“Not to mention the abundance of cleavage,” Serena said dryly. “Although he might not complain about that part.”
The girls giggled and headed toward the door where Sam stood solemnly, his expression disapproving.
“May I tell Mr. Roche what time you plan to return?”
Julie snickered.
With a perfectly straight face, Serena said, “Well, you could, Sam, but I have no idea when that might be. You may tell Mr. Roche that I’ll see him when I see him.”
They stumbled out of the house laughing as they headed toward the cab parked inside the circle drive.
“Where’re we going anyway?” Faith asked when they piled into the cab.
Julie looked at them sheepishly.
“You seriously aren’t taking us to Cattleman’s for girls’ night out,” Serena said.
“I mean, I like Cattleman’s,” Faith was quick to say, “but this is a special night. We’re back together again.”
Julie laughed. “Faith, you dork, we were only apart for less than a week.”
“So?” she said with a sniff. “I missed you guys.”
“The hell you did,” Serena snorted. “If I know Gray he had you six ways to Sunday and a few into Monday as well.”
Faith blushed but her grin lit up the entire cab.
“Okay, so I know you guys aren’t thrilled with Cattleman’s, but I arranged our own little private drinking area, complete with … drumroll, please … our own private bartender. And he’s hot, if I do say so myself.”
“Oooh, Cattleman’s is looking up,” Serena said.
Faith wrinkled her nose. “Since I’m newly married and all, aren’t I supposed to be struck blind for at least six months? I’m not supposed to notice hot guys, right?”
“Honey, as long as you go home to your even hotter man, a little window-shopping is not verboten,” Julie said.
“Hmm, window-shopping. I like that,” Faith said.
Half an hour later, they landed at Cattleman’s and entered the pub, cutting past several people waiting to be seated to eat. Julie caught Carls eye and waved. He smiled and motioned her back.
“Come on, girls,” Julie said grabbing their hands.
Seconds later, escorted by Carl, they were given a table in a cordoned off section of the bar. The rounded back corner was theirs and a bartender leaned saucily against the wall.
“Ladies,” he greeted. “My name is Drew, and I’m yours for the evening.”
“Oh, Julie, good call,” Serena murmured.
“Somebody remind me I’m married,” Faith squeaked.
“Place your orders,” Drew said. “I’m ready to pour.”
Fours hour later, the crowd had filtered out, the drinks had slowed and Julie, Serena and Faith were on the floor, their heads touching as they stared up at the ceiling.
“Who knew there were stars up here, or that they glowed in the dark,” Faith said in a low whisper.
“Pretty,” Serena agreed.
Julie was still trying to get her tongue to work. A face appeared above her head, a grinning face.
“Ready to call it a night?” Drew asked.
“Hell no,” Julie muttered. Easy enough to find her tongue when it counted. “I want one more. Just slide the straw down here so I don’t have to get up.”
He chuckled. “Sorry. I’m going to have to cut you off. It’s last call.”
“Damn.”
“Think Carl will mind if we just camp out here tonight?” Serena asked. “I’ve lost the feeling in my legs.”
“I’m not moving,” Faith said. “If I do, I’ll probably puke.”
“So, we stay,” Julie said with a nod.
She held up her hand, giggling when it waved precariously. Serena and Faith held theirs up, and it took three attempts, but they finally managed to high-five.
Julie let her hand fall to the floor with a thump. “Damn it’s good to hang out with you guys again. We need to make a solemn vow with you two heifers tying the knot that we don’t give this up and become boring housewives.”
“Bite your tongue,” Serena muttered. “Damon may have me manacled, but he doesn’t have me on a leash.”
“Yet.” Faith snickered.
Julie turned to check out the shiny arm cuff on Serena’s upper arm. It looked so exotic on her, and she’d wondered more than once what its significance was. She had a matching one above her ankle. It looked so slave-girlish.
“So is that what he gave you in lieu of a collar?” Julie asked seriously.
Serena stilled and touched the outline of the gold. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “It’s his mark of ownership.”