Page 25 of About That Pact

Like I said last night, mimosas never disappoint.

She took a sip, remembering their discussion about the top five best things in life. It was a quick response for her. Easily, the five best things were family and friends, a good book, being able to leave the office before six, tickets to the orchestra, and a mimosa. Rafe said her answers were the epitome of disappointment because she didn’t have sex on her list. She explained it was different for women. Not every time was great, but a mimosa was perfect every time. It was like pizza. The only reason pizza hadn’t made her list was because she could only pick five things.

He texted her back. And like I said, you’re not having sex with the right person if sex doesn’t make your list.

“What are we so happy about this morning?” Jada asked as she sat in an empty chair.

With a grin, Charlotte lifted her glass. “Mimosas and their consistency in life.”

“Should I be concerned?”

“Concerned about what?” Rachel asked when she joined them, sitting in the other empty seat. “Is Char talking shit because I’m, like, a smidge late?”

Jada handed her a drink. “Actually, she was having a moment with her phone. She didn’t mention anything about either of us being late.”

“But now that you mention it…” Charlotte saw on her watch it was eleven-twenty. “Why are you both late?”

Jada pulled her phone out and showed them a picture of the most beautiful baby girl. “Tanesha had her baby last night! Her and Marcus named her Ina, which means light. I was at visiting hours last night and this morning. I cannot get enough of my little niece.”

“I can’t believe your sister had her baby. I feel like she just found out she was pregnant,” Charlotte said, gushing over the baby pictures of Ina.

“I am a proud aunt. I wanted to tell you guys here, not through text. I ended up snuggling the baby as soon as my sister handed her to me, so I lost track of time. That’s why I’m late,” Jada explained. “Rach, what’s your excuse?”

“I woke up late at Mitch’s house, ran home to change so I didn’t walk-of-shame it to brunch, then came straight here.”

“Who’s Mitch?” Charlotte made a face at the mention of a new man.

“And did you literally have to run? I hope you weren’t wearing heels.” Jada giggled, sipping on her drink.

Rachel drummed her fingers on the table like she was bored. “Mitch is a guy I met a couple weeks ago. I didn’t say anything because it isn’t serious. And I ran, literally, out of his house because he started the where is this going conversation. Luckily, I was wearing sandals. He’s nice and all, but not someone I like enough to date.”

“But nice enough to sleep with?” Charlotte sipped her mimosa while trying to wrap her head around her friend’s logic.

“Don’t.” Rachel lifted her hand to stop any more negative comments. “Like all of us, my biggest concern is my career. I want to make partner, not marriage. I thought Mitch would be a casual man to date who was on the same page as me when we met at a networking event.”

Charlotte has yet to attend any work function and leave with a man. “What type of networking events are you attending?”

“The ones where you can find someone to have sex with apparently,” Jada chimed in, her voice low in an attempt to be discreet in the quiet restaurant.

Rachel played with a strand of her hair while she answered. “My amazing personality made him want to lock it down and be exclusive. I had to remind him that was a no go and then I left. Enough about me talking about someone who is no longer an active participant in my life.”

“Harsh,” Charlotte said.

“I can’t believe you were sleeping with someone and we had no idea,” Jada added.

While her friends debated their love lives…or more like sex lives, Charlotte checked her phone. She had another text from Rafe.

Who puts books, mimosas, leaving work early, and the orchestra before sex? Family and friends, I get that, but books over sex? I’m concerned for you.

“Why are you smiling at your phone?” Rachel asked.

Jada nodded at Charlotte. “I told you something was going on. This was what she looked like when I showed up.”

“Nothing is going.” Charlotte played casual, but didn’t make eye contact with her friends. The host stand became much more interesting. “I went to a party last night with Rafe. His friends are great. I had fun.”

Rachel grabbed a fort and tapped it against her glass to get Charlotte’s attention. “We need more detail.”

There was a minute of silence as their waitress brought out their brunch. Despite how delicious the food smelled, there was no way the silence wouldn’t last long. Not with her friends.