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Friday night, while the guys are in the gym doing their fight night thing, Allora, Courtney, Bobbi, and I go into Temecula for dinner. Since Courtney, Allora, and I are already so close, we’ve felt a bit guilty that we haven’t included the other wives in our girls’ nights, so we invited them this time. Delilah is out of town and Lana had a client emergency, but Bobbi was available, so it’s just the four of us.
“I love my babies,” Courtney says as we order drinks. “But I really need some down time. The whole pumping and feeding and changing diapers thing is exhausting.”
“At least you have a man who helps,” Bobbi says. She’s a petite blonde with a shy smile and big blue eyes. “My first husband, before Ron, never did anything at all.”
Courtney grimaces. “I’m married to a literal prince, full-on royalty, and he does everything for the kids. His cousin, the king, also changed diapers and did all the things when Prince Levi was born.”
“I can’t imagine choosing a man who isn’t going to help you,” Allora says thoughtfully. “I’ve dated a lot of jerks, but I knew they weren’t going to be good partners. I guess that’s why it didn’t work out with any of those guys.”
“I think there’s something to be said for finding the right guy at the right time,” Bobbi says thoughtfully. “Ron and I knew each other in high school but that wasn’t the right time. When I ran into him in San Diego, after my divorce, everything fell into place.”
“Same with Daniil and me,” Courtney says. “He was always into me but I was scared. I mean, why would an honest-to-goodness prince want a regular girl like me?”
“That’s how I feel right now,” I admit quietly, toying with my drink. “Like, what does Rage see in me? He could have anyone.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” Allora says immediately.
“It’s not that there’s something wrong, it’s just…” I fiddle with the glass some more. “Look, I’m not just a tall woman, I’m overweight. By a lot. Add in my genius IQ and it can be too much. Most men are intimidated by strong, tall women. And I’d venture to say a majority of them are turned off by fat ones.”
“That’s their loss,” Courtney says softly.
“Maybe,” I agree, “but that doesn’t make it hurt less when you get rejected.”
“But Rage didn’t reject you,” Allora says. “And you guys are legit dating, right? I think it’s pretty clear that he’s into you.”
“I’m slowly starting to believe that.”
“How long have you been dating?” Bobbi asks curiously.
“Like five minutes,” I say with a laugh.
“But you haven’t slept together yet?” Courtney asks.
“No, but there was an epic orgasm in the storeroom the other day.”
Bobbi’s eyes go wide and Allora snickers while Courtney just grimaces.
“Please don’t give anyone ideas,” she says. “People will be fucking all over headquarters.”
We all dissolve into giggles.
“I could think of worse things,” Bobbi says solemnly.
“We should start a pool for how long it’ll take Luna to get pregnant,” Allora teases.
“Well, I have PMOS so it might take a really long time,” I admit.
“It’s going to take even longer if you don’t actually start having sex,” Courtney points out.
“We’ve been taking our time, getting to know each other first, but believe me, it’s coming. We’re both off Sunday so he’s coming over for dinner and…dessert.” I wiggle my eyebrows playfully.
“That’s smart,” Allora agrees. “Both taking your time and spending time together. But he’s a great guy.”
“I’ve known him twenty years,” Courtney says, “and he’s an amazing human being. Honestly, I thought sure he would settle down before Landon. My brother was such a confirmed bachelor.”
“I think it was luck and forced proximity,” Allora says thoughtfully. “I don’t know that this thing between us would have happened without it.”
“Rage told me he’s had a crush on me for a long time,” I tell them. “And obviously, how could any single, red-blooded woman not have a crush on him?”
