I smile back at her. “We’re so there.”
The conversation shifts as we finish our salads, our mimosas, and argue over who gets the last fry. The server comes over to clear the table and refills our waters, not the mimosas.
Nicole leans back in her chair, giving me that look that says I’m about to be the center of attention. And I know exactly what it’s going to be about.
“So,” she says casually, a smirk toying with her lips. “You never did tell us about the gala.”
“Oh yes,” Ellie says eagerly, leaning forward in her seat as she sips her water. “You must tell us everything.”
“I mean… there’s no law that says I have to.”
“Oh, please,” Ellie rolls her eyes. “Only the first rule of best friendship says that.”
“Come on,” Nicole presses, raising her eyebrows. “You’re the only one dating a swanky, professional athlete. Indulge in our fantasies, babe.”
An exasperated sigh escapes me. “You two are so annoying.”
“You love us,” Nicole retorts.
“Spill,” Ellie says at the same time, swirling her straw in her water, creating a cyclone shape with her ice cubes.
“The gala was great.” I tuck my hair behind my ears. “It was a masquerade ball, which I didn’t realize until we got there. The venue was amazing, the food and drinks were so good, and it was just a lot of fun.”
Nicole raises an eyebrow. “What a generic answer.”
“There was an annual charity auction where they auctioned off a ‘date’ with the players, but really it’s just for time spent with them doing something they both agree to.”
Ellie’s face lights up. “Did you partake in the auction?”
“I did.” I smirk, the façade of coolness finally breaking. “I bid on Matteo and won.”
“My girl,” Nicole smiles with satisfaction, nodding her head. “What are you guys going to do, since you won?”
Heat creeps up my neck. “Ah, well.” I pause, swallowing. “We already did something.”
Ellie raises her eyebrows, eyes wide and eating up every tidbit of that night I’m giving them. “Do tell.”
“It was a spur of the moment thing.”
Nicole tilts her head to the side. “Yeah? The suspense is killing me.”
“Um, well… we had sex in the coat closet during the auction.”
Nicole spits her water out and Ellie’s jaw drops. “Shut the fuck up,” Ellie laughs in disbelief.
“Oh my god,” Nicole says, her eyes wide. “Like in the middle of the gala?”
I smile sheepishly, my cheeks burning. “Yeah.”
“That’s so hot,” Ellie says, fanning herself dramatically. “Did anyone try to come into the closet?”
“No,” I admit, breathing a sigh of relief. “That would have been horrific.”
“Could you imagine?” Nicole laughs, shaking her head. “Thank God no one saw you guys.”
“I know,” I chuckle, sucking in a deep breath as I push the memory of last weekend from my mind. “It wasn’t exactly planned, but it was definitely worth the risk.”
“I’d say so,” Nicole smiles.
