Page 32 of Party Favors
A laugh burst from Amanda’s throat. She was so shocked and delighted by the naughtiness of it. Amanda turned to see if anyone had noticed, but they were completely isolated, completely ignored.
“You’re bad,” Amanda said, a tipsy giggle in her voice.
“You liked it.”
“Of course. I like you.”
Wren paused, her smile faltering. Or softening. Amanda wasn’t certain which. “I like you too.”
“Good.” Amanda nodded. That settled it.
* * *
Two hours later, Amanda was lying down with her head in Wren’s lap in the living room of William and Benji’s cottage. They had a skylight. Amanda couldn’t see the stars through it, but she enjoyed seeing the reflection of the flames from the fireplace flicker in the glass.
“What about this?” Benji asked. He was modeling his clothing options for the party tomorrow night. He also had his sister, Rosie, on FaceTime.
The outfit he was showing off was black jeans, a purple brocade suit jacket, and a solid black T-shirt.
“Pass,” Rosie said from the phone that William was gamely holding up.
Benji frowned. “I like this one.”
Amanda thought it looked fab on him. Benji was an odd mix of manly and delicate. He was a big, muscly mechanic, but there was a playfulness in his style.
“You’ve got something wilder up your sleeve,” Wren said. She was running her fingers through Amanda’s hair. “We know you do.”
Benji grumbled and returned to the bedroom.
Amanda closed her eyes and listened to William, Wren, and Rosie chat. Rosie was evidently a kindergarten teacher with a boyfriend who was an artist. So far, Rosie had sounded forthright and practical. Amanda was excited about meeting her tomorrow.
“Did you and Leo go to Robin’s yesterday?” Wren asked Rosie. It took Amanda a second to remember who Robin was. She owned the sex toy company that was the center of Wren’s friend group.
“Yeah,” Rosie said.
Wren scratched lightly through Amanda’s hair. “How was it?”
“Oh, you know, it was an orgy. Always a good time.”
Amanda’s eyes popped open, and she sat up. “An orgy?”
Silence followed Amanda’s words.
Wren and William shared a look, and Rosie sighed. “Talk about making a first impression,” Rosie said baldly. “I’m sorry. That was TMI.”
“I’ve never been to an orgy.” Amanda turned to Wren. “I should add that to my GLOF New Year’s resolution list.”
Wren laughed. “I think an orgy is a great resolution. If I thought we could swing it, I’d say it could be your next old year’s resolution, but I’m not the orgy queen. I can’t magic them out of thin air like some people.”
Benji groaned, having evidently just returned to the room, and everyone’s eyes whipped to him. “Please tell me we aren’t talking about orgies with my big sister.Again.”
“That outfit is nice,” Rosie said. “Anything else?” She was obviously trying to end the conversation.
“Now wait a minute,” Benji said. “You’re supposed to help me!”
Amanda liked this outfit better than the last. It was a pair of slim-fit suit pants, a black velvet jacket, and a crisp white shirt. It wasn’t quite as showy, but it fit him to perfection.
All of Wren’s friends were stupid hot.
