Savannah took another long drink.
“Don’t forget your passport,” Lucie said. “When Danny and I went to Mexico last month, I showed up at the airport without mine. Danny’s brother had to drive like a demon to get it to me in time. I had visions of crying in the airport while Danny went to the beach without me.”
“Danny would never have left you,” I said. “He’d have found you a beach where you didn’t need a passport. But good call. Here, Tessa, want to hold Mia?”
Tessa held up her hands. “No, thanks. I love you, Mia, but you and I are going to have a better relationship when you know how to use the toilet and have more than twenty words.”
“I’ll take her.” Savannah stretched out her arms. “Come here, baby.” When I set the toddler on her lap, she took a long inhale of Mia’s hair. “Who needs grandchildren?”
“Stop that. You’re too young for grandchildren,” Lucie said.
“There’s plenty of people my age who have grandchildren,” Savannah said between kisses on the tip of Mia’s nose that made her laugh. “But I hope my kids wait a good, long time before getting married and having babies. Like you did.”
“Ugh,” Lucie said. “One star. Do not recommend.”
We all knew it was a lie, but no one contradicted her.
Carly’s movement caught my attention as I walked toward my bedroom to grab my passport. She was stuffing clothes from her shopping bag into my suitcase. “Wait,” I said. “I’m going for five days, not five weeks. I was hoping to limit myself to a carry-on.”
“Carry-ons are only for day-trippers and spring-breakers who plan to be naked most of the time. You never know what you might need on a business trip,” she said. “In fact, I could swing by tomorrow with an evening gown.”
“No! I promise, I’ll have zero opportunities for formal dress.”
“Fine,” she huffed. “But promise me you’ll take what I packed. I’d hate for you to be unprepared.”
“Okay. But if they lose my luggage?—”
“I’ll ship you a new wardrobe,” she said. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“I thought all your styling clients took private jets,” Lucie said.
“Many do. But that doesn’t mean their luggage always makes it onto the private jet. Some of their assistants can’t be trusted.” She pursed her lips.
“Who—” I began.
“Passport,” Lucie reminded me.
“Right.” I walked to my bedroom and pulled it from my top drawer.
Passport, check.
Fabulous wardrobe, check.
Business smarts, check.
There was no question I’d win this retreat.
8
HE ADMITS I WAS RIGHT
Most embarrassing thing in your suitcase?
Bridget:Definitely that ruffly bikini Carly tossed in.
Cole:Hand cream. I sometimes get contact dermatitis from that stuff in hotels.
BRIDGET
