She snorts. "Hunter-twatface-Whittington can go fly a kite."
“Hmm." I survey her features. “I think you protest too much. Maybe the two of you can’t stand each other because you’re secretly attracted to each other."
"Please. Even if we did get together physically," —she holds up a finger— "and that’s a big if, the fact that we come from such different backgrounds means there’s no future together."
"You only need to fuck him, not marry him."
"I’d rather fuck someone more malleable, thank you very much." She flicks her hair over her shoulder.
"Oh wow, so you really are attracted to him. It’s why you’d rather not consider a purely physical relationship with him."
"There’s also this little issue of what a scandal it would be if the two of us were caught together. Can you imagine? The press would have a field day. And I’m sure it won’t hurt him as much as it would me." She purses her lips. "Unfortunately, even I have to admit that my being a woman is a disadvantage in this situation."
"You’ve given this some thought, huh?"
She flushes, then tips her nose in the air. "Of course not."
I laugh. "You sure have, missy. You’ve had secret erotic dreams about Mr. Tight-Arse Whittington. Admit it."
"I have not, I—"
The doorbell rings. The relief on her face is unmistakable. She spins around, goes to the door, and throws it open.
"Hey babe!" Amelie walks in first. She walks toward me and hugs me, then steps back.
Summer walks in followed by Karma. Both women make a beeline toward me, and hug and kiss me.
Summer tries to hug Zara, who pats her on her shoulder. I stifle a laugh. Zara’s going to have to get over being uncomfortable with gestures of affection if she wants to hang out with us.
A man in a butler’s uniform carrying paper bags with the logo of a well-known restaurant follows in their footsteps.
“You brought your own lunch?” I laugh.
Summer pushes her hair back from her face. "It’s only noon, but since we’re eating for four between Karma and me, and since we don’t trust Zara’s cooking, no offense—"
"None taken," Zara chirps.
"—we came prepared with food," Karma completes the statement.
The three women walk over to the sofa and park themselves there.
"Where would you like this, ma’am?" the liveried man asks.
"In the kitchen is good." Summer waves a hand in the air.
"Very good, ma’am." He walks into the kitchen, places the bags there, and returns in a few seconds. "Will that be all, ma’am?"
"Thank you, Jeeves." Summer throws him a flying kiss.
The man’s ears reddens. "Of course, ma’am." He turns and leaves, shutting the door behind him.
"Is his name really Jeeves?" Zara asks.
"No, but he doesn’t mind if I call him that. He takes it as a compliment." Summer drums her fingers on her stomach.
"Are you hungry?" Karma pushes up to her feet. "I am. I’m going to get the food." She heads for the kitchen.
“I’ll help you,” Amelie follows.