Ari laughed."And me, but I'm not going with a running total even for you.I've had too much wine for that."
Libby laughed."Thanks.I was already trying to figure out what number I'd be and couldn't count past three."
"Let's just say we all love each other," said Retta."And you have no idea how happy it makes me to say that.I never thought I'd have a group of friends like you ladies."
"Um, you say that every time," Ari teased."At some point you'll get used to the fact that you have us, and that we all used to feel the same way."She looked around at them."You ladies are a blessing."She rolled her eyes."And if I'm getting mushy, then you know I've had one glass of wine too many.What do we say?Is it time to make the call?"
Harper was surprised when everyone turned to look at her.It was hardly her decision.But then she realized they'd only glanced before checking in with each other.
"I'm ready to call it a night," said Candy."But I'm always the party pooper."
"I'm ready to go," said Libby."How about you, Harper?"
"Yep, I'll be happy to get home to bed."She gave Libby and Ari a puzzled look when they snickered, but neither of them responded.They were both too busy sending texts.
Harper sighed before draining the last of her wine.She supposed she could text Emmett just to say hi.But that was probably a bad idea.He might be asleep by now.She didn't need to text Cash.Libby would take care of that.So she sat and waited.
Once they were done, their server came to deliver the receipt, and Harper's heart fell.She was used to dividing the check and paying her share, but it turned out that the guys took turns footing the bill for their evening.And so far, she hadn't managed to persuade any of them to accept her money.
Next time, she was going to ask the server as soon as they arrived to bring the check straight to her at the end of the evening.
"What are you looking so mad about?"Candy asked.
"Just that I forgot to ask for the check before anyone else could get it.I'm going to do that next time."
The others just smiled at her."Relax, it's what the guys like to do," said Ari."It took us a while to get used to it in the beginning, too.But if they want to, they can."
Harper nodded.She didn't want to point out that she was the odd man out.
Shelley leaned in on her other side."What do you think?Want to indulge our age-old ritual before we go?"
That made her laugh.She and Shelley had been sneaking off to the bathroom together ever since college.
"Yeah, I should probably go before we leave.It'll be a while before I get home, since Cash has to drop Libby in town before we head back to Jim's place."
"What?"she asked, when she noticed the others were watching her and Shelley get up."We're not keeping secrets again, I promise.Just paying a quick visit before we leave."From the way the others smiled back at her, it seemed to Harper that they had secrets of their own.But that was fair enough.She could understand it.
Before they came out of the ladies' room, Shelley leaned in to give her a hug."I had a really good time tonight.Did you?"
"Yeah, I did," Harper said with a laugh."Are you a little the worse for wear?"
"No," said Shelley."Well, probably.But it's not that.It's just, this is a really good night, Harper.I want us to remember it for always."
Harper chuckled.It had been a lovely evening, but she figured Shelley was just being sentimental.
As they started to make their way back to the table, she frowned when she saw that the others were no longer sitting there.She checked over at the bar, but they weren't there either.She was a little surprised to see Ari disappearing out the door.
"Well, damn.The guys must have called to say they're here.They've gone without us.Look."
Shelley really must have had one too many.She didn't look bothered in the least.Instead, she grinned and said, "I'm sure it'll all work out wonderfully.Come on, let's get our coats."
When they got outside, there was no sign of the others, and she looked around in confusion.Her breath caught in her chest when she saw a black Suburban pulling out of the parking lot.
"Shelley, did you just see what I just saw?Tell me that wasn't Cash leaving without me."
Shelley grinned."I don't think I can tell you that."
Harper looked around."Well, how the hell am I supposed to get home now, then?"She made a face."Do you think Trip would mind if I catch a ride with you guys?It's a long way out of your way, though.Do you think he'd mind if I slept in one of your spare rooms?"
