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“We agreed not to jump into bed right away. But he’s going to Seattle with me next weekend. I have a launch party for that cookbook I worked on at Hill & Ocean. We’ll see what happens.” I shrugged, trying to play it cool.
ReeAnn twisted a hunk of fresh bread and dunked it in her chowder. “We’re coming back to your awesome cookbook. Proud of you, by the way. But first, let’s talk about why you’re worried.”
ReeAnn always had this aura of quiet mystery. Like she knew things others didn’t. Leave it to her to call me out.
“The one-and-done culture of a kitchen is not ideal. Dating a man like Lucas, hell dating at all, is new, and I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”
“I haven’t known Lucas as long as ReeAnn, but we’re friends,” Emily said. “He’s different lately. Maybe he’s outgrowing all the games. Finn did.”
I wanted to believe that. I wanted to trust him. I craved Lucas, and I’d never felt that way before. I wanted to give him anything he asked, let him touch me and see me. He seemed desperate to, and the idea excited me. Could I have this?
Emily and ReeAnn believed it was real. They would've told me if they had suspected Lucas just needed a challenge or a change. Trusting it myself was a big risk. But if I was going to have something real, something worthy of trust, I had to sink in like ReeAnn.
“Next weekend, I’d like to wear something … interesting on our trip. Something that might make Lucas a little crazy. But I haven’t had much luck looking for, you know, intimates in my size. Ideas?”
ReeAnn pointed a finger at Emily, who grinned. “I know a great place. I’ll hook you up, no problem. With your figure and the lacy styles, Lucas will lose his mind.”
“Perfect.”
“Angela,pass the wine. I don’t need any lingerie. Dan needs no encouragement, and baby Lily’s interest in my boobs has nothing to do with what covers them.” Carrie, now a new mom, sat with a sigh on the comfy sectional sofa.
Emily was hosting an impromptu, emergency happy hour at her house. First goal, wine. Second goal, online shopping for me. Everyone was taking part in one, the other, or both.
“Hello, gals.” Donna peeked in through the front door. “Am I too late for the shopping?”
“No, no, come on in. We’re just getting started. Grab a wineglass and join us,” Emily said. Her laptop was open on the coffee table, and she was scrolling through a lingerie website with Angela looking on.
“That one looks interesting but also painful. She’s not wearing that, no matter how big his dick is. Keep scrolling,” Angela said and handed a newly opened bottle of wine to Carrie. I glanced to confirm Donna was still in the kitchen and hadn’t heard that. Thank God.
“I’m doing the pump and dump tonight, so bring on the wine for a change,” Carrie said. “There is plenty of breast milk in the freezer for Dan to warm up. But I may need a ride home.”
“We’ll get you home safely, dear,” Donna said as she returned and sat on the sofa. Carrie gestured toward her with the bottle. “Yes, please. What are we shopping for tonight, ladies?”
“Lingerie for Jo,” Emily said. I almost spit out my wine but settled for coughing it down. If Donna knew I was dating her son, I would die.
“Nod if you’re okay,” Donna said, patting my leg. I nodded vigorously.
“I need some new bras, that’s all.” I cleared my throat. “It’s hard to find clothes to fit my shape. Emily said she knew a place.” I was blabbering. But damn, I was shopping for sexy lingerie to show Lucas with his mother sitting right next to me.
ReeAnn was no help as she sipped her wine with a little smile. I’d like to see her shopping with Jake’s mom sitting next to her. See if that little smile stayed so peaceful then.
“Well, once you’re finished with Jo, I could use a few things myself. Bob and I are headed to one of those couples-only resorts in the Caribbean this May. I could use something inspirational.” Everyone chuckled.
“I thought you were taking an Alaskan cruise this summer?” Emily said.
“We are, but not until early August. Bob’s doing well, sticking to his diet and exercise plan. At this point, his doctor says a healthy sex life is good for the ticker. So, we decided to take a special trip. Go to one of those all-inclusive places.” She waggled her eyebrows.
“You go, Donna,” Angela said. “We’ll find Jo something inspirational for her weekend with Luc,” —she winked at me— “then it’s your turn.” Oh. My. God. This wasn’t happening.
Donna stood, her expression as light as ever. “I’m guessing Jo doesn’t want my input on her selections, so how about I see what’s in the kitchen. I’ll make a snack plate for us.”
Emily looked up from the screen. “Oh, that would be awesome. There should be cheese and crackers, some cold grilled vegetables, and olives. Help yourself.”
Donna flitted off toward the kitchen with her wineglass and a wave.
“Okay, quickly. Please tell me you have some ideas for me. I cannot shop for lingerie with Lucas’s mom here.”
“Don’t panic, boo, we got you,” Angela said. “Check this out.”
