“Oh, you have a boyfriend. That’s wonderful.” I squeezed Jaime’s shoulder. “Isn’t that wonderful, poopsie? They’re in love, just like we are.”
Jaime coughed and picked up her water.
“How did you and Tripp meet?” I asked.
“My father introduced us. Tripp’s a lawyer at the firm my father employs.” She was talking to me but staring at Jaime, who was obviously trying to do that telepathic thing women do with their eyes when they want to communicate something without words.
“And how about you, birthday girl?” I turned the charm on Claire, whose fair skin turned a little pink.
“I’m an elementary school art teacher,” she said, picking up her cocktail.
“That’s awesome. I’d love to be a teacher.”
“Really?” Claire looked surprised. “I wouldn’t have guessed that. I mean, you have such a successful modeling career.”
The server showed up with our drinks, and Jaime grabbed for her glass like she was suffocating and it was an oxygen mask.
“That was never my long-term goal, though.” I picked up my Sazerac and took a sip. “I’m still trying to decide what is, but every now and again I do think teaching is something I’d enjoy. I love kids.”
“You do?” Elyse blinked at me.
“Oh, yeah. I was an only child, always jealous of people with lots of brothers and sisters. I hope I have a whole brood of them.”
“Really?” Now Margot was staring at me too.
“Totally. Jaime and I want at least four or five, don’t we, dumpling?”
“At least,” she said flatly, clinging to her cocktail for dear life.
“How about you? Do you have children?” I asked Elyse.
“Not yet, but I’d like to someday. I should probably find someone to marry first, but that hasn’t been too easy.”
“I agree, it isn’t easy,” I said. “But you know what? You have to trust in fate.”
“That’s what I say too.” Claire was wide-eyed. “You have to believe that someone is out there for you, and it’s just a matter of time before you find each other.”
“I agree, Claire. Take Jaime and me here.” I gave her another squeeze, nearly spilling the drink she refused to put down, and kissed her cheek, which was difficult since she tried to lean away from me. “We weren’t always the passionate couple you see before you today. Just two weeks ago, she was like a distant star, shining her light from afar, and I could only dream about her.” I gestured grandly toward the ceiling.
“That’s so beautiful,” whispered Elyse.
Jaime snorted.
“And then fate stepped in. I needed a place to live, there was a vacant apartment right below hers…” I looked adoringly at Jaime, who gave me the stink eye. “She took one look at me and fell head over heels. Didn’t you, gumdrop?” Her face was so full of fury, I couldn’t resist rubbing my nose on hers in an Eskimo kiss.
“And of course,” I went on as Jaime slunk lower in her chair, “one moment in this woman’s presence and I knew—I knew—that it was meant to be. I mean, look at her! Who could resist the face of an angel?”
Jaime scowled like a scolded child, her lower lip protruding.
“She’s practically glowing,” said Margot, unable to keep from smiling. “Jaims, love suits you, it really does.”
“So be patient,” I said to Elyse. “Your true love might show up when you least expect him to.”
The server came back and asked for our dinner orders, and I gave Jaime a little breathing space to quickly look over the menu while I did the same. But once we’d put in our requests, I put that arm right back where it was. When I was certain all eyes were on us, I leaned over and blew softly in her ear.
“Quinn, darling,” she said, her tone shrill. “Would you mind? It’s a little warm in here.”
“I’m sorry, peaches, I just can’t help myself when I’m around you. And I don’t want you to catch a chill.”