Stevie laughed. “Here, it’s like a parade every day.”
“I love it.”
Stevie’s smile broadened as she watched Iris take in the decor and was just about to open the door when she saw her.
Adri.
Through the window.
Staring right at them with wide eyes and a copy ofMuch Adoin her hands.
“Oh shit,” Stevie said on an exhale.
“What?” Iris asked, looking around. Stevie knew the second Iris spotted Adri too, because her whole body stiffened. “Oh. Okay. Showtime, then.”
“Fuck,” Stevie said, her oxygen level immediately depleting. She wasn’t prepared for this. Hadn’t even considered that one of her friends might be at Bitch’s, much less Adri herself, but she should’ve. She should’ve known or foreseen or—
“Hey,” Iris said softly. She waved at Adri, then moved them both closer to the door so they were out of her line of sight. “It’s okay.”
“Fuck, fuck.” It was all Stevie could think to say.
“You’re really freaked out.”
“I just... I’m not great with surprises.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“Sorry,” Stevie said. Fuck, she was such a mess.
“It’s okay,” Iris said. “This is the first time we really have to do this. You just need to get into the mood a little. Let’s practice. Just us.” Her fingers brushed Stevie’s, lightly at first, then she linked their hands together. Stevie’s stomach swooped at the contact, but she knew this was just part of the game.
“All right?” Iris asked.
Stevie nodded, breathed.
“We’ll be fine,” Iris said. “A little hand holding, a little leaning. That’s it. It’s not like we have to have sex on a table in there to prove we’re together.”
“Jesus, I hope not,” Stevie said, but she was laughing, her breathing already slower. Iris’s thumbs swiped over the backs of her hands, a soothing rhythm.
“And you’re a great actor,” Iris said.
“You’ve never even seen me act.”
Iris tilted her head. “Well, my precious little beetle, you said Adri only casts the best, so. You’ve got this.”
Stevie smiled. “Precious little beetle?”
Iris shrugged. “I’m improvising. See? We’re so good at this already.”
Stevie laughed, then rolled her shoulders back. She was tempted to bring Stefania into the mix, but somehow, that just didn’t feel right. Not this time.
“Okay,” she said. “I’m ready.”
Iris opened the door and ushered Stevie inside, her hand pressed to the small of her back. Such a small touch, but somehow, it worked to ground Stevie into her body. Feet on the floor. Fingertips brushing Iris’s as they moved to the line.
She waved at Adri, who waved back, her eyes following them toward the register.
“Doing great,” Iris said, pressing herself a little closer to Stevie’s side to whisper in her ear. Stevie shivered and Iris laughed. God, the woman practically emanated sex.
