“Had to bring the Patron.” Veronica snapped those fingers again. “Back in college, Holly and I would study for fall exams in our cold-ass dorm room. To keep us alive, I would have to whip us up some hot chocolate del diablo.”
I smirked. “I remember some stories about that special drink. Wasn’t she arrested once after you made them?”
“Girl.” Veronica shook her head and laughed. “Not just once. You know she don’t know how to handle her liquor. Holly likes to pop off at everybody like she isn’t a tiny thing.”
Emma sat on my bed. “So, should we even let her drink tonight, Ivory?”
“It’s her bachelorette party. She has to drink.” I placed Holly’s coat on the bed. “My job tonight is to keep her out of trouble, especially out of jail.”
Park lifted a bottle of Malibu rum. “This will be yummy.”
Veronica nodded. “The Malibu gives a nice coconut flavor.”
Anna had four bottles of whip cream and a bag of dark chocolate sprinkles. “This really is going to be an epic bar.”
I checked my watch. “Okay. She’ll be heading over soon. What can I do?”
“Grab the Black cherries over there and the bourbon.” Veronica gestured to her side. “I’ve got ice cream too for the super sweet fanatics.”
“And what about food?” Emma asked. “Are we just going to load up on sweets and liquor?”
Veronica eyed her. “What did you bring again?”
I cleared my throat. “Emma, we’re eating after the drinks. I made reservations. Why don’t you handle the music? I have some Bluetooth speakers over there. You can plug your phone up and do a playlist.”
“Oh no!” Anna rushed over there. “Emma will have us listening to Nine Inch Nails all night. Trust me, Ivy. I’ll get the party started.”
“What?” Emma followed over to the other side of the room. “I have great taste in music.”
Veronica looked at me and kept her voice low. “Girl, I don’t know if Emma is going to make it tonight. I’m pretty close to digging a hole in that frozen sea and putting Emma in it. They’ll be looking for her body all morning.”
I laughed. “Let her live, Veronica.”
A knock came. Holly’s voice sounded next. “Ivy, are you dressed? I can’t wait to see you.”
“Shit.” I rushed for her coat and hat. “She came too early. Everyone get together.”
We all lined up. Park joined us.
“Come on in, Holly,” I yelled. “I didn’t lock the door.”
She opened it, spotted us, and screamed. “What?”
We laughed.
“No way!” She held her hands out and took in our beanies and coats. “What are you all doing?!”
“I know you said that you weren’t going to do a bachelorette party because this week would be so busy, but. . .” I shrugged. “I couldn’t let you go out like that, girl.”
“Oh my God!” She rushed over and hugged me.
When she let go, Veronica embraced her. “We love you, Holly.”
“I can’t believe you all are doing this.” Shocked she shook her head and hugged Anna.
I presented Holly with her Bride beanie.
“Aww!” Holly grinned. “It says bride. That’s me.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”
“This is so cute!” Holly put it on.
“And don’t forget this.” Veronica showed her the dildo crown.
“Oh, God!” Holly fell on the floor laughing. “No! I am not wearing that!”
That reaction was worth that ungodly crown.
“You’re wearing this.” Veronica bent over and put the dildo crown on her head. “You’re the Bride.”
“You are ridiculous Veronica!”
I picked up the coat and handed it to her. “And we have more.”
Holly looked at it. Her eyes watered. “Ivy. . .”
“Oh no.” I frowned. “Don’t you dare cry, Holly.”
Her bottom lip quivered.
“Stop it.” I frowned. “Just take the damn coat.”
Tears threatened to leave her eyes. “You made us all Kate Coats?”
I sighed. “It was just a—”
She bawled right there.
Here we go.
I shook my head. Veronica and Anna rushed over and hugged her. I remained where I was, uncomfortable with this much affection. Only Holly could do that to me.
“The coat.” Holly rubbed her eyes and more tears came.
Smirking, I continued to hold it for her.
“Kate coats.” She almost choked on her words. “I talked about them forever.”
“We know.” Veronica patted her back. “Now get yourself together so we can get fucked up.”
Emma handed Holly a tissue. “Be careful with your coat, Holly. Mine is a little scratchy.”
Really? I’m so glad she leaves right after the wedding.
Holly took the tissue and dabbed at her eyes. “Oh, Emma. I didn’t see you there.”
“No one ever does.” Emma backed away.
“Kate Coats?” Holly got up from the floor, walked over to me, and pulled me into her arms. “Ivy!”
“Oh my God.”
“You love me so much! Just so much!”
“Okay. Okay.” I left her arms and gave her the coat. “Let’s get back to the party.”
She wiped at the rest of her tears and put on her coat. “I’ll wear this forever.”