and realize it’s okay to be happy again. You’ll embrace life and find true joy. Most importantly, you won’t feel guilty about it. And let’s face it, Brody’s hot. I should know, although I landed the sexiest triplet.”
Abbie rolls her eyes.
“I beg to differ.” My spine straightens, and the claws come out. “Brody is the sexiest triplet, and the things he can do with his…”
“Girls,” Abbie pipes up, “remember you’re sitting across from those insolent boys’ mother. If you’re going to discuss that kind of thing, give me a heads up, and I’ll make myself scarce.”
Evie and I laugh.
“Abbie,” Evie says, “this might be a good time to leave.”
“As if.” Abbie huffs and rolls her shoulder’s back. She’s not going anywhere. She’s feisty and fun, a true gift. I understand why she and Mom were such good friends.
“If you want,” I say, “I can tell you what happened after that charity event.” I don’t know why, but I feel cheeky around Evie and Abbie—comfortable and confident.
We’re drawn from the same cloth, the three of us. Some might say, thick as thieves, but there is some hesitation. I’ve not yet been drawn fully into the fold, but I will be. Brody loves me. Whatever it takes, I’ll find my place in his world—and with his family.
Brody is mine.
“By the way Brody looks at you, I have a pretty good idea what happened Friday night.” Abbie’s cheeks turn red and she looks away. The moment I think I’ve won, Abbie turns back with a wicked grin. “I know about the ABCs, dear girl. I just don’t need the particulars about my sons. That goes for you too, Evie. I don’t need to know specifics.”
“Speaking of men,” Evie turns the tables on Abbie, “why don’t you tell us all about your date with the judge?”
“Oh yes, the judge.” I rub my palms together in anticipation, happy to have attention shifted from me to Abbie
“What I’m about to say is in the strictest confidence. Do not say a word to my boys.” Abbie can’t contain her excitement. “I need a solemn pinky swear on this.” Her eyes pinch, and I realize she’s serious.
“Pinky swear it is.” We lock pinkies, and I’m sworn to secrecy.
Abbie’s as eager for girl time as I am, and I’m learning all kinds of things about Abbie, my mom, and the friendship they shared. One of those things is how lonely Abbie’s been since her husband passed, the year after Brody and his brothers graduated high school. It’s one of many things I didn’t know about the La Rouge family after Brody blew my life apart.
I spent so many years hating Brody that I missed the intense friendship my mother shared with his mother. I should be surprised, but I find myself excited to find out about these little kernels of my mother’s life. It’s a gift really, learning about her, not as a daughter, but as a fellow woman. I find myself falling in love with her all over again. It’s a treasure and a blessing.
Somehow, through all of the tragedy surrounding their children, Abbie and Mom remained friends. It’s something I never appreciated, let alone understood.
I broke off all ties to the La Rouge family and thought Mom had as well, but that was not the case. I’m happy she and Abbie maintained their friendship despite the conflict between their children, but I admit I’m a bit upset by the things Mom kept from me.
“I want to hear about this judge? Who is he?” I dig for information, thinking I’m all coy and shit like that, but Abbie sees right through me.
“He is no one, and if you tell Brody, I will cut you.”
“Cut me?” I’m not sure if this is a threat, but Evie laughs. “I pinky swore…”
“Grace, she’s messing with you.” Evie cups her wine glass and breathes in the fragrant aroma. Her eyes close and a smile curves her lips. “This is my absolute favorite Atwood Estates’ wine. As for Miss Abbie over here, she’s been carrying on a torrid affair with one hot silver fox of a judge, and she’s done it with the Trips none the wiser.”
“Trips?” Abbie giggles. “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that. I see you girls have been talking behind my back.”
“Not so much behind your back as trying to keep ahead of those hellions you raised.” Evie lifts her glass in a toast. “To the men who drive women crazy. May we prevail against them all.”
Lunch