“So you’re moving to Las Vegas,” Mia murmured.
Tears filled Caroline’s eyes. “Yeah. Brandon wants to get married before we go. We have six weeks to find a place to live there, get married and move out there before he starts his new job. Mr. Wellington is being fabulous about everything. He’s paying for relocation and also helping with the down payment on the house. He’s very serious about Brandon and wants him to consider this a long-term position. He’s doubling Brandon’s salary so we won’t have to worry about money and I have plenty of time to find a job out there.”
“That’s wonderful, Caro,” Mia said softly. “But I’ll miss you terribly.”
“We all will,” Bethany amended. “Girls’ night out just won’t be the same without you!”
Caroline hugged them both and then rose. “I’m going to head to the ladies’ room and see if the others are coming. I’ll also snag the waitress and tell her we all want another round. Be back in a flash.”
Mia watched her best friend go with an unhappy frown. When Caroline left the room, Mia sighed.
“Damn, I’m going to miss her.”
“I know,” Bethany said. “So will I. But you still have us, Mia.”
Mia looked up and smiled and then impulsively reached for both Josie’s and Bethany’s hands to squeeze.
“Okay so we’re alone now and I have to admit, Josie, that Bethany and I are bursting with nosy questions about you and Ash. I hope we don’t offend you but we’re dying to know all the details!”
Josie laughed. “I don’t mind. But I’m afraid you’re in for a disappointment. There’s nothing really exciting about our relationship.”
Mia snorted. “You’ll forgive us if we don’t quite believe that. The first thing you have to tell us is just how good he is in the sack. I suppose Bethany already knows, but I have to admit, I’m curious!”
Then she promptly clamped a hand over her mouth, her eyes rounding with horror.
“Oh my God, Josie! I’m so sorry!” A low moan escaped and Mia buried her face in her hands. “I’m so stupid. I swear. Gabe and Jace are always telling me how I just blurt out whatever I’m thinking without any consideration for what I’m saying.”
Josie smiled wryly. “It’s okay, Mia. Really. I know about Bethany and Ash.” She glanced over at Bethany to see the other woman was even more mortified than Mia. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes were mirrors of discomfort.
“I hope you understand,” Bethany said. “I mean that it didn’t mean anything to Ash. Oh God, this is even more awkward than things were the first time Jace and I saw Ash together after that night.”
Josie reached over to squeeze Bethany’s hand. “Please don’t. It’s okay, really. I admit, when Ash first told me what happened, I dreaded meeting you. I wasn’t crazy about having to spend time with a woman who’d had sex with Ash. I hated the idea of picturing the two of you together. But after meeting you it was okay. And I think in a lot of ways, seeing how Jace was with you helped cement for me that there was nothing between you and Ash except deep friendship.”
“I’m glad,” Bethany said sincerely. “I love Ash. I really do. But as a friend. I adore Jace beyond all reason.”
“I suppose I’ve ruined any chance of us getting the dirt on you and Ash now, Josie,” Mia said glumly.
Josie laughed. “Well, no, not if you give me return dirt. I’m dying of curiosity over your men too. Like for instance, is that a collar you wear, Bethany? Or is it just a necklace?”
Bethany’s cheeks went pink as she fingered the diamond that rested in the hollow of her throat. “It’s a collar,” she said softly. “Jace wanted me to wear it. I never take it off.”
“Is yours a collar too, Josie?” Mia asked.
Josie nodded.