THE CRAZY GOOD SERIES - Rachel Robinson Page 0,338

mean, will you marry the same guy and share him then?”

“Lainey, please,” Natalya chides. “We’re obviously not serious with these men we date. When it comes to finding husband material we won’t do it at bars.”

“Yeah, Mother will probably do it for us,” Oksana scoffs. Sore subject.

Morganna gets up and dances when a new song plays. She pulls Windsor up to her feet. “Come on, you. I only get you away from him for six hours a year. Let’s take wagers. I bet he’s following the bus right now, your little munchkins strapped in the back.”

Windsor bites her lip. “He’d never put the kids in a cab,” she says, her voice growing louder as she contemplates it. “Would he? I mean, you’re right. He’ll show his face at some point during our night’s festivities. Steve will be on babysitting duty. That’s the wager I’m placing.”

Morg laughs, throwing her head back. “It’s good practice for him,” she says, looking at me. “Is Dax in town tonight?”

He is having his bachelor party tonight, but I’m not sure where. Dax didn’t make a big deal about it and I didn’t ask for specific details. It wasn’t as big of a deal as Chloe made this, so it will be low-key with his friends.

I shrug. “I think he’s in Virginia Beach still. I’m not sure what his plans are.” Everyone turns to look at me like I just spoke another language.

“Wow. You’re pretty trusting,” Natalya says, raising her voice over the music. Chloe catches the hint and turns it down.

Windsor clears her throat. “She’s marrying him. Of course she trusts him,” she says.

Chloe buts in with our itinerary. “Speaking of trust, everyone listen up!” Chloe shouts. We have bars and clubs that are color coded by our reservation type. VIP is red, which means our stops there will be longer than the yellows, which are just open seating, but a lot of fun. Orange bars are places that are a lot of fun, but will probably be super busy and/or have a line. Between Morganna and Chloe our evening is mapped out perfectly. She’s already checked us in to our hotel and arranged transportation for everyone. Shit is about to get crazy. The honking of cabs and the glare from the lights let us know we’ve arrived in NYC. The bus is high, so it gives a better vantage point to see the bustle of life. I think of Cody. We won’t be far from his apartment if we do visit one of the red bars.

Chloe shoves a sash at me. “Put this on. It lets everyone know exactly how loose your morals are tonight. I have a list—don’t worry, it’s not long—of things you have to do before the night is over. Here,” she says, shoving a typed notecard at my face.

I read it aloud while everyone laughs. “One. Seduce a stranger,” I say, raising my eyebrows. “Wow. That will be easy wearing a sash that says ‘bride’. Most men love that.” My sarcasm makes my friends giggle.

Chloe nods furiously. “Men love it, Lainey. You’re almost taken. The almost part is a huge draw. They’ll be all over that shit like white on rice. Trust me. Go on, read the others.”

“Take a body shot off someone. Oh, come on, this is juvenile!”

“No, you should definitely do it,” Oksana chirps.

I fold my arms across my chest. “Fine. Off you,” I say, giving a pointed look at my cousin. She shakes her head.

I continue, “Take a picture with a man. And the last one is don’t say ‘no’ all night long.” I pause, look at Chloe, and then say, “Wow, you really set me up good here. I’m sure I won’t fail at all.” The introverted section of my brain is cringing while the other side is gloating with the ease in which these can be completed.

“Perfect. Game on,” Chloe says. The rest of the women finish their drinks, strap their shoes back on, and get ready for our first stop at a red bar. Our driver deposits us in front of the entrance and gives Chloe a business card with his phone number so we can call him when we need a ride to our next stop. The subway isn’t safe enough for Maverick’s liking and our shoes aren’t solid enough for walking any place, really. This was a great idea.

As we step onto the street, I hear a couple whistles and hoots because of this fucking sash. I’m garnering more attention than I’m