“Thanks, girl,” Darcy said.
“Anytime.”
“Thanks for dinner,” I added.
We ambled toward the parking lot and stood outside the restaurant. “I think the weather is about to turn,” Joni said. “Two weeks of perfect spring and then hotter than the blazes of hell.”
“I’ve been talking to Colt,” Mia said. “And I think we’re going to book an Airbnb for a few weeks this summer in New Braunfels.”
“Will you be taking the kids?” Joni asked.
“Yeah.”
“Not much of a vacation.” Darcy grinned. “But they have a water park, which I’m guessing is why you’re talking about booking it.”
“Exactly.”
Allison reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. “Yeah, I definitely have to get going. Tank is hungry.”
“Wants it right from the source, huh?” Darcy asked.
“Yup.” She grinned. “Bye, guys. Bye, Brooklyn.”
“Bye, Allison,” I said.
“I’m hitting up Leather and Ink tomorrow afternoon,” Mia said. “Anyone want to join?”
“Can’t,” Linden said. “I’m on at the clinic.”
“I’m out. It’s my turn to drive Lily and her friends to ballet,” Darcy said, shaking her head. “Four six-year-olds in pink tutus and tights. Is there anything cuter?”
I had a sudden vision of Slash holding a little girl in a tutu.
Jesus.
“I would go,” Joni said. “But nothing in there fits me right now and it just makes me depressed.”
Mia looked at me. “Are you going to make an excuse too?”
I laughed. “No. I’ll go with you.”
“Excellent!” Mia exclaimed. “We can get you something hot to wear to welcome Slash home.”
“I suggest covering your body in whipped cream,” Joni said.
“You have a one-track mind,” I said, but my cheeks flamed.
Joni pointed to her belly. “How do you think I got into this position?”
“You have a valid point,” I admitted. “It’s how I got in my position, too.”
* * *
The furniture was perfect. I slumped onto the couch the moment I got home. I shot out a quick text to Mia, thanking her for her thoughtfulness.
I’d felt like one of them. Even though it was clear they’d all been friends for a while, they welcomed me.
“Crap,” I muttered.