Page 20 of Happily Ever After

“Thank you,” Paige said.

Cece gave her a reassuring smile.

“When the episode airs,” Paige went on. “There won’t be anything left for Darcy to use against me. Her leverage will be gone.”

The table stayed quiet for a few seconds longer. Then Essie reached for Paige’s hand. “You need anything, we’re here. You know that.”

Paige nodded. “I do. And for that, I am very grateful.”

With pride, Cece watched the way the group closed in around Paige, showing their support for her with soft words, understanding glances, and little nods of reassurance.

Cece took a sip of her coffee, the warmth familiar and grounding. Impulsively, she lifted her cup. “Here’s to the Queen Bees!”

When everyone looked at her, she elaborated. “For being there for each other. For telling the truth. And for always having each other’s backs.”

Without any hesitation, five more coffee cups and water glasses rose into the air around the table.

“To the Queen Bees,” Essie said.

“Hear, hear,” Blaise added.

Althea smiled as she inclined her mug. “Always.”

Paige grinned at them, her gaze bright with appreciation. “I love you all.”

They drank, the moment simple and complete.

Cece hadn’t meant to end the gathering but after that, chairs were pushed back and everyone started to get up. Maude began stacking plates. Essie took a few things into the kitchen and got the faucet running.

Soon, Cece found herself beside Paige at the counter, loading things into the dishwasher while Blaise carried the fruit bowl in. It was mostly empty.

Cece washed her hands at the sink. She glanced over her shoulder at the women behind her. “I’ll send a text when the episode’s live.”

Paige nodded. “Don’t rush on my account. Take whatever time you need.”

“Thanks.” Cece appreciated that more than she said.

Maude wrapped the bowl of leftover fruit and slid it into the refrigerator. Essie wiped down the table. Blaise turned off the coffee maker. Althea gathered her things with deliberate care, pausing to thank Essie again for breakfast.

One by one, they exchanged hugs and drifted toward the door. They’d see each other again Thursday for book club. Which might include Gigi.

Cece gave Maple one last pet, grabbed her bag and headed out as well, helping Althea into the cart.

The drive home was short after dropping Althea off. Cece felt a familiar shift as she pulled into her own driveway. From social to work. It was time to focus. Time to make Paige’s interview as polished and flawless as it could be.

She went inside and greeted Peanut, who was, unsurprisingly, sleeping in the sun. Then she got herself a glass of water and headed into her studio. She powered up her laptop, opened the audio file, and put her headphones on.

Paige’s voice filled her ears, as clear and steady as if she was in the room.

Cece got to work, already looking forward to the text she’d send later. She smiled to herself as she adjusted one of the sound levels.

Paige had done the hard part. What Cece was doing was just the icing on the cake.

That, and making sure the truth was heard.

Chapter Nine

Once the last golf cart pulled away, Essie stood in the quiet kitchen and took a breath.