“You’re passable.” Belle shrugged. “But let’s face it, you’re batting above your league.”
Rich’s eyes caught Meghan’s. “Tell me something I don’t know,” he murmured.
The first hour passed quickly. Belle and Carlyn were busy at the back of the gallery, talking to journalists and dealers. Meghan took the opportunity to look at each of her pieces, letting herself be absorbed by the seascapes, the rippling of the waves so realistic she could almost hear them crash against the shore. She was glad that Carlyn was behaving. Even happier that they wouldn’t have to deal with her after tonight.
Rich walked around with her, his hand softly pressed against her back. There was a constant buzz between them, like an electrical current that couldn’t be switched off. Her muscles were tight, her skin heated, just from the feeling of his palm.
How would it be when they were alone and naked again?
At seven, guests began to arrive. The wait staff were on hand to pass out tall flutes of bubbling champagne. Meghan took one gratefully, her stomach gurgling with relief when she was handed a tiny sandwich that looked like it would barely fill a Barbie doll.
Belle must have finished with the journalists, because she wheeled herself back toward the gallery, then stopped, her face pale. She looked so nervous that Meghan wanted to squeeze her, tell her it was going to be okay.
But she barely knew the woman.
“Is it okay if I leave you for a moment?” Rich asked, his voice warm against her ear. “Just to check on Belle?”
“Go for it.” Meghan smiled warmly at him. Funny how their emotions were so in sync. “I’m going to grab some more food.”
James and Harper were standing near the entrance, both of them looking at Belle’s art. Meghan made a beeline for them, happy to see some familiar faces. Harper was holding a half-empty glass of champagne while James sipped at an orange juice.
“Hi!” Harper’s face split into a grin. “It’s so good to see you again.” She looked over Meghan’s shoulder. “Where’s Rich?” There was an underlying question in her voice.
“He’s with Belle at the moment.”
Harper raised an eyebrow. “So you came together?”
“We did.” Meghan bit down a smile.
“Oh my god, did you hear that James? They came together.” She turned back to Meghan. “Wait… as in together together?”
“Is this some kind of girl code?” James asked. “What’s together together?”
“It’s like going out out,” Harper told him. “You know, that comedy sketch we watched. Like tonight we’re not just out, we’re out out.”
It was impossible not to grin at James’ confusion. He stared down at Harper, a mixture of indulgence and puzzlement pulling at his features. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“But you do, right?” Harper asked Meghan.
“I’ve got a decent idea,” Meghan said dryly.
“And you two are a thing?” Harper tipped her head to the side, a gleam in her eye.
“Yes.”
“Ohmygod!” she squealed, her giddiness making Meghan laugh. “Did you hear that?”
“She’s out out, too. I get it.” James nodded. “Maybe lay off the champagne a bit, babe.”
“She’s with Rich. As in with him.” Harper shook her head. “Do you see why I have to have girl friends?” she asked Meghan. “I swear they take all the nuance out of guys at birth. So tell me everything. When did this start?” She grabbed Meghan’s hand. “Wait, were you a thing when you came to our place?”
“Not really, no.”
“I’m sensing this is going to take a while.” She glanced at James. “Fair warning, honey. I’m going to get all the dirty details about Rich. You can either stay and have to wash your ears out with bleach, or go and never have to close your eyes and imagine your best friend naked.”
James’ expression didn’t change. “I’m going to go.”
Harper grinned at him. “Great idea.” She kissed his cheek and he shook his head, eyeing her indulgently. They were such a fabulous couple they made Meghan’s chest ache. Harper was the ying to James’s yang. She brought him to life and he calmed her when needed.