Page 59 of Holiday on the Rocks
“Kristina, how are you?”
Her head shook in sorrow. “Well, Allie, I’m just waiting to die now.”
Rachel cleared her throat. “Her divorce was final yesterday.”
Allie kissed her cheek. “You’re going to be okay. Better than okay. Your future is a bright, sparkly explosion of fucking awesomeness wrapped in glitter.”
Before I could take a breath Lexi pushed me out of the way. That may not sound like a big deal, but she wasn’t near me. Yeah, she actually took two big steps in my direction just to shove me. “You’ll be better than ever after you adjust, Kristina, I can tell you that right now.”
Kristina’s eyes danced around the room. “I don’t think so.”
Rachel jumped closer to Kristina. “We will personally help you through this horrific time in your life.” Her arm went over Kristina’s shoulder.
I scooted closer to Evan. “What happened to her?”
He whispered, “Her hubby left her for the woman who lived in the apartment next door.”
Rachel threw her fist in the air. “That’s it, Kristina, we’re taking you for a girl’s night tonight. We’ll all get settled and go for an early dinner before hitting the town. Yes, sireee, Bob. Women and whiskey are the answer.”
Kristina’s concerned voice filled the room. “I don’t know if that’s the answer.”
Lexi pointed at her. “Of course it is. You’re wearing something out of my suitcase, and I’ll do your makeup. You currently look like something I drew with my left hand. We’ll get your mojo back.”
Kristina shrugged. “I don’t know if I have any mojo.”
Allie smiled. “This is a reminder that even Winnie the Pooh had mojo. He wore a crop top with no panties, ate his favorite food, and loved himself. You can too, Kristina.”
I let out a laugh and all eyes shot to me. Some of the eyes looked like they wanted to shoot me. My bad.
Rachel pointed to the Christmas tree. “Kristina, it’s the magical season. All things are possible.”
My mind was whipping up a plan. “I’ll be the designated driver for girls’ night.”
Lexi wrinkled her nose. “That’s a hard no.”
Royce pointed to the stairs. “I’m picking a room. And ladies, I can be the driver tonight. Last time Lexi drank she paid sixty dollars for the Uber home but somehow ended up tipping two hundred bucks.”
Lexi slapped his shoulder. “I just get so damn generous when I drink.” She battered her eyes. “You know all about that don’t you, big fella?”
Groans around the room as Rachel picked up her suitcase. “Tonight, we’re pretending it’s Cinco de Drinko, bitchachos.”
They all passed by me, but Rachel stopped. “Your being here is all wrong.”
I just needed to stay quiet. “Rachel, I’m not going to do anything.”
She dramatically gasped and whispered. “This is a Deja poo; the feeling I’ve heard this shit before.”
I took a controlled breath. “I don’t want to cause any problems?—”
“Oh, here’s the problem…you’re a dickhead.” She turned toward the stairs. “I hope you fall down with your hands in your pockets.” She walked away.
That actually went better than I’d anticipated. Royce paused when he passed me. “You shouldn’t be here.”
I held his stare until he went up the stairs and Evan approached. “Dude, you knew she’d be here?—”
“Not when you first invited me. I had my plane ticket and everything before I realized.”
“You should’ve told me. Rachel’s pissed and now I’m on her shit list.”
