"No horror," Eve cuts in. "She doesn't need pregnancy nightmares."
Lita sulks. "Fine. Extremely weird foreign cinema it is."
The planning spins out from there—who's bringing what, whether we need nail polish and face masks, what foods and snacks everyone will be bringing—but I'm only half-listening. The rest of me is here in a different way. Soaking in every moment. This feeling. This lovely afternoon with these beautiful women I’m so fortunate to call my friends.
"I love you guys," I blurt out, my voice thick, my eyes burning. "All of you. I just… I need you all to know that."
Lita looks at me and groans. "Oh, for fuck’s sake, girl. Are you crying again?"
"Hormones." I laugh, swiping at my damp cheeks. "I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Blame the hormones."
"Get used to it." Tasha's grin goes knowing. "The crying doesn't stop. It doesn't stop once the baby's born, either. You've got about eighteen years of this ahead of you."
Everyone laughs. There are tears, not only mine. Eve passes me a napkin while Kat squeezes my hand. The meal comes and goes in a warm blur. Incredible food, plates shared across the table, conversation and giggles punctuating the time we spend together.
A familiar voice cuts through the dining room, warm, Australian, threaded with charm. GC’s eponymous owner, Gavin Castille, appears at our table before we’re finished. The handsome celebrity chef never misses an opportunity to angle for compliments with his famous brand of charming arrogance.
"Speaking of kitchens," Tasha says, eyeing Gavin with something competitive. "Your chef should watch out. We've got some serious talent at Vendange these days."
Gavin's tawny brow lifts. "Is that so?"
Tasha nods. "Isla Shaw. Weekend dinner receipts have nearly tripled since she took over. She's been in here a few times, actually. Scoping the competition."
"Has she." Intrigue sharpens Gavin's expression. When he speaks, his accent deepens with challenge. "Tell her not to hide next time she comes. I'd be happy to offer a few lessons. Unless she’s afraid to take me on face to face."
"I'll tell her you said that." Tasha's smile goes wicked. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
He excuses himself with a grin and a light touch on my shoulder. Once we’re alone again, Eve leans forward and asks about my dress for tonight’s gala. The Chelsea rec center event is the only reason Nick and I didn’t extend our stay in Key Largo. I hadn’t been looking forward to it before, but all of the relaxation and time away from the city has given me new energy. Now, I’m excited for the fundraising gala to benefit the arts wing Nick built for kids who need it most.
“I’m going with the dark blue Valentino,” I tell her. “The one you helped me find.”
Eve nods, giving me a look of enthusiastic approval. “Perfect choice. It looks amazing on you.”
The lunch winds toward its end. We exchange hugs at the table, make plans to talk more about the bachelorette party, then gather our things and all head outside to the crisp October afternoon.
Tasha holds me longest, her mouth close to my ear. "I'm so happy for you. For both of you. Nick’s a good man, Avery. And he’s damn lucky to have you." She gently touches her finger to my belly. “I can’t wait to meet you, little one.”
I laugh softly, warmed by her care and friendship. “You’re going to be an auntie.”
Tears spring to her dark eyes. “Don’t get me started, girl. I’m still hormonal too.”
Eve and Kat wave as they climb into their rideshare, while Lita shouts her goodbye before heading for the subway station.
“Want a ride back to Vendange?” I ask Tasha, indicating my car parked at the VIP valet section at the curb.
“Nah, it’s not far. Besides, I need to walk off some of Gavin’s cooking.”
We laugh together and she pulls me into another fierce embrace. “Have fun at the gala tonight. Call me.”
“I will. I love you, Tasha.”
“Right back at you, girl.”
I watch her walk away, my heart lighter than it’s been in ages. Then I go to my waiting car and head toward home with my friends' love wrapped around me like armor, and the secret of what Nick and I have already become to each other burning quiet and bright beneath it all.
30
AVERY
