Before We Kiss

“He’s a man, not a mind reader. He’s doing exactly what you asked him to do. Changing the rules now isn’t fair to either of you. This is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. If you can’t be honest about how you feel, how do you expect your relationship to last?”

Fayrene’s eyes narrowed. “You’re no help at all,” she told him, then stood and scooped up Caramel. The little dog settled easily in her arms.

“Tell him the truth,” Sam called after her.

Fayrene didn’t answer and seconds later the front door slammed.

Dellina returned to her office. “Did my sister leave?”

“Yes. I don’t think she was happy.”

Dellina didn’t look overly concerned as she settled back in her seat. “What did you say?”

“That if she wants to change the rules with Ryan, she needs to tell him directly.”

“Excellent advice.”

“Thank you.”

“Not that she’ll listen.”

“I got that.”

* * *

DELLINA ARRIVED AT Jo’s a few minutes before she was scheduled to meet her friends. As she walked into the bar, she saw Taryn and Larissa were already at a big table, along with Consuelo Ly. Taryn, as usual, wore something fabulous. This time a gray plaid sleeveless dress with a slim belt of the same material and some kind of foldy-draping across the front. The style was deceptively simple, but Dellina had a feeling the designer was a name everyone knew and that the dress had cost more than a vacation to Hawaii.

By contrast Larissa was in apple-green capris with a matching polka-dot T-shirt. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and Dellina was sure she hadn’t bothered with makeup that morning.

Consuelo defied all fashion convention in her work uniform of cargo pants and a khaki-colored tank. All she needed was a bit of camouflage paint on her face to look like she’d stepped out of an action movie.

From Dellina’s point of view, they were all versions of exotic. Taryn with her upscale taste and glossy beauty. Larissa was the classic blonde bombshell with an athletic twist, while Consuelo was both stunning and powerful—combined in a petite package. By comparison, Dellina felt average. She had brown hair and brown eyes. She was sort of pretty, but nothing like them. She guessed she looked like what she was—a small-town girl. In a word—boring.

For the most part she was content with that, but every now and then she wondered what it would be like to be glamorous and sexy.

“Hi,” she said as she approached the table. She set down the ceramic container she held. “I hope this is what you were thinking of. Rakisha from Plants for the Planet swears it’s going to last.”

Taryn and Consuelo both stared at the dish garden Dellina had picked up on her way over to lunch. They’d all agreed to get Bailey a small gift to celebrate her new job with the mayor. Larissa touched a couple of leaves.

“Nice,” she said. “There’s dracaena, spathiphyllum and syngonium. Pretty and it will last even if she’s not great with taking care of it.”

Taryn winced. “You frighten me.”

“I know about plants. Big whoop.”

“It’s one thing to recognize them. It’s another to know their Latin names.”

Dellina grinned as she took a seat. Her friends were nothing if not entertaining.

Larissa pointed to Taryn’s dress. “Who designed that?”

“Oscar de la Renta.”

Larissa turned to Consuelo. “And who made your pants?”

Consuelo glared at her. “Hell if I know. I get them at a surplus store or online. They’re pants.”

Dellina leaned back in her chair. “I wish Jo served popcorn because this is like live theater.”

Larissa grinned at her, then turned back to Taryn. “We all know stuff.”

“I got that. But my stuff makes sense. Yours is weird.” She looked at Consuelo. “I know better than to diss anything you know.”

“Good.” Consuelo started to say something else, then looked up. “Bailey’s here.”

They all rose and clapped as Bailey approached the table. The other woman blushed nearly as red as her hair as she drew near.

“Stop, please,” she pleaded. “You don’t have to make a fuss.”

“We’re making a fuss,” Taryn told her. “You got a great new job. A fuss is required.”

They all hugged Bailey, then took their seats. Bailey thanked them for the plant. Jo walked over and stopped at their table.

“Congratulations on the new job,” she said. “Lunch is on the house.” She paused. “For Bailey. The rest of you can still pay.”

“Of course we can,” Taryn said with a grin. “All right. I think this calls for champagne all around.”

Bailey’s mouth parted. “It’s lunchtime.”

“I know,” Taryn told her. “That’s the point. A single glass won’t hurt your work performance. This is a big deal. We’re all happy for you.”

“I like how you roll,” Dellina said.

“You’ll like her even more when I tell you she called ahead, so my best bottle is already chilled,” Jo said. “Back in a flash.”

“Champagne at lunch,” Bailey whispered. “I haven’t had any champagne since my wedding. Thank you all. You’ve been so nice to me.”

Consuelo waved away the praise. “Yeah, yeah, we’re amazing. How’s the new job?”

Bailey started talking about how much she had to learn, not only about working with Mayor Marsha but about the town government.

Dellina was more interested in the women at the table. For all Taryn’s toughness and attitude, she’d been the one to preorder champagne. And while Consuelo couldn’t handle a simple compliment or a thank-you, she would cheerfully strangle anyone who tried to hurt Bailey or her daughter. Larissa was the one Dellina knew the least, but from what she could tell, the other woman was caring and had no trouble poking fun at Taryn. A fun combination.

Jo returned with the champagne. She expertly popped the cork, then poured them each a glass.

“To new beginnings,” Taryn said to Bailey. “May you always be happy.”

Everyone joined in the toast, then they sipped. Dellina took a drink. The champagne was light and fizzy. She glanced at the bottle and saw the label read Dom Pérignon. Which was so Taryn, she thought with a grin. Well, everyone should have it at least once in their life!