“Did you not want me to?” he teased.
“I didn’t say that.”
“I have an early appointment tomorrow, and your place is closer than mine.”
“No, it’s not. If you missed me already, you could have just said that,” she teased.
Elias pulled her into his chest and dropped a kiss on her lips. “I missed you,” he told her. “Come on. Come shower with me, and we’ll watch a couple of episodes of that show we started.”
Eri let him lead her to the bedroom. Well aware that they probably wouldn’t get through half an episode before they were occupying the rest of the night with each other.
36
Eri pulled away from the house as Avian settled in the passenger seat. They were headed to brunch, and she’d volunteered to drive the two of them.
“I’m surprised you weren’t running late,” Eri teased, remembering the last time they’d gone to brunch, her friend had gotten preoccupied with her husband, and they’d been forty-five minutes late meeting Nesiah. “Marco kept his hands to himself this morning, I see.”
“You aren’t one to talk. I’m surprised you were on time,” Avian jested back.
“Why wouldn’t I be? Elias and I don’t live together, so the chances of my being late are far slimmer than yours.”
“You might as well. You’re at each other’s places at least four times a week.”
She had a point. They spent the night at each other’s house several times a week, to the point they each had things at the other’s place, but Eri still enjoyed her days alone, where she could be by herself, and she was sure he did, too.
They made their way through traffic to their favorite brunch spot. When they pulled into the parking lot, they spotted Nesiah’s car and pulled into a space a few down from it. They met the other woman at the front of the restaurant and decided to wait outside for Romi to arrive. When she approached them a few minutes later, Eri introduced her to Nesiah, and the four entered the restaurant.
Once they were seated, Avian ordered two pitchers of mimosas, and they looked at their menus while they waited. The server returned with their pitchers and glasses and took their orders. When they were left alone again, Eri filled everyone’s glasses while Romi struck up a conversation.
“So, Avian, what sort of dances are you teaching this coming week, and is it too late for me to join the class?”
“This week’s routines are more about cardio. Still sexy, but a bit of a workout, and they’re all full. But next week I’m teaching another prop class since they enjoyed the last one so much, and I have a few spots left open.”
“Prop class?” Romi asked.
“When you use an object, or in the case of the upcoming class, a person as a prop,” Avian explained.
“Ooh! That sounds exciting. Sign me up,” Romi replied. “And how’s married life treating you?”
“It’s good. Better than good. I never pictured myself getting married this soon in life. Then again, my life was mapped out for me at first, but now, I wouldn’t change anything. I’m enjoying my life, and he makes me extremely happy.”
“Doesn’t hurt that he looks like mythical gods crafted him,” Romi teased.
Avian laughed. “A definite plus.”
“Nesiah, Eri said you’re a tattoo artist, too. That’s cool. How’d that come about?” Romi asked.
Eri took a sip of her drink as Nesiah contemplated the question. If Eri had learned anything in her time knowing Romi, it was that the other woman could hold a conversation with just about anyone, and she always seemed genuinely interested when speaking to someone. It was how the two of them became friends during Eri’s freshman year.
“Honestly, I wanted to do something that allowed me to work when I wanted to and express my creativity. It was a plus that it seemed to irritate my dad,” Nesiah said.
“I admire those who are creative and can draw,” Romi responded.
“You’re creative,” Eri pointed out. They wouldn’t be successful in their chosen career paths if they weren’t.
“True, but if I ever had to draw anything, it would look like something from a toddler that my mom should put on the fridge.” The table shared a laugh before Romi continued. “But being a tattoo artist means someone is skilled with their hands.” She looked between Eri and Avian. “You two are lucky ladies,” she informed, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Yes, we are,” Eri agreed.
