expression softened. “I’m sorry. I’m being a bitch, aren’t I?”
Four voices replied in a synchronized chorus of “yes.”
She widened her eyes. “Wow. Really feeling the love here, guys.” She gave Kris an apologetic glance. “I know I have a totally shitty relationship sometimes with my parents, but you’re right, they do love me. And I have it way better than some people.”
“Yes, you do. But Thanksgiving tends to bring out the worst in families.” Kris patted her arm. “It’s okay, girl. We still love you.” He settled back to drink his martini.
“Have I mentioned how much I’m loving our post-Thanksgiving soiree?” Kate sipped her drink. “All the chaos and rush, parents, family, and now this—a civilized, relaxed evening of munchies, booze, and chat.” She glanced at the sleeping kitten beside her. “And cats.”
“I didn’t see you digging into the munchies all that much,” Dean observed.
Kate groaned. “I ate too much the last few days, so I’m being good. Because who wants to see a fat gym teacher?” She patted her belly.
Dean had to laugh. “You’re one of these really annoying people who can eat enough to choke a pig, and still look awesome. Me, on the other hand? I so much as get a whiff of a donut and a few seconds later it’s applying itself to my hips. My stomach. My ass.”
“I like guys who are a little chunky,” Kris murmured. Then he gazed at Dean in horror. “Not that you’re chunky, you understand. Not in the slightest. I mean—”
“Kris?” Diane’s eyes sparkled. “Quit digging that hole.”
Laughter rippled around the room.
“And let’s be honest, Dean. That’s a mighty fine ass you have there,” Suze added. When everyone stared at her, she frowned. “What? Don’t give me that ‘Oh Suze’ look because you’re all thinking it too.”
“Maybe, but we have more tact than to say it,” Kate said with a glare. “Especially when he’s sitting right there.” Her lips twitched. “Wait until he’s left the room so we can talk about him like we do everyone else.”
Dean gaped at them. “So what you’re saying is, you’ve all been ogling my ass?”
The three women gazed at him, all biting back smiles. Then Kate put her hand to her chest. “Aw, he didn’t notice. How cute is that?”
“Damn, we’re good.” Suze grinned as she high-fived Kate. “And look at him blush.”
“Girls.” That one word from Diane was enough to have them clearing their throats. “You keep that up, and Dean won’t invite us anymore.”
Kate gasped. “Nooo. We need our Sunday night soirees.” She raised her glass to the group. “To Dean, who opens up his home once a month to his favorite fag hags.” Diane and Suze joined her in the toast.
Dean glowered at Kate. “How many times do I have to say this? Will you please not refer to yourselves like that?” Kate and Suze had been doing it since he joined the staff at the high school four years ago. Then he’d introduced them to Diane, and Dean had swiftly found himself with a circle of intimate female friends who loved meeting up for drinks and gossip. He saw Suze and Kate every day, of course, but in the staffroom they toned down their banter, which was no bad thing. Some of the older teachers looked as if they were permanently sucking on lemons, and Dean didn’t think they’d appreciate his little posse’s sense of humor.
Kris was a writer Dean had met online on a gay men’s forum, only to be astounded to discover they lived in the same village. The first time Dean had invited him over for drinks with the girls, it became obvious he belonged there.
Thank God for the third Sunday of every month. Not that they stuck to that. Impromptu meetings occurred when the need arose, at least twice in each semester.
“Fag hags,” Kris muttered. “You’d better not be including me in that category.” He adjusted his scarlet bow tie a fraction.
Kate laughed. “Sweetie, you’re in a category all of your own, like Dean here.”
“And Dean, you know we all adore you because you’re fabulous.” Suze raised her glass to Dean. “To Dean’s fabulousness.” She glanced at Diane’s lap. “And his cats.”
Dean was certain he wasn’t remotely fabulous, but he let it slide.
Kris peered across the room at the kitten. “Does it have a name yet?”
Dean brought his hand to his chest in a gasp of mock horror. “It?” The sight of Kate, Suze and Diane glaring at Kris amused him no end. It was easy