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Charlotte slaps Spencer’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Brielle’s mouth falls open when she turns to Julian. “You knew this?”
Sebastian holds his hands up in surrender. “It was the one time I went to a strip club, and she was working behind the bar to put herself through law school.” He stammers.
I look over to see Julian is smirking into his drink, his eyes holding mine.
He’s impressed that I told them the truth.
So am I.
“Oh, I like you.” Charlotte gasps. “Somebody pour her another drink. I want to hear all the strip club stories.”
Spencer playfully puts his hand over my glass. “Let’s not.”
“So how did you girls meet your lovely men?” I ask.
“Well I was actually Julian’s nanny,” Bree responds with a smirk on her face. “And Charlotte is the rich daddy’s girl that Spencer couldn’t have”.
We all laugh. Maybe this night won’t be so bad after all.
They actually seem nice.
Sebastian
I watch as April chatters and laughs with the girls at the other end of the table. This is so weird.
The girls never like anyone I date. Not that I ever bring them to anything like this, I guess. I’ve taken dates to black tie balls before, but Brielle and Charlotte have always been guarded and not overly friendly.
They’re different tonight. Or maybe it’s just that it’s April.
Unassuming, and pretty, she oozes warmth and kindness. But most of all, she’s intelligent.
“So, what’s the plan if you go into early labor while we’re here?” April asks.
“I don’t know.” Charlotte looks over to her husband. “What’s the plan, Spence?”
He shrugs. “Freak the fuck out.” He puts his hand over his mouth so the girls can’t hear. “And then getting rolling fucking drunk,” he mutters under his breath.
Julian and I laugh. Spencer is hardly drinking due to Charlotte’s condition in case he needs to drive somewhere in an emergency. He wants the baby to come more than anyone.
“You can call me and Sebastian,” April slurs in her ‘I’ve had way too many sangrias’ voice. “I’m good in emergency situations, and Seb always knows what to do.”
I smile against my wine glass. When do I always know what to do?
Never.
“And besides, my cat had kittens,” she continues.
“Trust me, this pussy is a lot bigger than yours. We need back up,” Spencer mutters dryly.
We all burst out laughing.
Charlotte slaps him on the arm. “Spencer.”
Brielle goes to stand and stumbles back on her chair, crashing spectacularly backwards into the garden bed.
“Fucking hell,” Julian mutters, jumping up.
April bursts out laughing, and she scrambles to pick Brielle up. She grabs her hands and begins to pull her out of the hedge. They’re laughing loudly as they fumble around, and everyone is looking our way.
“No more for you. We’re going home,” Julian says as he pulls Brielle to her feet. “You could have broken your neck.” He smooths down her dress and straightens her up.
“But we’re going dancing,” Brielle slurs. Her hair is wild, and she has the Devil in her eyes. Jeez, I think she’s even drunker than April.
Drunker. Is that a word?
“Yes. Dancing!” April gasps. “Let’s go.” She grabs Charlotte’s hands and pretends to slow waltz with her. “Bubba loves to dance.” She bends down to Charlotte’s stomach. “Don’t you, cutie pie?” she says in a baby voice.
“Oh God.” I roll my eyes. “That’s it. We’re out, too, April.”
Brielle sidesteps and stumbles again on her heels. Just as she’s about to fall back in the garden, Julian catches her. “Home,” he demands, putting his arm around her.
“Yes, good idea.” She looks lovingly up at him. “What have you got for me, big boy?”
Julian winces, and Spence and I burst out laughing.
I take April’s hand. “Come.”
“Noo.” She laughs. “Don’t be a party pooper, Seb. Me and the girls are out on the town. Aren’t we girls?”
“There is no town,” Julian replies.
“Yes!” Brielle calls from under Julian’s arm. “I’m going out, Jules.” She goes to pull away, and he takes her arm in a vice-like grip. “Home time, Bree.” He pulls her along. “You’ve had enough.”
Brielle puts her hand to her mouth, whispering while she’s being pulled along like a child. “He’s being boring.”
“What’s new?” Spencer mutters.
We walk through the gardens back to our apartments. The girls are on each arm of Charlotte, chatting and giggling, tottering along like drunken sailors.
The boys and I are walking behind them, rolling our eyes at their antics, and a strange thought crosses my mind.
This is the first time that this has ever happened.
The three of our partners, getting along and having fun. Actually, having more fun than us.
Weird.
Julian slaps me on the back when we get to their hut. “Good luck with that one tonight.”
“Oh.” Brielle frowns. “I don’t feel so good.” She holds her stomach. “Jules, I feel sick.”
“Christ almighty.” He winces.
I chuckle. “I think you’re going to need some luck yourself… and a bucket.”
