I laugh when we get to Serena’s gate and I say, “We’re here,” because Chloe’s eyes widen in clear surprise.
“Already?”
“I told you it was close.” I hit the intercom and the gate buzzes open.
“Close? That was, like, next door.” She doesn’t even need to redirect Reggie—when he sees where I am, he pulls her my way and runs through the gate with her laughing behind him.
“Told you he loves Serena.”
Ria meets us at the door, and I introduce Chloe, who sticks her hand out to shake. Ria looks surprised but takes it with a soft smile, then leads us into the living room where Serena is chatting with a couple of women I’ve never met before. She stops mid-sentence when she sees us, gets to her feet, and comes across the room to embrace me.
“So good to see you, my friend.” She bends to scoop Reggie up and lavish him with kisses—which he absorbs happily, his tail wagging furiously—then turns her attention to Chloe. “And you must be the niece your aunt can’t stop talking about.”
Again, Chloe sticks out her hand, and my pride swells. I taught her how to shake hands when meeting somebody new. I explained to grip firmly and look the person in the eye. I can still hear her giggling laughter when I demonstrated a “wet fish” shake. She was twelve.
“I’m Chloe,” she says, looking Serena in the eye. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
More pride swelling on my part.
“Well, you look just like your aunt,” Serena says.
Both Chloe and I say simultaneously, “But in miniature.” We’ve heard many times that we look similar, and I’m not tall, but Chloe is super petite.
“Come in, come in.” Serena unclips Reggie’s leash and continues to carry him with her as she leads us into the living room, where the other two people sit.
Chloe leans close to me and whispers, “Um, she just took my dog.”
I do a quiet snort. “Yeah, you’ve got some competition for Reggie’s affections, I’m afraid.”
“So not cool.”
Serena sits on the sofa and indicates the couple sitting opposite her. “Kayla Tennyson, London Granger, this is my friend Lily Chambers and her niece, Chloe.” She drops a kiss on Reggie’s head and adds, “And this is my boyfriend, Reggie.” I swear to God, my dog straightens up in her arms like he’s trying to make a good impression on the newcomers.
Kayla and London both stand as I cross and shake their hands, then feel another surge of pride as Chloe does the same. Both women are stunning, especially London. She’s tall, blond, thin. Her big eyes are a gorgeously deep blue, and I get the impression she doesn’t miss a thing. Kayla is equally observant, but she seems less interested in the people in the room and more interested in our surroundings.
“How do you know Serena?” I ask as Chloe and I take seats.
“Oh, Kayla did work for my husband,” Serena says. “She’s in security.”
Aha. That explains her attention.
“She and London are on their honeymoon.”
I don’t know why I’m surprised there are another couple of queer women in Serena’s life, but I am. Pleasantly so. As if she’d been lurking around the corner waiting for Serena’s words, Ria appears carrying a tray of glasses filled with what looks to be Champagne.
“A toast to the newlyweds,” Serena says, holding up her glass.
Chloe looks at me, and I nod for her to go ahead and take a glass.
Once all our glasses are raised, Serena goes on. “May you never wonder if you’re loved. May the sun always be on your faces. May you walk side by side for your entire life together, and if you can’t, may one of you have the strength to carry the other.Cin cin!” We touch glasses and sip.
“That was lovely, Serena,” London says. “Thank you.” She turns to me as I tuck away that she’s American, judging by her accent. “And what brings you to Rome?”
“Oh, I’m here to work,” I say, not lying but not telling the whole truth. “And Chloe starts school next week, so she wanted a quick visit.” I lean into her. “Cuz she missed her old aunt.”
Chloe gives the teenage girl eye roll, but grins to take out any sting. “And to see my boy, Reggie.” She sends a mock glare his way. “Not cool to abandon me after one day, my dude. Not cool at all.” In response, he seems to shift closer to Serena, which makes us all laugh.
“So,” Serena says, addressing me. “I know last week I told you this was going to be a tasting, but I’ve changed it to a game night instead. I hope that’s okay. We just have such a fun, laid-back group tonight, I thought it would be perfect. Plus, we can get to know each other a bit. And there will still be plenty of wine, don’t worry.”
