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Bronte butted in with, “Is he nice?”
“Is he nice? He’s part of the industrial military complex. Why would someonewantto join a government agency that routinely occupies other countries and—”
“He’s really nice,” Sam said. “A little shy, though. He’s always been quiet and sort of keeps to himself. He’s still that way.”
Gem snorted. “I read an article the other day about sexual assault in the military and—”
“You can’t paint everybody with a broad brush,” Bronte said. “There’re bad people in every profession. There’s a teacher at this one high school here who was on a field trip and got drunk. Who does that?” She shook her head, as if her point was proven.
“Sorry, Sammy,” Gem mumbled after a few seconds. “I’m sure your Marine is fine.”
“He’s not my Marine, and now that it’s settled, can we move on, for the love of all that’s holy. What’s going on, Laney?”
Laney tucked her hair behind her ear and blew out a breath. “It’s Bobby.”
She had been with her boyfriend for a few years now and even accepted a position to work for him and his burgeoning restaurant conglomerate. Bobby Magnate was like the Australian Gordon Ramsey, guest judging on different cooking shows, a little rude but in a funny way.
“I thought everything was going well,” Sam said. “Living the high life.”
Laney swiped one finger under her nose when she sniffled. “I’ve been at the restaurant a lot, getting behind-the-scenes stuff for his socials, and there’s this new sous chef. She’s gorgeous and cool and French.”
Gem thumped her fist on the table. “I hate her already.”
“The other day, I was there to get some videos of the line while they prepped the kitchen, and I noticed Suzette wasn’t there. When I went out to go to the bathroom, she was in the hall with Bobby, and they were whispering and leaning into each other. They noticed me and backed away really quick, like they were caught, you know? I brought it up to him, and he said it wasn’t anything. He said she’s always really flirtatious with everyone, and I know, I’ve seen it, but I got a weird vibe seeing them together.”
Sam nodded. She knew that feeling. She’d gotten that same suspicion about her mother and Lina so many years ago. “So, what happened?”
Laney rolled her eyes to the ceiling, shaking her head slowly. “Nothing. He told me he loved me, talked about eventually getting married.”
Bronte leaned her chin in her hand. “What are you going to do?”
“Nothing.” Laney dropped her attention back to her screen. “There’s nothing for me to do. I love him.”
“But you gotta trust your gut,” Gem said.
Sam agreed. “And what’s your gut telling you?”
Laney sighed. “She’s burned out from too much dairy and gluten.”
“Hot girl problems,” Sam said, and they all laughed.
“Well, hey.” Gem raised her hand. “How long until we take over LA?”
That got a grin out of Laney. She held up her phone, displaying the countdown. “Thirty-seven days!”
“Thirty-seven days! I can’t wait to see your faces in person,” Gem said.
Bronte danced in her seat. “I’m already packed.”
“Of course you are.” Gem shook her head with a laugh. “How many pairs of underwear?”
“Well…” Bronte raised her hands. “Not everyone goes commando like you.”
“So, thirteen pairs?” Sam guessed.
“Thirty,” Bronte corrected, and Laney’s laughter boomed. “But I’m going to be staying there for the summer! I need a lot.”
Sam snickered. “I love you. I love you all, but I need to go. I smell like a frat party.”
