We all crack up.God, I love our annual retreats.They're good for the soul.
A bubbly waitress approaches the table to take our orders.I quickly look over a menu and order a steak and asparagus and a pitcher of Sangria.Zoey orders a second pitcher.We're going to be wasted before the end of the night.
"Take your shot," Emmy demands, pointing at the glass once the waitress heads to the kitchen to put our order in.
I groan and then reluctantly pick it up.Everyone watches attentively until I quickly toss it back.The alcohol burns its way down my throat.
"Blech, I hate vodka," I say, shuddering.I steal Paige's glass of water and take a big gulp, trying to wash the taste of the vodka out of my mouth.
"I have a proposition," Mina says, a wicked glint in her eye that spells trouble.She jumps up out of her seat and rubs her hands together with glee.Everyone's attention is focused on her.She narrows her eyes, places both hands firmly on her hips, and all I can think is how much she resembles a beautiful little troublemaker right now.I don't like it.She always talks me into doing crazy things when we're drinking!
"I dare the four of you to lose your V-Cards this week."
An image of Cord pops into my mind, sweat running in rivulets down his sun-darkened skin, his severe expression blazing with heat, teeth sunk into his bottom lip as he writhes in bliss.
I choke on Paige's water, my face turning red.
"Oh my gosh, yes, that's brilliant, Mina!This is a perfect thing for this retreat.Y'all lose your V-cards and then you can report back to us.I'm sure we'll be at the bar," Paige says with another laugh.
Emmy chokes back a cough and smacks her chest with her palm a few times.She squirms in her chair, crossing and uncrossing her legs.Poor thing looks rattled.Knowing her, she probably wishes she hadn't said anything at all about being a virgin.She's vivacious and bubbly, but she can be guarded and intensely private too.
"Huh?"she says, sitting up a little straighter.Her hair falls across her eyes, but when she blows it away, it comes out sounding like she blew a raspberry.
"Yes!"Mina says, clapping her hands together with delight."That, my friends, is the sound of relief you'll feel when you get rid of your cherries."
"No, thank you," I say, shaking my head.There's no way I'm giving it up to some random man on a dare.When I give it up, it'll be because the man in question means something.Maybe I'm naive or silly, but I don't want the fleeting kind of love my mom jumps into and out of every week.I want the forever kind of love I write about.Iknowit exists.One day, I'll be brave enough to chase it.
"I agree," Clover says, tipping back the shot glass she's been holding in her hand."The last thing I want is some one-night stand to remember the day I lost my virginity."
"Yeah, this doesn't sound like a good idea to me either," Zoey chimes in.
"I mean it," Mina says."This retreat is the perfect opportunity for all of you, but especially you," she says, pointing a finger at Emmy.Poor Emmy looks like she wants the earth to open beneath her feet and swallow her, but Mina's on a mission."Stop looking at me like you don't know who I mean.The guy who fixed your porch light."
"Cabin door," Emmy groans.
"Door, light, sink, who cares?"Mina laughs."Same difference."
"I'm sure he could fix your plumbing too," Paige says with a snort.
I grab Paige's wine glass, sliding it away from her.
"My point is, the guy is hot, and you like him.He's here and so are you.You'll never see him again, so do the math."
"Who's that?"Paige nudges me to get my attention as a curvy brunette peeks her head into the restaurant and then marches in our direction.She's pretty, and something about her feels familiar.It's her eyes, I think.Initially, I think they're gray like Cord's, but clearly, that highhanded cowboy is just stuck in my brain because this woman's eyes are a pale green.
"I don't know," I murmur.
"She works for the Sheriff," Zoey says, her voice soft."I think her name is Cleary."
Cleary draws to a stop in front of our table.
"Hi," she says, smiling brightly at us."I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I heard through the grapevine that you guys were staying here this week, and I couldn't resist gatecrashing to meet you.I love your books so much!"
"Aww," everyone says at the same time.
"I'm Cleary, and I brought some books."She motions to the weighed down tote bag hanging from her shoulder."Wow, I feel like an ass ambushing you this way, but we've never had actual authors here before.At least any that write books that I care about."
"Don't be silly," Paige says."We love to meet readers.Why don't you join us?"
