Truly, Madly, Whiskey(62)
The girls laughed as they piled into Gemma’s car. Dixie gave them a hard time the whole way to Chelsea’s Boutique. They’d just arrived when Crystal’s phone vibrated with a text.
“Ten bucks says that’s my brother,” Dixie said.
Crystal opened the text and held up her phone for Dixie to see. Bear.
“He’s such a dork,” Dixie said.
“He’s not a dork, but if he were, he’d be my dork. So watch it.”
“Whoa, someone’s possessive.” Dixie narrowed her eyes. “That means you’re serious. Thank God, because all that dicking around was making me crazy. Please tell me you’re all in with him. He’s crazy about you.”
“I think it’s safe to say that I’m all in, Dix.” She couldn’t suppress her grin as she finished typing her text to Bear. If you’re good, maybe you can visit my Bear cave Friday night.
Bear’s response was immediate. If? I’m better than good. But you know that, which means my girl knows what she wants.
A little thrill rushed through her. She tucked her phone in her purse and they headed for the door.
“You are all in?” Gemma sidled up to her. “But I thought you two hadn’t done the deed.”
Walking ahead of them, Dixie covered her ears. “That’s my brother you’re talking about.” She spun around with a disbelieving look in her eyes. “But that cannot be true.”
Crystal opened her mouth to respond, and Dixie held her palm up, silencing her. “Forget it. Don’t tell me. But…All this time? Really? What the heck are you waiting for?” She waved her hand again. “Oh God. Don’t tell me. I don’t need to know those details about my brother. I’m going inside.”
Dixie bolted into Chelsea’s, and Gemma hung on Crystal’s arm. “You’re all in?”
“All in, Gem. We haven’t done the deed, but I…he…” She inhaled quickly and blew it out hard. “I’m falling so hard for him. Or I’ve fallen. I’m right there. All this time, all these months. It was building and all the emotions were there, and I couldn’t—”
Dixie pushed the door open and stuck her head outside. “Hurry up, sex kittens! Ew. Now I’m thinking about Bear again.”
“I’m so happy for you,” Gemma said as they walked inside. “We’ll talk another time.”
Crystal was excited to talk to Gemma about her new awareness and acceptance of her feelings, even if she wasn’t ready to share all the details of her past just yet. She was a nervous wreck about that, especially the lies she’d told her about bad dates and one-night stands.
A beautiful blonde looked up from behind the counter where she was flipping through a magazine. “Hi. You must be Gemma.” She smiled as she came around the counter. “I’m Tegan, your nip-and-tuck girl.”
Gemma glanced at Dixie and Crystal. “How did you know who I am?”
“It has something to do with the starry-eyed, almost-a-bride look. And maybe because when you were walking up to the door, Jewel ran in the back and said, ‘There’s Gemma. I forgot to bring her dress up front.’” Tegan laughed.
“I’m sure I have the starry-eyed thing going on, too,” Gemma said. “I cannot wait to get married.”
Jewel hurried through the store carrying Gemma’s dress. “Hi, Gemma.” She gave her a quick hug. “I see you’ve met Tegan. She’s amazing with a needle and thread.”
“Don’t let her fool you,” Tegan said. “I’m amazing at everything I do. Using a needle and thread is just one of my many talents.”
Crystal liked her already. She reminded her of a certain cocky male.
“Why does everything sound like it’s about sex?” Dixie shook her head.
“Because you’re lonely,” Gemma teased. “Tegan, these are my besties, Dixie and Crystal. Jewel, they need dresses, too.”
Dixie looked around the shop. “Gem, do you want us to wear a certain color?”
“No,” Gemma answered. “I want you to be comfortable and be you.”
“How could you forget that Gemma is all about being free to be you and me?” Crystal said. “That’s why she loves my freaky side.”
“I bet my brother likes your freaky side. Oh geez. Forget I said that.” Dixie turned to Jewel. “Do you have a dress that says sexy and strong?”
“Do we ever.” Jewel waved a hand around the store. “How about brown leather and floral lace?”
“Ohmygod,” Dixie said. “Sounds heavenly.”
“Leather and lace? That sounds like you and me,” Gemma said to Crystal.
“True, but your man has brought out your wild side. Want me to hang with you while you get fitted?” Crystal asked.
“No. Look around. Maybe they have something for you, too.”
“You’d look smokin’ hot in the sexy little number I saw Jewel putting on the mannequin in the window earlier,” Tegan suggested. “Gemma, why don’t you get changed, and I’ll show Crystal that dress.”
Tegan led her to the front of the store and pulled a sixties-inspired, blue-gray shift from a rack. “This dress is to die for. I love the crepe fabric, and the peekaboo cutout around the neck with that sewn-in choker? Girl, you are going to look hot as Hades.”