Page 84 of Play the Game
I laugh, knowing that Jo will do exactly that. “It’s probably a mistake to show up all pregnant and stuff without telling her, but honestly, she’s less likely to make a scene around people, and the idea of sitting down with my parents one on one was just…absolutely no.”
Jo nods seriously. “I support this one hundred percent. It’s the exact kind of chaos I thrive in. What are you wearing?”
I blow out a breath. “I have no fucking clue. It’s been hard enough trying to get dressed for work. I have no idea how to dress this for a ball.” I make a face, gesturing to my stomach that seems to be getting bigger by the second.
“I don’t know either,” Jo says. “I’m a real leggings and sweatshirts kind of girl. Getting dressed up is not where I thrive, but I kind of want to knock Jordan’s socks off.”
I turn her words around in my brain. I’ve spent so much time thinking about dealing with my parents that I haven’t considered anything else. But now all I can think about is Cooper’s reaction to me in a fancy dress. The way his eyes will go dark, his gaze sweeping up my body, and his slow, wicked grin. The image has me practically shifting in my seat, filled with the urge to knock his metaphorical socks off too.
Pam drains her margarita and stands, putting her hands on her hips. “Let’s go ladies.”
“Where are we going?” Amelia asks, kicking her feet up on the coffee table like she has no intention of going anywhere.
“We’re going shopping, and we’re not stopping until we find our girls the perfect dresses.”
“It’s after seven,” Hannah points out. “Isn’t everything closing soon?”
“Not for us,” Cece says, standing up too, her eyes on herphone. “I know the owner ofPrestigedowntown. She’s keeping it open for us, and Evan can be our designated driver.”
“I can?” I ask with a smile.
Cece nods. “You’re the only one who hasn’t been drinking, so of course you can.”
I laugh, pushing to stand. “I’m so glad my forty weeks of alcohol-free existence can be of service. Thank you for this,” I say seriously, looking around at everyone. “I just…I’ve never had friends like this before.”
“None of us have,” Amelia says, standing and wrapping an arm around my shoulders and squeezing. “That’s what makes it special.”
For one second, I lean my head against hers, giving thanks for the weird twist of fate that brought these women into my life, and then we all follow Pam and Cece out the door and pile into the car. And the whole time, I never stop smiling.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
COOPER
Evan
Are you sure Cece isn’t actually a twenty five-year-old in disguise?
I laugh at the preview of Evan’s message on my screen, wiping my hands on a dishtowel and picking my phone up from the counter to respond.
Me
I’ve never been sure of that. She has more energy than five twenty-five-year-olds combined. What’s she doing now?
Evan
We’re dress shopping. I was exhausted five dresses ago, but she keeps tossing new ones into my dressing room like she’s a stylist on Say Yes to the Dress and I’m the indecisive bride.
[Picture of dressing room covered in discardeddresses]
I’m just standing here in my underwear wondering how this all went sideways so fast.
Me
Pictures or it didn’t happen, Rhodes.
Evan
I’m not sending you naked pictures while your mom, Cece, Jo, Hannah, and Amelia are all right outside the door. Also, I think my underwear is too small because, pregnancy.
