Ugh, the dream. How’s living together?”
The look she now bore had me searching for Penn again, because it was one I’d seen on myself this week.
“It’s the best. I spent so long working late and coming home to an empty apartment, that to come home to someone feels amazing. And to work sociable hours is even better.”
“Ha! Penn will have you working all hours the second the season starts,” chuckled Lauren. “In fact, with you and Lowe working, it’ll be down to Kit and me to hold the fort. You’d better not flake on our Thursday drinks.” She pointed between the two of us. “They’re the most fun part of my week. I missed our one this week.”
“I would never,” I clasped my fist to my chest, “Also, I’m not going to be working for Penn. I’m helping him out right now, but that’s not forever. I still want to build my company.”
“Hey, maybe we’ll bring Marnie to drinks and get the gossip on you know who…” whispered Beulah, wisely looking around to check Penn - or anyone - hadn’t heard, though knowing Penn, he probably had a sensor go off every time Jupiter’s name was mentioned.
“We definitely should. Quick, tell us what you know about her while Penn’s not here,” motioned Kit, leaning in conspiratorially.
“Don’t know much actually… except she’s a rocket scientist,” Beulah added casually, while sporting a large grin.
Lauren snorted, then started coughing so violently Kit had to smack her on the back several times. She was making so much noise the players already in the dug-out all turned round and stared, then stared harder when they realized we were sitting in the owners’ row of seats.
“I’m okay, I’m okay,” Lauren wheezed through her reassurances. “I’m a doctor.”
