"My body is addicted to you too, by the way. Not just the physical part," I added softly. "Merry Christmas, Raanee."
"Do you even know what that nickname implies?"she asked, her smile widening when I nodded. Lover in Czech. She bit her lip again, looking genuinely moved."That is the best gift I could have received. Merry Christmas, Megan."
I was dressed in a vibrant red gown that hit mid-shin, paired with high heels and my hair swept up into a sleek high bun—the only style I could manage without a professional. When I opened the door, I found Vanessa, Elisa, and Sarki waiting for me.
They were a stunning trio. Sarki had opted for a crisp linen pantsuit, standing out against Vanessa in her long, champagne-colored silk and Elisa in a deep maroon gown so dark it bordered on chocolate, perfectly complementing her complexion.
"Are we ready?" I asked, glancing between them. "I assume you’ve all been introduced?"
"Yes, your friends correctly assumed I was... well, me," Vanessa replied, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to the corner of my mouth. "I already knew Elisa by sight, actually. I’ve bought several pieces from her collections. It’s a remarkably small world."
I stood there for a second, momentarily lightheaded from the scent of Vanessa’s perfume, before Elisa stepped forward. She placed a grounding hand on my forearm and offered Vanessa a gracious smile before pulling me into a hug.
"She’s lovely, but it really is a small world," I whispered as I pulled Elisa into a hug. She leaned in, her voice barely audible against my ear.
"Your friend is stunning, Megan. And I’ve missed you." I squeezed her tighter before glancing over at Sarki.
"Just imagine if she decides she doesn't want to deal with the two of you," I teased, and Elisa gave my arms a playful squeeze in return. "Or with the three of us," she countered with a wink. We shared a quick laugh before Sarki broke in, already coordinating with Vanessa about the car to the Plaza.
"I missed that sharp tongue of yours," Sarki remarked, grinning at me.
"And I missed us actually leaving on time—oh wait, that literally never happened," I shot back.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Sarks. Did you sleep next to the Grinch last night?" I joked, grabbing my clutch from thesideboard and locking the suite behind us. Vanessa let out a soft laugh at the exchange.
"Is she always this... spirited?" Vanessa asked, watching as I instinctively rested a hand on her waist. Elisa caught the gesture, her knowing look saying more than words ever could.
"Sometimes she even gets a head start and waits for us at the finish line," Elisa answered, smiling as she draped an arm over her wife’s shoulder.
"That happened exactly once!" I defended myself, and we were all laughing by the time we reached the elevator.
We piled into the car, all four of us crowded into the back seat. I leaned in close to Vanessa, whispering that she looked absolutely breathtaking.
Once we were settled at the Plaza, Vanessa took the seat beside me, with Elisa directly across from her. I noticed them trading glances several times—brief, knowing looks that they then shared with Sarki as we reminisced about our college days. Our food had arrived, and we were already working our way through the third bottle of champagne.
"So, you're telling me that the Megan Woods was in a sorority and actually participated in fundraising car washes?" Vanessa asked, her eyes dancing with mischief.
I reached under the table, my hand finding her thigh and caressing the silk of her dress. I felt her knee shift in response, and I was almost certain that, beneath the white tablecloth, she and Elisa had their feet intertwined.
"Exactly. She was a natural at squeezing donations out of the sports teams," Sarki chimed in, raising her champagne flute in a mock toast. "All for charity, of course."
"And to disprove the rumors about the three of us," I added, gesturing between the two of them. They both broke into laughter, their eyes darting between me and Vanessa.
"What rumors, exactly?" Vanessa asked, arching an eyebrow as she took a delicate bite of her seafood risotto. Elisa reached across the table, her fingers briefly grazing Vanessa’s hand before she turned her gaze toward me.
"Let’s just say we’re friends who believe in sharing," Elisa explained smoothly. "Back in college, Sarki and Megs were caught with one of the models I was supposed to be dressing, while I was busy with one of the cheerleaders."
"In the same room?" Vanessa questioned, dabbing the corner of her mouth with a silk napkin.
"In the same room," Elisa confirmed, casting a playful look at her wife. "Someone... forgot to lock the door. Poor Megs had to work overtime pretending to be straight for the rest of the semester."
"It was easy for Elisa to surround herself with women—she was a fashion major," I countered, just as I felt Sarki’s foot brush against mine. I looked over and caught Elisa and Vanessa exchanging a charged look. "But yes, occasionally, we’ve been known to share."
"With one exception," Elisa interjected, her tone turning mock-serious. "I’m incredibly jealous of Sarki and Megs. They never kiss."
"Never," Sarki stated with exaggerated piety. "I’m a faithful wife."
"How fascinating." Vanessa’s amber eyes seemed heavy with an intoxicated glow. "So, do you have an open marriage?" she asked, her hand coming to rest firmly on my thigh.
