“Oh my God, theparty. That was weeks ago and you still haven’t told me what happened,” Margo said, turning back to her sister. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve been avoiding the topic. Did you sleep with him? No judgments, pregnant lady just catching up over here.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “No, I didn’t sleep with him.”
“You’ve kissed, though.”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“And it was good. He’s fun.” Emma’s eyes darted around the restaurant. “He’s very…”
“Very?” Margo repeated, leaning forward with her eyes wide, on the edge of her seat.
Emma laughed. “Oh my God, Margo.Youshould date him.”
“Oh, stop it. I’m an old, knocked-up married woman. Let me live vicariously through you. Details please!”
Nadine laughed and almost spit her mimosa across the table.
“We had one very hot and heavy make-out session and then… I don’t know. He’s definitely smooth, and exciting… and gorgeous…” Emma shrugged. “But…”
“There’s a ‘but’?” her sister replied, incredulous. “Emma. He’s a catch. We all like him. He’s an adult with goals, and I can see a future there. Just give him a chance.”
The waiter appeared with their lunch orders—grilled chicken salads for Emma and Nadine and a double cheeseburger for Margo—as her sister waxed on about Montgomery Knox and all his virtues: his career, his ambition, his looks. It was true, he had all those things. Yet, as Margo talked, Emma realized she didn’t think about any of it when she was away from him. In fact, she barely thought of him at all.
“And…” her sister continued. “You’re neighbors!”
“Are you done?” Emma asked.
“How’s George?” Nadine chimed in abruptly.
“Knightley?” Emma hesitated, poking her salad. She didn’t want to admit that she’d barely seen him since New Year’s. It was almost like he was avoiding her, but she pushed that notion aside before it could take root. “Ah, I guess he’s fine.”
“I still can’t believe he came to the New Year’s party,” Margo said, laughing.
“He seemed to have a great time, too. Didn’t he have fun, Emma?” Nadine asked, her expression eager.
“I… think so,” Emma said, her gaze darting to the windows. “He seemed… good.”
The night flashed through her brain in a series of snapshots: the dance, the almost kiss, the look—God, the look he gave her just before he walked away. Her sister and friend watched her, waiting for her to say more, but she only lifted up her glass and took a long sip.
“He was all dressed up and he seemed like he made an effort to be there,” Nadine continued, still watching Emma. “He looked so good, don’t you think?”
Margo seemed to consider for a moment. “Do we like this Davina Sundar woman?”
Nadine and Emma hummed, nodding their heads in unison.
“Interesting,” Margo replied. “Well, it’s about time he brought around a date. This must be serious, right?”
Emma and Nadine only stared at her.
Margo rolled her eyes. “Come on, ladies, are they together? Please tell me you know something useful.”
“I’m not sure it’sthatserious,” Emma said.
“Probably not exclusive,” Nadine offered.
“But she’s lovely,” Emma added.
