“I think it’s nice for husbands to be able to let loose from time to time without their wives looking over their shoulders. Besides, I’d much rather catch up with you—and get to know Mia.”
We sat down and immediately a server came by to take our drink orders.
“I’ll have another gimlet, please,” Joni said.
The server nodded and then looked to Barrett who replied, “The usual.”
“I’ll have whatever she’s having,” I said, looking at Barrett.
“Very good. I’ll be back in a moment with your drinks,” the server said and then left.
Barrett leaned back against the leather booth and crossed her legs. “You don’t even know what my usual is. You may hate it.”
“Doubt it. You clearly have good taste.”
“Yes, she does,” Joni teased. “Have you seen her husband?”
Laughing in delight, Barrett joked, “He’s okay.”
“How’d you meet Flynn?” I asked.
“Yeah, I’m not sure I even know the history between you two.” Joni’s gaze was curious.
“Long story,” Barrett evaded. “Too long, but in a roundabout way, I guess you could say I worked for Flynn at The Rex in New York. Seems like just yesterday, and now we have three children. Time flies, you know?”
I nodded in agreement. “I know. Believe me.”
“Oooh, color me intrigued.” She leaned forward like I was about to tell her a secret. “What’s your story with Colt?”
“Only that they were like, instantly together,” Joni said.
I cracked out a laugh. “You were pushing us together. You wereallpushing us together.”
Joni looked at Barrett. “She got inked.”
“Oh, that’s right! Let me see,” Barrett demanded.
I dutifully removed my leather jacket and gave her my back. The tattoo poked out the side of my black tank, but Barrett still had to move the strap aside to get a really good look at it in all its glory.
“It’s gorgeous,” she breathed.
“Thanks.” She dropped my strap and I turned back around to face them. “You don’t have any tattoos?”
Barrett shook her head. “Nope.”
The server returned with our drinks. I lifted my rocks glass and sniffed cautiously. “Bourbon?”
Barrett turned up her nose at me. “Single malt scotch. Balvenie DoubleWood 17 year.”
I snorted. “Snob.”
“Excuse me?” she asked, huge grin on her face. “You are one ballsy lady.”
I held up my glass. “To ballsy ladies.”
“Hell yes,” she said. We clinked glasses and then she took a drink. “So. Joni, have you finally managed to seduce Zip?”
At ten o’clock the performances began. Burlesque dancers took the stage, singing and teasing their clothes off much to the enjoyment of the audience.