“I think it means she’s giving her mom permission to steal her man,” Serena interjected. “And I have stepped down from being the future Mrs. Rodriguez, as well.”
“Oh, that’s so generous of you,” Monique said drolly.
Poking out her tongue, Serena leaned in closer to Macy. “And he’d be your boyfriend if you gave him some.”
“Serena!” Macy blushed. “No.”
“Why the hell not?” both girls blurted out. A group of Mario’s guests looked at them as they walked by. The ladies regained their composure.
Monique leaned in closer and whispered, “Y’all haven’t?”
Macy shook her head. “No, sorry to disappoint you guys.”
“Again, I have to ask, why the hell not?” Monique laughed. “He might be my husband’s best friend, but the man is gorgeous and totally into you!”
Leaning in, Serena whispered to Monique, not quietly enough though, “And you heard about the birthday present he got her, right?”
“No, what?”
“He gave her a copy of the tape of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade her parents were covering when her mother went into labor with her.”
“Aw!” Monique covered her mouth, but not before Macy spotted her poking her bottom lip out. “He’s your angelito!”
“My what?”
Shrugging, Monique dropped her hands to her side. “It’s a Dominican tradition I’ve learned from Pablo. Each week, you receive a gift.”
“Like a secret Santa.”
“Something along those lines.”
“So what are you going to give him in return?” Serena leered, wiggling her eyebrows up and down.
“When do you guys think I would have time for something like that? The kids do live with me.”
“Do you want me to have them spend the night tonight with me?” Monique asked. “Maylen has been begging me to let her hang out with Gia since Gia gave her that makeover the last time she babysat them.”
“We’ll see.” Macy shrugged. “We’re in no rush.”
“No rush? Don’t you want to see what he’s like in bed before he leaves?” Serena inquired.
As much as she wanted to find out, Macy still had standards to uphold. She rolled her eyes. “Not every relationship has to end up in sex, Serena.”
“Well, all of mine have.”
There hadn’t been a serious or healthy relationship in Serena’s life. She was young, though, no kids and in school. Macy shook her head and grinned. “And what kind of meaningful relationship are you in right now?”
Wincing, Serena pouted. “Ouch.”
“Sorry.” Macy tilted her head to the side and looked thoughtfully at her friends. “But we’re in no rush because Duke said things didn’t have to end after the New Year.”
“Get out!” Monique’s jaw dropped. “I didn’t realize he was so serious about you.”
“Apparently so.” Macy beamed.
“And are you that serious about him?”
“I think I am.”