“We should have the dinner at the restaurant,” Sydney said.
“But Halston will have to wear her disguise,” Caroline pushed back. “Let’s do it here or at your house.”
“My house!” Sydney exclaimed. “Our new dining room set got delivered last week and this will be the perfect way to christen it.”
“Thanks for including me,” Halston said.
“It’ll be fun,” Caroline said.
“In the past few days, I’ve had had more fun than I’ve had in months,” Halston said.
“You’re not lumpingusinto that, are you?” Sydney said.
“Stop!” Caroline laughed. “We’re fun.”
“Love the food, love the company more,” Halston said.
“You had razzle-dazzle fun, didn’t you?” Sydney asked.
Halston smiled.
“Yes, you did,” Sydney said. “You did the naughty-naughty.”
“I got wild with a sexy stranger,” Halston confided.
“Be careful,” Caroline warned. “I did that once and things went sideways.”
“What happened?” Halston asked.
“I hooked up with someone at cosplay club, Lost Souls, and he stalked me,” Caroline explained.
“You mean, you hooked up with himafteryou left the club?” Halston asked.
“It’s members-only,” Sydney explained. “Dancing on the first floor, but members can play upstairs in the suites. Doesn’t have to be sexual. People can act out scenes?—”
“Get real,” Caroline said. “Even I hooked up.”
The women laughed.
“Tell us about your mystery man,” Sydney said.
“He was a little welcome-home present I gave myself,” Halston confided. “I loved unwrapping him and then wrapping myself around him.”
Caroline raised her water glass. “You go, girl!”
They toasted and laughed, but Halston couldn’t help but hope she’d run into Gabriel Santini again. Yes, he was a total player, but she wasn’t looking for romance. Just a no-strings good time.
“How can I get on that Lost Souls list?” Halston asked.
“I got you,” Sydney replied, pulling out her phone. “For when?”
“Tonight,” Halston said. “My alias is Barbianna Bogdanova.”
“Alone?” Caroline blurted.
“Yes, alone, but surrounded by young, drunk Americans.” Halston shot her a little smile.
“Done,” Sydney said. “Barbianna Bogdanova is on the list.”
