Cleary: Peyton’s not wrong, sweets. You should come with a special kind of warning label.
Cordy: ANYWAY. I think we should make a pact.
My gut clenched. I had a bad feeling about the direction the conversation was headed.
Mandy: What kind of pact?
Gem: This better not require a blood sacrifice.
Cordy: We're all spending Valentine's Day doing something we'd never do.
Before I descended into a pit of panic, I’d wait to hear them out.
Me: Like what?
Cordy: Whatever you want. I saw an ad in the paper this morning for a mountain man looking for an assistant for two weeks. Maybe I'll call.
Cleary: You aren't serious.
Cordy: I'm completely serious.
Gem: I like the idea. Maybe I’ll take the plunge with that jewelry exhibition in town next week. Show off a few of my creations.
I swallowed another gulp of merlot. They were all going to come up with something good. My mind spun with possibilities of what I could offer as my part of the pact.
Peyton: It's insane, but I like it.
Mandy: Something we would never do? It's a terrible idea! We don’t do things for a reason.
Me: Fine. I’m in. One of the volunteers at the rescue keeps wanting to fix me up with her nephew. Next time she offers, I promise I’ll say yes.
As soon as I pressed “send,” I wished I could take it back. Lou Ellen had been talking up her nephew for forever. I hadn’t paid much attention since I didn’t have any interest in getting fixed up. I’d given my heart away a long time ago and had never asked for it back. Though, to be fair, the guy I’d given it to had no idea he held it in his strong, capable hands.
Cleary: But do you know the statistics of how many women go off to do something on their own and get targeted by a predator? I have statistics. So many statistics!
Gem: You know what they say–you don’t grow if you stay in your comfort zone.
Mandy: Gem, that's an amazing idea! Your pieces are beautiful! Maybe you’re right. I can’t believe I am saying this, but I’m in! I’m going to book that boudoir shoot I've been thinking about.
Peyton: Well, if you girls are game, I’m doing it too. I was going to send the latest conservation report to the property developer, but I’m going to confront him in person!
Great, they were all taking part. That meant I couldn’t back out without risking their combined wrath. Maybe I could just say I let Lou Ellen fix me up and not actually go on the date.
Cordy: So, we’re doing it then?
Cleary: I have a work conference in Vegas during Valentine’s. But I suppose I could dip my toe out of my comfort zone.
Peyton:I’m standing up for what I believe in, and I’m not backing down.
Gem: Yay!
Cleary: Maybe I’ll quit the Sheriff’s office and become a showgirl.
Mandy: I hate wine chats.
Me: Aw, Mandy, don’t blame the wine. Whatever happens, it will all be Cordy’s fault! I’m already regretting this.
Cordy: I’m actually looking forward to Valentine’s Day now. Yay! This is going to be so much fun!