9
Two weeks beforeChristmas, Samara met the girls for lunch at her brother-in-law’s famous soul food restaurant. The lunch crowd was in full swing, every table and booth and bar stool occupied with regulars as well as tourists who were visiting for the holidays. They had the restaurant buzzing with lively conversation, clinking glasses and clattering silverware.
Samara, Reese, Taylor and Lexi sat in a plush leather booth tucked into a private corner of the packed restaurant. They had finished eating and were lingering over cocktails while talking and laughing and enjoying one another’s company.
“I can’t wait to get to Burgundy,” Lexi declared with a contented sigh. “The exquisite food and wine are calling my name.”
Samara smiled. “I’m so glad you guys will be coming.”
“Are you kidding? Quentin and I jump at every chance to go back to Burgundy. That’s where we got married and had our dream honeymoon, so you know we’ve got nothing but love for that place. We haven’t been back in two summers, so we’re definitely looking forward to returning. And Ma’s coming this time so I’m happy about that.”
“So am I,” Samara said, sipping her virgin cranberry margarita. “It’s good to see our mothers getting along. There was a time your mom wouldn’t have stepped foot on the same plane as Asha, much less agreed to spend two whole weeks at her château.”
“I know,” Lexi said with a laugh. “Ma still thinks Asha is bougie as hell, but she’s grown to appreciate her, and she really admires Asha’s accomplishments. And to think it all started when I dragged Ma to our monthly Sunday brunch two years ago. I shoulda done thata lotsooner.”
“Better late than never,” the others said.
“So true.” Lexi smiled. “I’m glad Quentin’s mom and her husband will be coming, too. And not just because they promised to watch the kids for us when we need to sneak away for some sexy time.”
Everyone laughed.
Last spring, Georgina Reddick had married her neighbor Henry Duncan in an elegant ceremony at her family’s estate in Savannah. Both Quentin and Georgina’s father had walked the widowed bride down the aisle while the guests looked on with tearful smiles. In the two years since Georgina had reconciled with her estranged family, she’d resumed summering with them on Martha’s Vineyard and had spent every holiday in Savannah. Quentin and Lexi divided their holidays between the Harringtons, the Reddicks and the Wolf Pack.
“Too bad Colby and Ava won’t be able to join us for Christmas,” Taylor remarked, referring to Lexi’s brother and sister-in-law.
“I know,” Lexi lamented with a deep sigh. “I really wish they could come, but they’re spending the holidays with Ava’s family. I miss them, and I still haven’t quite forgiven Marcus and Quentin for shipping them off to the D.C. firm.”
Samara laughed. “Don’t blame our hubbies. Colby and Ava volunteered to go to the other firm. They wanted a change of scenery, and they love living in D.C. So let them be happy.”
“I suppose.” Lexi pretended to sulk. “First Summer deserted me, then Colby.”
“Aww,” Reese consoled, patting Lexi’s shoulder. “There, there, big sis. You still have us.”
“I know.” Lexi sniffed and put her head on Reese’s shoulder, causing everyone to laugh.
Taylor sipped her martini. “My mom and stepdad are coming for Asha’s New Year’s Eve ball. So are Tru and Simona. Gabby promised to come, too.” Gabrielle Henri was her best friend, a pastry chef who ran her family’spâtisseriein Paris. “I can’t wait to see her again. It’s been more than two years.”
Samara grinned. “I know Montana will be glad to see her. I still remember all the sparks that were flying between them at your wedding.”
“I know.” Taylor was grinning. “Gabby still asks about him every time we talk on the phone. Casually, of course, like she’s just making polite conversation. But I know better. I told you guys she was seriously considering moving to the States after my wedding. But then her father got sick, and she didn’t want to leave her family. Now that her dad’s cancer has been in remission for several years, maybe she’ll revisit the idea of coming here and starting over.”
“That would be awesome,” Lexi enthused. “She can open a Pâtisserie Henri right here in Atlanta.”
Taylor grinned. “I am so here for it.”
“Hells yeah,” the others agreed.
Reese struck a thoughtful pose, tapping a finger against her lips. “I just realized something. If Gabby and Montana end up together, she’ll be the first member of our wives’ club who can pass the brown paper bag test.”
The others traded amused glances. “What’s your point?”
Reese motioned around the table. “Look at us. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re all brown to dark skinned. With Gabby being biracial, she would totally mess up the whole ‘Chocolate Wives Club’ we’ve got going on.”
Taylor laughed. “So what’re you saying? That Gabby can’t join our club because she’s Team Light Skin?”
“Hmm.” Reese pretended to ponder the question. “Don’t get me wrong. Idolike her. She’s your best friend, for starters. And she’s smart, beautiful, devoted to her family—”
“Not to mention a kickass pastry chef,” Samara added.
