“Why, yes,” Van replied, “that is the plan.”
“Has Julia explained that there is a rigorous application process that must be approved—” Her words stopped as I wiggled the fingers of my left hand in her face. “Well, I suppose we’ll need to fast-track the application process.”
I wrapped her shoulders in a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
She smiled at Van and back to me. “No, you haven’t. I wouldn’t miss me either.” She motioned between us and whispered, “We need to talk.”
More of the guests had made their way to the tables as Van pulled out a chair for Vicki and then one for me. As Vicki sat, she said, “My name is Victoria. I prefer Vicki.”
He showed her his handsome smile. “I prefer Van from friends.” He winked. “Be sure to let me know if I pass the application process.”
Vicki’s grin was ear to ear.
“Would you ladies like anything from the bar? I believe I’ll step inside and be back in a minute.”
“There are servers…” I let my words fade away, realizing this was his way of giving Vicki and I a moment. “More champagne.” I looked at Vicki.
“Two, thank you.”
Before he walked away, Van lifted my hand and brushed his lips over my knuckles. “If anyone asks for this chair” —his lips quirked— “be sure to tell them that it’s taken.”
Other guests were taking their seats at the table when Vicki reached for her napkin and used it as a fan. Keeping her volume soft, she said, “Okay, damn, girl, I get it. Where did you find him again?”
“He found me.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I thought you applied for a job.”
I covered her hand with mine. “I have so much to tell you.” Warmth crept from my chest to my neck. “And so much I can’t.”
“Oh, that’s the best part.” Vicki leaned back, her lips forming an “o.” “You’ve finally joined the club.”
I leaned close. “If you would have told me how great the club is, maybe I would have joined sooner.”
Her nose wrinkled. “No. I don’t think Skylar would have done as good of a job at inducting you.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t.”
“Did you know,” Vicki asked, “he’s here tonight with Beth?”
“I did and I’m glad. I’ve moved on; he can too. It was also good to hear that he’s taking responsibility for the kid.”
A waiter placed flutes of champagne by each plate.
Vicki reached for hers. “Cheers, now we’ll have two.”
I lifted mine. “I’m already on three…I think.”
“Here’s the scoop,” Vicki said in a whisper, “when Skylar told his parents the truth, they suggested that it would be best to get rid of the evidence.”
“He’d made a comment to the like.”
“According to Beth, having his parents tell him to do it put him on the defensive, saying he was tired of them running his life…like it ever bothered him before.”
I lifted my brows. “See, this is working out for everyone.”
Vicki shook her head. “I don’t know. Apparently, there’s World War III breaking out in the Butler household. You’d never know it to see them here, but Beth says it’s bad.”
“Excuse me,” a man’s voice said.