Everything about Bernice to that point had exuded confidence. The way she shook Cassie’s hand; her clothes and makeup, stylish, simple, and classic; and the unhurried way she spoke. But her final question hinted at an unexpected humility and genuine interest in the opinion of others. Cassie imagined it would be hard to stay in touch with everyday people when surrounded by such opulence and wealth. “I really do,” she said, with complete honesty though she might’ve lied even if she didn’t like it.
Andi draped her arm around Bernice’s shoulders and grinned. “My little demolition expert hit the explode button on the ugly place.”
“That must’ve been something,” Cassie said.
“It was strangely cathartic.” Bernice laughed as if the notion were absurd. “I had a bad experience there as a kid, and I never forgot it. Blowing it up was like decades-old payback.” She shrugged and waved her hand. “Anyway,” she gestured upward to another impressive ceiling display that moved like the room was slowly spinning, “if I hadn’t become a successful businesswoman, I would’ve become an astronaut. Here, I get the best of both worlds.”
Two waiters returned pushing carts of appetizers, which they carefully placed in the center of the large table. Silence alternated with small talk while everyone dug into the fabulously presented food. Cassie murmured her appreciation around mouthfuls of something delicious which she couldn’t remember the name of, and Taryn placed her hand on Cassie’s thigh.
“You’re not supposed to make sounds like that outside the bedroom,” Taryn whispered.
“You seemed to like the sounds I made in the car. And on the boat. And in the shower. And—”
“Okay, I get it. You know what I mean though. How am I supposed to keep my hands off you when you’re making noises like that?”
“You’re supposed to store it all up for when we do get to the bedroom. Or wherever.”
Taryn jutted her chin toward the restroom sign. “Andi says the bathroom stalls are bigger than the average hotel room. Maybe we could squeeze a little something in between courses?”
Cassie arched her eyebrow and enjoyed the instant visible effect it had on Taryn. She leaned close enough so that her lips brushed Taryn’s ear. “As desperate as I am to have you inside me, I’m sure your friends and family wouldn’t be impressed if we disappeared for half an hour. You’ll wait because you know I’m worth waiting for,” she whispered.
Taryn dragged her fingers along Cassie’s thigh before letting her go. “Dammit.”
Andi gave Taryn a shove. “I’d say get a room, but I think you’d take me up on it and leave us enjoying this bounty by ourselves.” She glared at Taryn. “Which would besorude.”
Taryn raised her hands. “We’re not going anywhere, I promise.”
Ralph clinked a knife against his glass. “Just in case the temptation becomes too great to resist,” he said and winked at Cassie, “and why wouldn’t it?”
Taryn grumbled. “You know I’m mentally punching you right now, don’t you?”
Ralph grinned. “I do, and I know why. But you have nothing to fear…anymore—”
Cassie ran her hand over Taryn’s cheek. “You have nothing to fear regardless.” She saw the historic wounded expression in Taryn’s eyes. “My interest lies only with you.”
Taryn took Cassie’s hand and kissed it. “Then we should hit the tables while lady luck is with me.”
Ralph tapped his glass louder. “Excuse me, lovers, I’m trying to say something important here.”
Andi laughed. “That’ll be a first.”
She and Taryn fist-bumped, and Cassie saw the understanding between them. Clearly Andi knew all about Taryn’s sensitivity when it came to Ralph and women.
Bernice placed her hand over Andi’s. “Come on, sweetheart, let the poor man speak. He’s terribly outnumbered and must be feeling rather overwhelmed.”
Cassie saw the knowing glance between Taryn and Andi. From what Taryn had said, there was no doubt Ralph was incredibly comfortable among so many women. As obvious as the quip was, Cassie assumed that neither of them said it out of respect for Jessica, the woman with Ralph, who’d barely said a word since Cassie and Taryn had joined the table.
“I’m perfectly happy, thanks, Bernice. But yeah, Taryn, let me speak!”
Taryn rolled her eyes and shrugged. “It better not be about family stuff.”
Cassie felt Taryn’s leg tense under her hand, and she squeezed gently. “I’m right here,” she whispered. Taryn half-smiled, clearly expecting the worst.
Ralph tilted his head slightly. “It is, and it isn’t.” He put out his hand when Taryn shot him a warning look. “It’s about new family, sis, don’t panic.” He looked at Jessica, his expression soft and caring. “You’re going to be an auntie. Jessica’s pregnant.”
“What?” Taryn’s mouth fell open.
Cassie waited for more words but when none were forthcoming, she filled in the gap. “Congratulations. That’s amazing.”
