“I have no idea what I like.” Piper frowned. “Men are annoying. I’m thinking of freezing my eggs.”
“Oh, the right guy is out there,” Sierra said earnestly.
Jazz snorted. “He might even be right in front of your face.”
“Spoken like a happily married woman,” I noted.
“Nope.” Piper shook her head. “I don’t want a man.”
“Has everyone got their costumes for the Halloween Spooktacular on Friday night?” Tessa asked. “I’m going as Wonder Woman.”
“And Ro?” Jazz asked.
“Captain America.”
I snort-laughed. I couldn’t wait to see the suave billionaire playing dress up.
“It’s for the kids and charity,” Tessa said primly. “What’s your costume?”
I winced. “No idea. Ollie hasn’t made up his mind.”
Tessa gasped. “You’re almost out of time.”
“I’ll get it sorted out.”
“Does Caden have a costume?” Sierra asked.
I burst out laughing. “You really think he’ll wear a costume? Have you met the man?”
Tessa crossed her arms. “Hewillwear a costume. It’s the rule.”
Piper sipped her drink. “I bet he will if you ask him to, Allie.”
“We’ll see.” Hmm, I wouldn’t mind seeing him as Batman, or maybe a sexy Grim Reaper. I glanced at my watch and stirred. “I’d better get home. One thing about having kids, you can never drink too much, or stay out too late.” I set my glass down. “Kids don’t sleep in, and trust me, kids and hangovers don’t mix. Ollie will be home first thing in the morning.”
“I hate that you’re walking home in the cold,” Tessa said.
“It’s not snowing, and it isn’t far. I’ll be fine.”
I hugged all of them.
“And we demand regular updates on you and Broody,” Tessa said.
“Not the gory details.” Piper held up a hand. “I need to be able to look the man in the eye.”
I smiled. “Night, guys.”
I slipped my denim jacket on. The air was crisp and the sky filled with clouds, but thankfully no snow. As I headed down the street, I glanced across at Emily’s house. No doubt the kids were in bed, but my money was on them giggling under the covers. It would be good for Ollie.
After a brisk walk, I turned onto my street. My condo building was all lit up. Pulling out my cellphone, I texted Tessa.
My apartment building is in sight. Thanks for a great night.
Then I was planning to text Caden, but my fingers hovered over the keyboard. I pressed the Call button instead.
“You okay?” His deep voice came across the line.
“Yes.” I imagined him sitting in a chair, studying files. “I’m walking home.”
