Had she actually done that? Knowing Travis would prefer not to see his best friend’s little sister as a sexual object, she’d thrown it in his face, banking on the awkwardness sending him running.
On second thought, maybe she’d revealed the secret so he would be forced to treat her like an adult. One who schedules her own fireplace work, dammit. Too bad she hadn’t unmasked Dale before he’d made her feel the size of a thimble.
“You look pretty depressed for someone dressed like a clown,” Bethany remarked from her lean against the kitchen island. “Did the party mother give out Super Soakers and pin a target to your back again?”
“No. And we don’t talk about the Great Drenching of 2017.”
“Right,” Bethany drawled, pushing away from the kitchen island. She went to the freezer and took out a chilled bottle of tequila and three frosty little shot glasses, setting them down on the polished granite with a flourish. “I was going to propose we make it a tradition to open every Just Us League meeting with a shot of Patrón, but I didn’t realize it would be so necessary. You both look like the bachelorette who didn’t get a rose.”
Georgie sent a glance in Rosie’s direction, noting that the other woman did, in fact, seem kind of . . . frozen. Graceful though she was, Rosie’s arms were crossed loosely at her middle, her shoulders in an uncharacteristic hunch. The only one of the three women who appeared upbeat was Bethany. Nothing new there, though. Bethany embodied the term “upbeat,” whether discussing a five-hundred-dollar scratch-off win or a cheating ex-boyfriend. Positive or negative, her poise never slipped, especially in her element. And her sleek, sophisticated all-white kitchen was most definitely Bethany’s element.
“I second this tequila proposal,” Georgie mumbled. “Pour generously.”
“But of course,” Bethany said, uncapping the bottle and sliding golden liquid into the icy shot glasses. “Bottoms up, ladies of the league. We have much to discuss.”
Rosie, Bethany, and Georgie clinked glasses, each having various reactions to the liquid bite as it went down. Bethany smiled, Georgie grimaced, and Rosie gave a hoarse cough.
“So,” Rosie croaked. “What other traditions did you have in mind, Beth?”
A smile tickled the edge of Georgie’s mouth. “You’ve got it all planned out already, don’t you?”
“Only a loose framework.” Bethany held up the bottle one more time and both women wordlessly slid the glasses back in her direction. “Let’s start by sharing one good thing—and one bad thing—that happened to us this week. I’ll start, since it’s my brilliant idea.” She shook back her blond hair. “Good thing: I finally told Stephen I want to head my own flip.”
Rosie reached across the island and patted Bethany’s hand. “Good for you.”
“Bad thing: he told me no.”
Georgie made a sad game-show noise. “I bet he didn’t even give you a reason.” She dropped her voice several octaves. “Reasons are beneath Stephen Castle.”
“Not one fucking reason. Unless you count caveman grunts.”
“I’m sorry.” Rosie twisted her shot glass on the island. “What now?”
Bethany took her second drink. “Now I consider . . . pursuing my goal outside of the Brick & Morty fold.”
Rosie’s jaw dropped, mimicking Georgie’s. “Competing against the family business?” She blew out a breath. “Everyone in town knows Brick & Morty rules the Port Jeff real estate scene. You’re a brave woman.”
“I think you mean crazy,” Georgie said. “Beth. Are you really ready to look Dad in the eye and see the shock of betrayal? The business is everything to him. To the whole family. Quitting or pursuing another line of work is one thing, competing is another.”
“Yeah, well.” Bethany shrugged. “Maybe when they dismiss me so easily, I feel betrayed.” She shifted in her heels. “You know?”
“Yes,” Georgie rushed to say, something hot twisting in her chest. “Actually I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been dismissed more times than a software update reminder.”
Bethany didn’t say anything for a moment. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
Georgie was afraid if she dug deeper into that apology, she’d burst into tears, so she packed the moment away for later. “I’ve got your back with Dad. Together we will withstand the force of paternal disappointment. I mean, I’m a fucking clown, so I’m basically immune to disappointment at this point.”
The three of them laughed—and Bethany poured another shot. Georgie had been only half joking about her father’s disappointment. But the fact was . . . no one had ever asked Georgie to be a part of Brick & Morty. If she