“Good evening, beautiful ladies,” he said in an over-the-top French accent. “Some refreshments, courtesy of ze chef.”
“Wow, what excellent service,” Ivy said. “I didn’t know you spoke French.”
“Oh, yes. Hablo bon francais.”
He set the tray down on the table with an exaggerated flourish, revealing artfully arranged Chinese food appetizers that were definitely from the Red Lantern, Summer’s family’s restaurant.
“Thanks, baby,” Olive said.
Easton leaned down and gave her a heated kiss. “Anything for you. Are you warm enough?”
“Toasty warm.”
He gave her one more kiss and headed back downstairs.
“Oohhh, fortune cookies,” I said, snagging one off the tray. “Summer, are you still writing these, or have you passed the torch to your brother?”
She flipped her hair. “As if anyone could live up to my fortunes.”
Ivy and Olive snagged cookies, too, and we cracked them open.
“The goats have read your diary. They know all,” Olive said.
“Well, that’s mysterious,” I said. “How did the goats learn to read?”
“Don’t ask questions,” Summer said with a wave. “I might have had a National Geographic show on in the background while writing these.”
“The hierarchy will collapse at brunch,” Ivy read out. “That sounds promising.”
I looked down at the small slip of paper in my hand. “Be open to new opportunities. You never know how the universe will surprise you.”
“Oh my gosh, a normal one,” Olive said. “It’s meant to be!”
Summer cleared her throat. “Turn it over.”
I snorted as I read the second part of the fortune. “The surprise will be meteors.”
Ivy snagged a dumpling with perfect chopstick form. “It’s actually meteorite.”
“Thanks, Ms.Winter,” Summer said dryly before fixing her eyes on me. “So…what are you going to do?”
I speared a dumpling straight through the middle with a chopstick, ignoring Summer’s distressed groan. “I guess I have to seize every moment before the meteorites take me out.”
“You’re going to speed dating?” she asked.
I bit my lip. “You know it’s the night before your grand opening.”
She dismissed my concern with a wave. “I’ll make sure to have plenty of caffeine on hand in case you have along, hardnight.”
Olive and Ivy burst out laughing, ignoring my narrowed eyes.
“Ugh, fine. I’ll do it. I’ll go.”
They cheered, and Blossom stuck her head out of the sling and squeaked.
“I’ll watch the baby for you tomorrow.” Ivy leaned over to scratch Blossom’s chin. “James will be thrilled to hang out with her.”
I guess I’m doing this.
