Chapter 28
This party is fucking lit. There are only ten of us, but it feels like way more. Tammy came with her sister, who’s visiting, and I love that I got to meet her after hearing so much about her. Because the evening is happening here instead of some bar, Dakota and her wife came. It’s their first night out since the birth of their son, Helios. The six-week-old chubby chunk of adorableness is sleeping in a guest room, next to a baby monitor. Because she pumped beforehand, Dakota brought milk that sits in the fridge, and has been having a few margaritas. Mouly and a few other girls from the usual girls’ nights are here, too. As I suspected, Kate and Mason have really clicked, and I adore seeing it.
I ordered us all soft pink pajama sets—a button-down shirt and matching relaxed shorts—and we’re all wearing them. This isn’t the standard girls’ night, but rather a grown-up pajama party. And none of them is complaining. On the contrary, they all love getting an evening to pamper themselves and relax like we used to before adulthood hit us in the face with responsibilities and work.
Lex has mastered the art of the frozen margarita, and the blender he usually uses for protein shakes has finally found its purpose in life. When we’re out, I go fetch him wherever he’s hiding—usually his home office—and he kindly comes to refuel us. I’ve lost count of how many pitchers he made, but we’re drunk as hell. All but him. Per usual, he maintains his fervent control over himself, and maybe that’s for the best. We need him to stay clear-minded, so he can keep the drinks flowing. At some point, he must get tired of having to come back all the time, so he prepares the whole pitcher and leaves it in the freezer, ready for us anytime we need it.
In our defense, Mason came with a drinking card game, and things got out of control really fast. But at least we’re having fun, laughing, joking, and playing. And the whole time, we’re also doing face masks, and Mouly gave us a Gua Sha lesson, which we all put into practice.Tammy, who wanted to show off her braiding skills, is working on cornrows on Kate. It started off pretty good, but with every margarita she drank, it got sloppier. Now, I doubt she’ll finish Kate’s head. But that’s okay because Kate isn’t keeping them on, anyway.
I’m not sure how, but things eventually slowed down, and we’re now watchingThe Princess Diarieswhile doing our nails. That’s how Lex walks in on us: faces green with our masks, hair up with a cotton band, eyes absorbed by our childhood classic unfolding on the screen.
“Baby,” I greet him, dragging the word for way too long.
“Are you enjoying yourselves?”
“Yes, but you’re so far away.”
“I agree,” Mason concurs.
“I’m working in my office thirty feet away. It’s not that far.”
“Who works on a Saturday night?” Mace protests.
“My usual Saturday night activity is busy with her friends.”
Everyone reacts to that, the girls sending me entertained or envious side looks.
“I’m an every-night activity,” I correct, beaming with pride. Yes, my man’s obsessed with me. And me with him. I turn to Lex again and extend my hand. “Stay with us a little.”
“This isn’t really my speed,” he says, eyeing the screen where Anne Hathaway is stumbling across the forbidden lawn.
“Excuse me, sir,” Mason interrupts theatrically. “You have hands that can be manicured, and as perfect as your face might be, no one is above skincare. So no excuses, boss babe, you’re participating.”
To my surprise, Lex looks down at his nails and says, “I guess I can get my hands done.”
“I’ll paint your nails, baby.” I offer. “Like in the good old days.”
“And give him a facial, too,” Mace insists.
“Ooh, we’re switching it up for once,” I excitedly say.
Lex’s eyes go round with surprise as Mason chokes on air and a few of the girls gasp while Kate snorts. Oh, wow… Good thing we’re slowing down on the margs.
In a rush to backpedal, I hurriedly say, “We’re both way more into creampies, actually.”
“Andrea,” Lex mutters through gritted teeth.
“I meant you don’t give me that many facials.”
“Stop talking.”
Our guests are now giggling while Mace fans himself with his hand. Yeah, I’m done drinking for the night.
“Sorry,” I say to Lex with a wince.
He shakes his head, eyes on the ceiling, and comes to join us once everyone’s focused on the movie again.
“I really am sorry,” I whisper to him as he sits on the floor next to me. He doesn’t answer, offering me his hand to work on instead. “I’ll do your face mask first. That way it can dry.”
