Maggie gives her a look. "The grapes are fine. The brownies are not." She sets the tray down with a flourish. "James says if he hears screaming upstairs that is not horror-movie related, he's not coming to investigate. Those are girl screams. He does not get involved in girl screams."
Candace snorts into her sleeve. Frankie cackles.
Maggie's gaze softens on Candace. "You need anything, baby, you yell. I'll be right down the hall."
"I'm good. Thanks, Mags."
Maggie kisses the top of her head like she has every right, then pats my shoulder on the way out. "You too, mouse. No all-nighters. Sleep is medicine."
"Yes, ma'am."
Ruby waits until the door clicks shut, then leans toward me, eyes gleaming. "So. Will your husband survive being away fromyou for one entire evening, or will he wither away like a Victorian heroine?"
My phone buzzes. I pull it out.
Knox: You at the clubhouse yet?
Me: Yes.
Three dots pop up immediately.
Knox: Send proof.
I roll my eyes and flip the camera, snapping a picture of my socked feet surrounded by blankets and half-eaten fries. Send.
Ruby throws herself across the bed dramatically. "Tell him if he's so desperate he can come braid our hair and paint our nails. I have glitter polish with his name on it."
"He'd do it," Candace says quietly, picking at her sleeve. "You know he would."
"She's right," Frankie murmurs. "Men who worship their wives will do crimes for them. Nail polish is nothing."
My face warms. Another text.
Knox: Cute socks. I like you better without them.
Heat curls low in my stomach. I type back before my brain can catch up.
Me: You're supposed to be with Malachi. Club stuff.
Knox: We're done. Malachi sent me home because the girls took over his room like it's a sorority annex. I wasn't allowed to argue.
"Is that Knox?" Ruby demands.
"He says Malachi kicked him out."
Ruby grins, viciously pleased. "Good. King Growly can sleep in the guest room for once. This room is ours now."
Candace blushes under her freckles. "It's still his room."
"Temporarily annexed," Frankie says. "For sacred feminine rituals and talking shit."
Another buzz.
Knox: You staying the night?
My fingers hesitate.
Me: Probably.
