“I’ll do my best.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” She patted my leg, flashing her winning smile.
“You think you’re so funny!” I tickled her side.
“Stop or I’ll pee!”
I heeded her advice, not wanting to replace the SUV’s leather seat.
“Actually, can you pull over? I really do need to pee.”
I checked out the digital clock on the dash. “Twenty-one minutes since you last went. A new record.”
“Now who thinks they’re so funny? Why don’t you try being pregnant?”
“Not a chance in hell. Have you taken a good look at your swollen feet lately?”
Sarah turned to me and gave me a death stare. I smiled sweetly back at her.
***
“Sarah, you look lovely.” Maddie stood and helped my wife to her seat, nodding hello to me.
It was strange seeing Maddie so well behaved.
She turned to the woman sitting to Sarah’s left. “This is Courtney.”
The woman tipped her head as if she was the Queen of England. I had to admit, though, she was a fucking knockout. The line from Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus came to mind. “Was this the face that launch’d a thousand ships?” Honey-colored locks were piled on top of her head in a haphazard way, perfectly so. Her complexion was flawless; her eyes the textbook definition of sea green on a stormy day. Courtney’s low-cut blouse allowed more than a glimpse of her goodies. No wonder Kit had wanted her as a trophy wife—no one would ever question why he was marrying such a divine creature. Was she all looks and no substance? A quick examination of her cunning eyes answered that question.
Did she know she was the whole package? The hand she put out in greeting screamed, “Hell yes, I know it!”
“Court, I’d like you to meet Sarah and Lizzie.”
We both smiled, but I knew Sarah’s welcoming look held much more warmth. Courtney’s eyes flickered to mine and then landed on Sarah’s, staying put. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
Sarah blushed under Courtney’s intense stare. “Likewise, I’m sure.”
Was this woman serious? Ogling my pregnant wife while I sat at the table?
Wide-eyed, Maddie soaked in her presence like she was sitting before a statue created by Michelangelo. I wanted to say, “Fasten your seat belts, ladies. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
Maybe, for once, I wouldn’t be the one making a complete ass out of myself. Perhaps I would take a shine to Courtney for that reason alone. Then again, Maddie was one of my dearest friends. She teased me mercilessly, though, and paybacks could be a bitch. The only downside was that if Courtney was a player, like I’d already assumed, she wouldn’t be in the picture long enough to give me much of a reprieve.
I unfolded an oversized red-and-white checkered linen napkin in my lap. “I’ve never been here. What’s good?”
Courtney turned her head like she was on a runway. “The question is: what isn’t good here?” Her words and posture dripped with confidence.
“Wow,” I stated, responding to her demeanor rather than her claims about the restaurant.
She smiled at my answer, obviously thinking I was impressed with the joint. Let her think that.
Sarah’s swift kick under the table informed me I hadn’t gotten away with it completely. Maddie, though, rested her chin on her palm, gazing at Helen of Troy—er, Courtney.
“May I be so bold as to order for the table?” the she-devil asked.
“By all means,” replied Sarah.
Maddie nodded, speechless.
I swallowed. It wasn’t a secret I wasn’t the most daring diner. However, the fact that we were in a BBQ joint buoyed my nerves. Even the “Don’t Mess with Texas” sign over Maddie’s head didn’t rattle me; however, I wasn’t particularly fond of the “Don’t Tread on Me” with a coiled rattler mural on a vibrant yellow wall.
The waiter arrived, and Courtney prattled, “We’ll start with the appetizer sampler and then dig into the family feast.” She tapped her fingers against her lips. “And, Lizzie, I hear you prefer simple.” She smiled at me, which I think was meant to be friendly. “So can we also have the mac and cheese?”
“Of course. Drinks?” The waiter gripped his pencil, ready to jot down every word that came out of Courtney’s mouth.
“Sarah, what can ya have?” Courtney eyed my wife as if she was on the appetizer sampler. Could the woman not control this side, or was she going into over-the-top-flirtatious mode to impress Maddie’s friends?
“Water. Keep it coming.”
“The beautiful lady will have your best house water.”
Everyone laughed like Courtney was performing for a crowd in Las Vegas.
“The rest of us will have a margarita flight each.”
I put a finger in the air to cancel mine, only to have Sarah smother it with a sweaty palm. Not drinking was one way to appease my guilt over Sarah carrying the babies. Besides, I tended to get drunk just by stepping foot into a liquor store. Me, alcohol, and uncomfortable social situations were a deadly concoction.
Once the waiter left, Courtney placed her forearms on the table, the move nearly pushing her cleavage out of her shirt. “How far along are you, Sarah?”
Sarah’s eyes boggled. Seriously? I wasn’t jealous, since Sarah would be the last person on the planet to have an affair, but it would be safe to say I was stupefied.
“Five months.” Sarah used a spoon to fish an ice cube out of her water and seductively popped it into her mouth—at least that was how it came across to me.
Usually, I wouldn’t mind one bit; these acts were mostly for my benefit. Tonight, though, the show was for Courtney. I sized up Maddie, trying to gauge her pissed-off meter, but she was in her own world and didn’t notice the antics my wife was putting on for the she-devil. No, not she-devil—succubus!
“No way! There’s no way you’re five months along. I would guess only a couple of months. What’s your secret to looking so incredible?” Courtney leaned in further, and I prayed that one of her tits would spring out, jack-in-the-box style, and give her a black eye. They were even larger than Sarah’s, and Sarah was pregnant.
“Oh, you know…” Sarah let the sentence trail off.
Courtney bobbed her head, understanding. Understanding what, I had zero clue, but I sensed this would be the trend for the entire evening.
“What do you do?” Sarah tugged on her shirt, revealing her own spectacular cleavage.
I sat back in my chair, hugging my girls close to my chest, unsure whether I should be pissed or just sit back and appreciate the battle of the boobs. How often did I have the chance to stare at four amazing tits?
“Advertising.”
“Ah, like Don Draper.”
“Kinda.” She laughed. “But not as sexy.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.” Maddie finally braved the conversation.
Courtney swiveled her head slo-mo style.
Was everything orchestrated with her?
“Oh, I never do. I meant that advertising isn’t as sexy as it was back then. The Internet has been a significant game changer, and not in a good way. I could bore you to death about the downfall of pop-up ads and ad revenue dropping through the basement floor.”
Maddie stroked Courtney’s bare arm with a finger. “You could never bore me.”
The intimacy of the touch made it clear the two of them had already hopped into bed, more than once.
I had the feeling most of Courtney’s relationships were sexual ones that quickly became flashes in the pan. How did Maddie not see this? Or was this another sign of Maddie’s angsty self-destruction?
“Here ya go. Margarita flights on the rocks.” The waiter, wearing a Lone Star bandanna tied around his neck, set down four metal, semi-circular racks that each held four drinks ranging from blue to pink.
I grabbed the blue glass and shot it.
“Way to go, L
izzie!” Courtney devoured her blue concoction, too, and immediately seized the pink. She motioned for me to pick up mine. “All at once.”
She didn’t have to tell me twice.
Afterward, I blew out a mouthful of air, waiting for my peripheral vision to stop blurring.
Maddie downed one of the drinks, puckering her lips. “Gawd! What’s in that?” She held the empty glass, squinting one eye as if its remnants might answer the question.
“Never ask. Just drink. Right, Lizzie?” The succubus nudged my arm.
“Right.” I burped into my hand.
Sarah met my eyes, and then she casually nodded at my untouched water glass next to all the booze. I responded by sipping the pale yellow drink garnished with an orange slice instead. My wife’s narrowed eyes warned me to pare down my behavior. Me, behave? She was the one who had been drooling over the sexpot at the table, and she was worried about my manners? What about my feelings? Two could play at this game—if it was a game. My brain was already slightly fuzzy.
“Lizzie, I hear you’re a future stay-at-home mom.” Courtney sucked on a lime wedge.
“I’m sorry? Stay-at-home mom?” I shook my head.
“Kit said you’re not working.” She discarded the lime peel off to the side of the bucket holding condiment bottles—right next to my ego.
“I’m an historian.”
“Who stays at home?” She wouldn’t let up.
“I write books.”
“Really? What book are you working on now?”
Good question. I’d started my third book but quickly realized my thesis needed major retooling and more research—at least that was what I kept telling myself. However, I had no desire to spill the beans. “I’ve been offered a teaching position.”
Sarah plunked her water glass down. “You didn’t tell me that.”
“It only just happened.” Weeks ago, but I was an historian. Weeks didn’t even measure up to a drop in the time span bucket. Even in my buzzed state, I squelched the urge to say it aloud.
“What? Where? Who?” Sarah’s face flushed the color of confusion.
“Dr. Marcel wants to lighten his load. He’s asked me to teach one or two classes a semester. I haven’t decided whether I should accept.”
I didn’t mention I had led Dr. Marcel to believe I would.
“What’s to decide?” Maddie pointed at Sarah’s protruding belly.
Sarah’s eyes softened, and she held up one palm. “Hold on, Maddie.” She turned to me. “What do you want to do? I know you’ve been struggling working solely from home.”
“That’s an understatement.” The tequila had loosened my tongue and my mind.
She smiled, giving me her full attention. “You’ve been losing your focus, even after your spurt of writing.”
I nodded and sipped from another baby margarita glass. “I didn’t want to tell you.”
“Why?” Her voice didn’t divulge any anger.
“Can we talk about this later?” I peeked at Courtney, who was latching on to every word, her expression hard to read.
Sarah straightened in her chair. “Of course. Just one more thing. I’m proud of you. I know how much you admire and respect Dr. Marcel. It’s an honor to be considered.”
Courtney hoisted a baby margarita. “To Lizzie!”
I had to join in.
Courtney flagged down the waiter and ordered three more flights. I remembered the first time I’d met Sarah’s mother, Rose. She’d kept ordering drinks for me, despite Sarah doing her best to drink most of them to save me from embarrassment. Now that she was pregnant, she couldn’t come to my rescue. I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the booze mist that was settling in for the evening.
Sarah inclined her head to catch Maddie’s eye, focusing on her with an intensity that briefly made me think she’d gone into labor. Maddie gave a quick nod, for Sarah’s benefit, and I saw the crease in Sarah’s forehead relax.
“So, Courtney, tell me more about the advertising biz. You mentioned pop-up ads crashing and burning.” Sarah perched on her forearms once again, putting her goodies on display.
“Not a chance. It’d only bore the shit out of you. I’d rather learn more about you. What makes Sarah unique?”
Before anger had the chance to burble out of the pit of my stomach, Maddie swiped away my remaining mini-margarita and replaced it with one of her empties. Sarah was taking the hit for the team, offering herself up. However, the smile and sexy glow on her face made it clear she wasn’t suffering all that much.
I put a hand over my mouth, restraining a giggle. Under the table, Sarah’s foot slipped between my legs, resting on the chair. The poor thing was so swollen. While Sarah kept Courtney entertained, I massaged my wife’s foot. When she glanced across the table at me, I motioned for her to switch feet.
“How long have you two been together?” Courtney actually seemed curious.
“Seems like ages.” Sarah’s eyes flittered toward me, causing the same sensation that had entranced me the first time our eyes locked.
“I can see it’s true love.” Courtney leaned back in her seat. “I didn’t believe it could ever happen.”
“When you least expect it,” Sarah said. “Does that mean you haven’t been in love?”
I was amazed by her boldness, but knowing her, she was doing her best to dig up as much intel as possible to protect Maddie.
“Here you are.” Kit twirled through a family of six that was exiting the restaurant and leaned down to kiss his fiancée’s cheek.
Maddie’s eyes widened, clearly startled, which made Kit and Courtney bellow with laughter.
“Don’t look so disconcerted.” Courtney waved a hand in the air. “Odds are, if you’re with one of us, the other will eventually show up. We’ve taken codependency to a whole new level. I don’t think headshrinkers have a term for it yet.”
Maddie mustered up a smile.
“Kit, how nice to see you.” Sarah waved the waiter over and asked for another chair.
Kit gave her a peck on the cheek before taking a seat squeezed between Courtney and Maddie. “How are you doing, sweetheart?”
Sarah’s condition elicited these kinds of sympathetic questions.
“At the moment, Lizzie is rubbing my feet under the table, so I’m in heaven.”
“I’m next,” Courtney purred.
I swallowed. Feet, except for Sarah’s, were absolutely disgusting and on my don’t touch list.
Kit slapped his thigh. “Oh, you Petries are such easy pickings. Don’t ever play Texas Hold ’Em, at least not with us.” He waved at himself and Courtney. “We’ll eat you alive.”
Sarah and Maddie shared a knowing smile.
“Take it easy on, Lizzie. She’s nowhere near as much of an asshole as Peter.” Maddie smiled at me, fluttering her lashes.
“Is that a compliment, though?” Kit’s flushed face was hard to read. Was he teasing? Drunk? Or did he hate Peter that much?
“Oh, I mean it as a compliment most of the time.” Maddie nibbled on a piece of cornbread that, unfortunately for me, contained chunks of jalapeno.
“But does she have Petrie moments?” Courtney asked.
“Of course,” Sarah and Maddie chorused.
“Hey, I’m massaging your feet.” I squeezed Sarah’s foot, hard, but she closed her eyes, clearly enjoying the added pressure.
“Did you know Peter scheduled our wedding on Lizzie’s birthday?” Maddie said.
“No way!” Courtney whistled. “So not cool. And we thought our families were bad.” She smiled at Kit.
Courtney thought less of me for working from home… She was the one flirting—or rather screwing—Kit’s sister’s husband’s ex. I cocked my head, wondering whether I’d gotten that right. Then shook my head, trying to clear the muddle.
Sarah snapped her fingers. “Hey, don’t stop.” She ground her foot into my lap.
“Whatever you say, dear.”
>
Kit and Courtney shared a smile. “Maybe she isn’t as bad. At least she’s trainable,” Kit said.
“Is Peter causing problems?” Maddie’s expression tightened, no doubt with painful memories she usually preferred keeping in the past.
“He’s a peach.” Kit’s top lip twisted, and his tone suggested the exact opposite. His eyes sharpened with a flash of rage I didn’t think possible for the easy-going Otter.
Courtney glanced in my direction. “What was he like as a brother?”
I sniggered. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
“They weren’t close,” Sarah offered.
“Can’t blame you. He really planned his wedding on your birthday?” Kit’s eyes softened.
I nodded. “I was usually an afterthought when it came to my family. There was one time, though, when he remembered my existence.”
“When was that?” Maddie squared her shoulders.
“When my mom’s brother was dying. Our uncle never married and stayed in Montana. He had a small inheritance that he planned on splitting between me and Peter. When Peter found out, he flew out to Montana and outed me to my uncle while he was on his deathbed. My mother actually gloated when her brother changed his will and gave all his money to Peter.” I laughed.
No one laughed with me.
Kit’s mouth fell. Courtney was suddenly absorbed in the trail of salt on the checkered tablecloth. Maddie rubbed her eyes with a thumb and forefinger.
“You never told me that.” Sarah lifted her gaze to mine, concern in the dark depths of her irises.
I shrugged. “Happened years ago, before I graduated from college. But hey, it wasn’t a big deal. It was only a few thousand.” I shrugged it off.
My wife’s eyes tapered nearly shut. “That’s not the point.”
I peered at my lap, wishing I hadn’t disclosed that tidbit for all to hear. This was what happened when I drank.
“He hates gay people that much?” Kit sounded alarmed.
Maddie shook her head. “I don’t know about that. Peter’s an opportunist above everything else. I doubt he holds an opinion that isn’t grounded in ambition or greed.”
“So he tossed Lizzie to the wolves for a few thousand dollars, not for his principles?” Kit asked, although his face registered he knew the game Peter was playing.
A Family Woman Page 10