I walked over to the full-length mirror, holding the dress against me. “Where does a man who owns three restaurant brands take someone on a first date?”
“Fuck if I know.”
I laughed. “Same.”
“He hasn’t given you any clues?”
I turned, observing the dress from different angles, and even though it wasn’t on my body yet, I was satisfied with my reflection. “Not a single one.”
“You know … I like that.”
I did too. There was something so sexy about the element of surprise and the domination it took to make it happen.
“What are your plans for the night?” I asked.
“The guys and I are going out.”
I set the dress on one of the extended hooks in my closet and opened my jewelry drawer. “All of you?”
“Even Troy. He flew in for the weekend.”
“Oh, yes, I remember him telling me those plans.” I took out a pair of earrings and a bracelet that would pair well with the outfit. “Tell everyone I love and miss them.”
“Why don’t you come visit soon, and you can tell them yourself?” I could hear his smile, hoping I would agree to his request.
“I can’t go anywhere until I know my fate at the firm.”
“Still no word about that?”
My eyes closed, and my head tilted back. “I don’t expect to hear anything until Monday.”
“You’ll let me know?”
“Of course.”
“Have a good time tonight.” He laughed. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
I rolled my eyes. “Love you. Bye.”
“Mommy!”
I stood in my kitchen, one hand holding the phone to my ear, the other clinging to the thin stem of a wineglass. I’d only poured a little bit of red, just enough to ease some of the edge off. I shouldn’t be nervous about this evening, but I was.
“Hi, baby. Are you having the best time at Ellie’s house?”
I had dropped Abbi off several hours ago, giving me enough time to come home, attempt to relax, and get ready. Since she was only four years old and didn’t have a phone, I gave her my personal cell and called her from my work line. Colson’s nannywas keeping an eye on Abbi’s phone and had texted me several times already to update me on the girls.
“The very best, Mommy! And guess what. Me and Ellie made unicorn frosting. It’s like every color of the rainbow, plus glitter, and everything is sparkly and pretty. And we ate some! On a cookie!”
I took a sip and said, “I’m glad you’re having so much fun, baby. How was dinner?”
“We made homemade pizza, and Michelle let me sprinkle the cheese.”
I could envision her big blue eyes widening as she told me this, the large grin on her face, how her perfect, chunky lips spread over her baby teeth—lips I would forever be jealous of.
“Remember, if you need me at any point, Michelle will help you call me on the phone. Okay?”
“I know, Mommy!”
