Page 241 of Wild Card

Bex falls back, howling. “Can’t believe you are using the doctor card as a cover for being a player.”

Her giggles are contagious and I find myself laughing along with her. “I take it Rina didn’t pan out?”

He pales. “Clinger. Sex was fun, but she started to get a little too comfortable.”

“Oh, God forbid you get comfortable with the man you are sleeping with,” I scoff.

“Your specialty of working with exotic dancers may be your calling.” Bex wipes her eyes.

“Joke all you want.”

They banter back and forth and the air of intensity lifts, taking my mood with it.

I slip away to the kitchen and do a quick inventory. April and Celia stocked the house before they left, likely knowing Rowan and I would neglect shopping. Especially me, because some things never change.

I think about calling Rowan for permission, but I know it would insult her. Instead, I shoot off a group text to all the girls.

Dinner at the club tonight. My treat…

Responses are immediate.

Jewls

I’ll bring the wine.

Harley

I’ll bring the newborn… and my envy for those drinking wine.

Jewls

Pump and dump, one glass won’t hurt you.

Rowan

I’ll pick up dessert on my way home.

No need, I have everything.

Shayla

It’s an Ankles in the Air night.

Rowan

Ummm. Okay. You could have said you weren’t available.

Shayla

Not the position, Hollywood. Ankles in the Air is a shot! What the hell do I do with you? By the way, Alex and Cruz are in… they are reading over my shoulder.

I realize it’s gotten quiet, Bex and Lucas watching me carefully.

“Bex, call my brother and tell him we’re doing dinner over here. Lucas, you may end up on that sofa. Jewls is bringing the wine and Shayla is making Ankles…” I stall, not sure how to explain. “Shayla is making shots.”

They flash me grins.

I thumb the ring around my neck, and my mind automatically goes to Talon.

---