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“It’s not the wink. It’s the promise behind the wink. My man has been looking forward to this night for weeks. Alcohol or not, when I watch him play, I get drunk on the sound, so he knows he’s getting lucky.”
I snort at her bluntness and dip my chin again. The other ladies agree with their hums of approval.
She pivots back to us, pulling her arm from Jewls’ shoulder, and points her finger in the air. “Listen up. This is how this usually goes. Right now is the conservative portion of the evening. Open bar before the buffet, then we’ll hear a few testimonials from the men and women who have benefited from the services of the cause. The silent auction can get wild. But after the auction, most of the older crowd leaves, and the party gets started. This venue has a noise ordinance rule that hits at midnight. We’ve already decided to head down the street to The Steamroom. Pace yourselves.”
Raven walks up looking like a goddess in a simple blue dress that pops with her eyes and makes her look like the supermodel she is. “She’s right. Pace yourselves.”
A quick glance at Rowan and Ginger tells me they are freaking out with her joining. They’ve met her once before, but it’s obvious they are in starstruck phase.
To be honest, I can’t believe my once small circle of friends now involves these world-famous rockers and their crew. A waiter steps in carrying a tray of fresh champagne. We all take another flute and clink them together.
Raven gushes over Rowan’s hairstyle, which makes her blush.
“I work in a salon in Brentwood,” Rowan offers meekly.
“She’s being humble. Rowan’s part-owner of a kick-ass salon. She did all our hair and make-up for tonight,” Jewls brags.
Raven’s gaze does a sweep of us, her head nodding her approval. “You all look phenomenal. Full-service salon?”
“Yes, we do it all.”
“Why am I just now learning this? First, I miss the coolest ladies’ night around town, and now I miss spa day? You’re falling down on the job.” She wiggles her finger at me.
“Next ladies’ night is coming soon, and we can go see Rowan anytime. Being pampered at her place is special. She’s amazing.”
“I think she should fire you as a client after your apparent lack of respect for her time. That’s twice now she’s created a masterpiece of you and you’ve let you’re sexual—”
“Jewls!” I whisper-hiss, cutting her off.
“What?” she answers innocently.
“Yes, what? We don’t have secrets.” Charlie arches her eyebrows expectantly.
“Well, some of us keep secrets, especially from Charlie. She has a big mouth,” Raven advises.
“Ace and Harley had sex on the ground of their new house after she agreed to move in with him this afternoon,” Rowan divulges freely.
“Oh my God,” I whisper, my face flaming.
“I think it’s hot, wild, and sexy. Wish some guy wanted me that bad.”
My jaw pops open. Who is this woman?
She takes a gulp of her champagne nonchalantly. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not a prude. I love sex but hated it with my ex. He was awful.” She does an exaggerated shiver. “Terrible.”
“Bad sex is the worst. Thank God Blake knows what he’s doing.”
“He had a lot of practice,” Raven throws out unapologetically.
“Declan wasn’t a choirboy,” Charlie sasses back.
They stare at each other, then both scrunch their faces, parroting the word, “gross.”
“Anyway, if I wasn’t married, and Ace wanted to fuck me on the ground, I’d gladly strip, lie down, and let him have his way. Anytime he wanted. That man strikes me as knowing exactly what he’s doing.”
“Charlie! You can’t tell a fiancée that you would fuck her man,” Raven scolds.
Charlie side-eyes me. “Did you understand where I was going with that?”
“I’m not offended. I’ve been in love with him since I was a teenager. He’s always had an irresistible sex appeal.”
“So, you’ve got an ex who was bad in bed. I’m guessing that’s why he’s an ex.” She speaks to Rowan.
“One of many reasons.” Her newfound boldness seems to shrink.
Jewls catches my eye, silently communicating what I’m thinking. We’re ready to jump in if needed. Whatever abuse Rowan suffered is not something she discusses openly.
“Good riddance. It sucks to go through the bad to get to the good, but when you find that guy, you’ll appreciate it in spades.”
“I’ll also have the experience to see the flaws clearly. Something that took way too long last time.”
“Amen.” Charlie raises her glass in approval, not prying further. “And if you spot a fine-looking guy you want to meet tonight, come to me. I’ll be your wingman.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she answers politely. Even though her expression reads terror at the thought of Charlie helping her land a guy.
“Let’s check out the silent auction,” Raven suggests. “I’m eyeing a weekend getaway to Florida.”
“You have the money to go anywhere you want. Why would you bid on a trip?”
