Salem glanced at her cell phone that rested on the table. “What if we put in the order? So it comes out by the time they show up.”
Hadley sighed. “Fine. I’ll enable you. Yeah, we’ll put in an order for the ribs and meat combo platter.”
“All the sides,” Salem added, placing a hand on her belly. “For the kid.”
Wade shook his head and grinned. “Tell yourself whatever you need to.”
“Extra potato salad,” Salem said. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing this right.”
“Got it. Another beer, Poet?” he asked.
Nodding, I reached for my half-empty pint and took three huge swallows of the brew, nearly finishing it off.
“Good girl,” Salem said with a wide smile.
“That doesn’t sound nearly as good coming from you as it does from Brooks,” I murmured.
My friends—and Wade—stilled.
Hadley’s smile was slow.
“I said that out loud, didn’t I?” I asked. “Sorry, it’s the beer.”
“Damn right it’s the beer. It’s 8 percent alcohol,” Wade said with a laugh. He turned and left the table, leaving me alone with two of my best friends.
“Finally,” Salem said. “We’re getting to the good stuff!”
“Oh no, we arenottalking about it,” I said.
“Why not?” Salem demanded.
“We’re in public, for one,” I replied. “And two, you two don’t talk about your men in that regard. So why should I talk about mine?”
Hadley pointed to her belly. “You really think I need to say anything?”
“Ditto.” Salem rubbed her stomach. “But you, sweet little angel, are different.”
“Because I was a virgin a few days ago and now I’m not?” I sassed.
The table behind us went quiet.
“Son of a bitch,” I muttered.
“Yeah, maybe we shelf this for another time,” Hadley said. “Like the baby shower when Wyn is here. Besides, she’ll be so upset if she misses this.”
“Make a note to spike Poet’s drink,” Salem said. “She’s always loose-lipped when she drinks.”
I slid out of the booth.
“Where are you going?” Hadley asked.
“Changing the music.”
I was standing in front of the vintage jukebox, perusing through albums when I felt arms wrap around me from behind. I stiffened for a moment before recognizing Brooks’ scent and breadth. I melted into his embrace.
He rested his chin on my shoulder. “You smell like vanilla extract.”
I turned my head and met his mouth with mine. “I was baking earlier. You didn’t see the banana bread cooling on the stove?”
