“I don’t think Declan has friends.” Lily shrugs, biting her lip, and we all burst out laughing.
“Okay, okay, I think I’m ready to date,” I declare, raising my glass, and we all drink to my declaration. “Though I can’t imagine when I would have time to do so.”
“Maybe you can close for a week, and we will set you up on fourteen dates. Then you have a pool to choose from.” Saar stands up, bouncing with excitement.
I snort. “Fourteen dates in one week?”
“Sure.” Saar shimmies her hips. “Two per day. It will require careful coordination, but it’s doable.”
I laugh. “You’re serious?”
“I think it’s a great idea. A matinee and an encore,” Celeste says, and Lily nods.
“I can’t afford to close for a week.” I shake my head, chuckling.
“We will cover the lost revenue,” Saar offers with such determination, and I stop laughing when I realize my other two friends are equally on board.
“You’ve lost your minds. Or you’re all drunk.”
“That may be.” Saar takes a generous sip. “But I’mserious. We will cover the cost. It’s our birthday gift to you.”
They look at me expectantly. The three of them are serious about this. I’m so overwhelmed by the prospect, I don’t even know what to say.
It’s such a ridiculous idea, I’m tempted to agree just for the fun of it. It’s also disturbing how my friends can throw money around like that while I live from one day to another, often worrying if my electricity can stay on.
“You already gave me gifts.” I point to the gift bags in the corner.
“Let us treat you to this,” Saar pleads. She walks around the coffee table and sits on it, taking my hands into hers.
I look from one woman to the other, finding love and determination in their eyes. Would it be so bad to be reckless for once in my life?
I take a deep breath. “I can’t take money from you like that.” I guess my reckless streak lasted exactly two seconds.
“You took money from Xander,” Celeste points out. Not helping.
“Yeah, and I shouldn’t have. That doesn’t mean I’m accepting full-time charity-case status.” I bounce my leg, the reckless streak fighting its way back while my pride fights it with vigor.
“You’re not a charity case, Cora. Andsorry if I offended you with the idea. Okay, no money, but you’re closed every Monday, so let us set you up on two dates every Monday. And if you take one more evening off, it could be three dates a week.” Saar is all business.
I let out the air through pursed lips. “I could use an evening off occasionally.”
“Yes.” Celeste claps.
“What the hell—let’s do it.” I shake my head, grinning. Maybe we’ll sober up tomorrow and realize how silly the idea is.
“Do you want Xander on the list?” Saar asks.
Yes. “That’s not a good idea.” My ovaries scream in protest.
“That’s probably for the best.” Lily stands up. “I have to go. Declan probably wore a hole in the carpet, pacing and waiting for me.”
Celeste gathers her things. “Have I ever told you that the first time I met Xander was when he walked in on me and Caleb fucking on the st—”
“For the love of God,” Saar cries. “How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t want to hear about you doing any of that with my brother?”
Lily bursts into giggles, and I join her.
“Stop laughing.” Saar shakes her head, but her lips curve.
