Vanessa didn’t see a single bag under Hope’s eyes. She looked immaculate as always, but she wasn’t going to argue with a sleep-deprived mother of an eight-month-old.
“Try grappa,” Natalie suggested, finishing her glass. “My mother swears by it. She said she used to rub it on our gums to numb them, and it worked like a charm.”
“Pretty sure that’s an ill-advised parenting tactic in this generation, Nat.” Vanessa leaned toward Hope. “I’m sure there’s something more, oh I don’t know, legal you could try. Like those teething toys you can put in the freezer?” Shepointed at Natalie. “I really wouldn’t advise taking any parenting advice from this one.”
Her cousin let out an indignant gasp. “I resent that. I’m an aunty now, so I’m basically an expert.” Natalie had two sisters, both of whom were happily settled down with partners and kids.
“Don’t listen to her anyway.” Vanessa waved her cousin off. “I speak for the both of us when I say we know absolutely nothing about teething babies. But I do know something about spa treatments. How about I book us a steam and a facial at the Ritz for Sunday?”
Hope melted against the bar top with a low groan. “Lord, that sounds utterly divine. I can’t even imagine ninety minutes to myself.”
Vanessa made a dismissive noise. “Book a babysitter, honey. We’re doing the whole afternoon, not ninety minutes.”
“Speaking of babysitters,” Natalie interjected, nodding toward Gabe, who was serving customers at the end of the bar. “If Daddy Walsh is here and you’re here, who’s got Ruby and Rose?”
Hope reached for the bowl of salted nuts that sat on the bar and tossed a couple into her mouth. “Grand-daddy Walsh,” she said through a munch. “He loves spending time with the kids, which has been fantastic. He makes a better nanny than I did. We’re lucky Connor is also willing to do it, so that I can return to work part time.”
“You don’t find it exhausting being back at work?” Natalie asked.
“No way. Work is my mental health break. I love the girls, and being with them is an absolute joy. There’s nothing better than watching Ruby be a big sister to Rose. But it’s by far the most exhausting job I have ever had in myentire life. Coming here—” She shrugged as she jutted her chin out to the crowded bar. “It gets me out of the house and around people. Which is important for me.”
Bowie’s was a thriving bar, busy every single night, which Vanessa chalked up to the neighborhood vibe it had that made you feel like you knew everyone. Honestly, the last few weeks, with all the strange things happening, she’d been comforted by the sounds of the bar below her apartment at night. It made her feel less alone, oddly safer.
“Besides,” Hope went on. “It means I get to see this hot stuff more often.” She winked at Gabe as he made his way over to the trio, his gaze fixed on his wife.
In a way, they reminded Vanessa of her parents. Two kids, a family business, working together. She admired the work and family ethic. She knew how much effort it took from both partners to make it succeed.
“How are you, babe?” Hope slid her hand across the bar to grab Gabe’s.
“Better now,” he murmured, leaning over for a kiss. He nodded toward Vanessa and Natalie’s empty prosecco glasses. “Refills?”
“Yes, please!” Natalie slid her glass over, and Gabe filled it.
When he tried to do the same for Vanessa’s, she put her hand over the top. “Reached my two-drink limit, but thanks. It’s delicious.”
“Wouldn’t know,” Gabe grumbled, sliding her an iced water instead. “Don’t drink the stuff.”
Hope smacked him in the arm. “Oh come on. Don’t be a jerk.” She turned to Vanessa. “It’s about time we classed this place up with some bubbly. Perfect choice for the menu. And popular too.” She sent a wolfish grin in her husband’s direction. “Gabe knows I like to have a glass now and again.”
Natalie waggled her eyebrows. “Ooohh, I like the innuendo.” She took a long drink and faced Vanessa. “What time do I need to be at The Link tomorrow?”
Vanessa took a sip of her iced water. “How about three o’clock? The show starts at seven, so that gives us four hours.”
“Four hours to do eight faces and hair?” Natalie’s brows lifted. “Who do you think I am? Superwoman?”
Vanessa laughed. “I love how drama runs in our family.” She patted her cousin’s shoulder. “You’ll have Colin and Brit. And, worst case, I can help. But we can meet earlier if you want.”
“No, no, no. That’s okay. I work best under pressure.” Natalie downed her drink and got up, swaying sideways. “Woah, I should’ve probably had more than peanuts with those drinks.”
“How are you getting home?” Dex’s gruff voice rumbled beside them. He whipped a glare at Vanessa. “How is she getting home?”
His green eyes flashed with something she hadn’t expected. Concern. For her cousin. Oh-kay. So, she hadn’t seen that coming.
“U-ber.” The words slurred out of Natalie’s mouth.
Hope picked up her phone. “I can order her one now.”
“I’ll take her,” Dex said, then looked at Vanessa. “Come on, you’re going with us.”
