“What can I get you lovely ladies thisevening?” He gives me a sweet look, but his eyes devour Olivia.
“Um, I’d like a chocolate cake shooter,and for Olivia?”
“White wine spritzer please.” She doesn’teven directly look at the guy.
“I need a drink, and you may need oneafter you meet my mother.”
Olivia smiles. “I have a mother likethat.”
The bartender comes back with our drinks,I down mine in one gulp but Olivia only takes a sip of hers. “Okay, ready tomeet my family?” Ready or not, and it’s definitely a not. Oh boy, do I needanother drink.
“Oh Katie, is this a friend you’ve metthat’s joining us? The more the merrier.” My mom gives me her I’m not happywith you smile. And her voice makes it very clear she’s immensely irritated. Itcould be so many things. I’m not going to even try to guess why she’s upset.
“Well, yes. I guess. Mom, this is OliviaHolt. Preston Holt’s wife, and I guess for all intents and purposes, mymother-in-law.” I give Olivia an apologetic look. My aunt Kathy chokes on herwater and Jill gives her a napkin, patting her back, never taking her eyes offOlivia. “Olivia, this is my mother, Luann Cook, my aunt, Kathy Swenson, herdaughter Jill and my grandma Alice. And you’ve met Laura.”
Laura stands. “You can sit next to meuntil your husband arrives.”
“Thank you.” Olivia leans over to me,whispering. “Thanks for suggesting the drink.”
I smile. “No problem.”
“Hey Kate, um—I need to use the bathroom.Come with.” Laura wraps her arm around mine, dragging me toward the bathroomswherever those are. But once we are past the booth, she makes a beeline for thebar.
The same bartender smiles. “Anotherround?”
“Another round?” Laura laughs, eyeing me.
“Um—yes. Make it two. One for me and onefor her.”
“And what exactly am I getting?” Lauracocks an eyebrow.
“Do you remember that drink I texted youabout, the chocolate cake shooters?” My stomach warms with anticipation.
“Ooh yes.” Laura leans against the bar,her eyes lighting up.
The bartender places the two drinks infront of us. “Well, here you go.” I laugh.
I pick mine up. “Wait.” Laura covers herhand over my drink. “A toast. To a quick and painless night and to the bestfriend a girl could ever have.”
I laugh and we clink glasses. “I feellike I should just say amen. But to my girl Laura, I love you more thancake—even the liquid form.” And I tip my head and let the butter chocolateliquid drain down my throat. “Oh Elvis,” I say melodically as an Elvisimpersonator starts singing ‘One Night with You’.
“I will never understand your obsessionwith Elvis, but it makes you even more endearing.” I watch Laura drain hershot. “Holy shit. That was divine. Two more.” Laura waves two fingers at thebartender.
CHAPTERSIX
“Okay, no more. I’m feeling tipsy. Thatwas my third chocolate cake shot, and I haven’t eaten anything all day. If Colefinds me drunk, I’m going to be in big trouble. In fact,” I turn to thebartender again. “Can I get a glass of water, no ice?” He nods and sets a glassin front of me, and I take several gulps until it’s gone. “Okay, we better getback.”
When we walk up to the booth, Olivia’sstanding to let Jill back in her seat. “Sorry,” Laura smiles apologetically.“There was a line.”
I open my menu, looking at what theyoffer, hoping to avoid any conversation. An Elvis impersonator finishes hissong, and another takes his place.
“Kate.”
I sigh behind my menu. “Yes, Mom.”
“This chef’s salad looks great. It’sloaded with vegetables and if you have them put a little oil and vinegar on it,it will be less than 500 calories.”
Great. I’m having salad for dinner. Idon’t know why I bothered with the menu.
