The other women follow, gathering around me like I’ve always belonged there.
And just like that, the night shifts.
We end up at the bar, and for the first time since I walked into this room, I let myself breathe.
“Drinks!” Sienna announces.
“Pina coladas,” Ellie decides, like it’s not even a discussion.
We all agree immediately.
Minutes later, we’re holding glasses, the cold sweetness cutting through the tension still lingering in my chest.
Laughter comes easier here.
Real laughter.
Not the polished kind from earlier.
“I love your dress,” Ellie says, her eyes lighting up as she looks me over again. “Seriously, it’s stunning.”
“Right?” Vivian’s voice chimes in.
I smile, glancing down at it briefly.
“Timofey hired a designer for me,” I say. “For all my public appearances.”
That earns a collective squeal. Actual squealing. I blink, then laugh.
“Oh, he’s serious,” Raelyn says, leaning forward like this is the most important detail of the night. “Who is he? Because I need him in my life.”
“Matteo,” I reply, already smiling.
Her eyes widen. “Can I borrow him?”
The desperation in her tone makes me laugh harder.
“Yes,” I say easily. “Please take him. He’ll probably enjoy it.”
They all laugh at that.
Ellie leans in, nudging my arm lightly with hers.
“I can’t wait until Anton is dealt with so you can properly join us,” she says. “We do weekly girls’ nights. No men. No stress. Just us.”
“No kids,” Vivian adds pointedly. “I feel like that needs to be stressed.”
I groan softly, already imagining it.
“Yes, please. I need that in my life.”
“Trust me, you do,” Sienna adds with a grin. “And don’t worry—the men are already working on it.”
Something about that makes my smile pause for half a second.
Working on it.
Like I’m something to be handled.
