Summer Nights (Fool's Gold #8)(45)

“I’m walking,” Charlie grumbled. “Although I’m insulted you’d even ask.”

“I didn’t,” Jo said, standing by their table, obviously amused. “I simply said the special tonight was the mini tacos you all like and that I could bring another round of margaritas. Not even a hint of a question.”

“You’re so smug now that you’re in love,” Charlie said with a scowl.

Jo leaned close. “The sex is amazing. You should try it some time.”

Charlie quickly turned away, but not before Annabelle saw the flash of pain in her friend’s eyes. Jo had no way of knowing about Charlie’s difficult past—the date rape and the ridicule that had followed.

Heidi also caught the look and smiled brightly at Jo. “We know you’re always looking out for us and we appreciate it. Another round please, and yes to those delicious mini tacos. I think two plates will be enough.”

“Sure thing.” Jo scribbled on a pad. “Still toasting the goat?”

Heidi winced. “I assume you mean that in a ‘raising a glass to’ kind of way.”

“Yes. I know you don’t roast your precious animals.”

“Did you know goat is actually the most popular source of animal protein in the world?” Annabelle asked.

Heidi’s eyes widened in horror. “You didn’t just say that.”

“It’s true, but heartbreakingly sad,” Annabelle said quickly. “I’m sorry. It’s one of those weird factoids I carry in my head. I think I learned it on Oprah.”

“I miss Oprah,” Heidi said.

“She’s already drunk.” Jo sounded disgusted. “One margarita. I’m never getting rich off you guys.”

“I’m not drunk. I’m buzzed. There’s a difference.”

Jo shook her head and left for the bar. When the three of them were alone, Heidi turned to Charlie.

“She didn’t mean anything by the sex comment,” she said in a low voice.

“I know.” Charlie picked up her glass and swallowed the last of her margarita. “I usually don’t react to people talking about stuff like that. Tonight’s different. I guess I’m in a mood or something.”

“It’s Persephone,” Heidi told her. “The baby thing.”

“I love your goat, but she’s not affecting my life.”

“Montana’s baby could be,” Annabelle offered. “I know I’m hearing a faint ticking sound.”

“Me, too,” Heidi said.

“Yes, but you have a man,” Annabelle reminded her. “A man who loves you and wants to marry you. I’m guessing you’ve already discussed starting a family.”

“We have.” Heidi looked blissful. “I don’t know what I did to get so lucky, but I’m really grateful. And you have Shane.”

If Annabelle had been drinking, she would have spit. “Shane and I aren’t an item. We’re friends.”

Charlie rolled her eyes. “Say that all you want. No one is fooled.”

“He’s teaching me to ride.”

“Sure he is.”

Annabelle knew she couldn’t deny the sex part. Not after telling her friends what had happened when he’d left. From there, word had gotten spread around, creating trouble for Shane. At the time, she’d been angry and hurt, so she hadn’t minded getting a little back at him. Now she realized there were consequences.

“That was a one-time thing,” she said primly. “We won’t be having sex again. We’ve come to an understanding. We’re friends.”

“Keep saying it,” Charlie told her. “One day it might be true.”

Annabelle glanced around to make sure no one was sitting too close, then leaned toward her friends and lowered her voice. “I have to admit, I do like him a lot. Maybe more than a lot. We want different things though and he doesn’t trust me.”

“Why doesn’t he trust you?” Charlie asked. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“It’s his ex,” Heidi explained. “I never met her, but I heard stories from Rafe. Apparently she’s a real byotch.”

Charlie snorted. “You did not just say that. Seriously?”

“I’m hip,” Heidi said with a sniff. “Is that the right word?”

Annabelle grinned. “If you have to ask, then the answer is probably no.”

They were still laughing when Jo returned with another round of margaritas and more chips.

“Change in topic,” Annabelle said when she’d left. “How are things going with the wedding planning? Shouldn’t we have another meeting soon?”

“Maybe next week.” Heidi grabbed a chip. “I’m still pulling together my guest list. Our friends from the carnival are coming. Did I tell you that? We got confirmation a couple of days ago.”

Heidi had grown up on the carnival circuit. Her parents had been killed when she’d been little and she’d gone to live with her grandfather. Heidi had always been surrounded by people who adored her. Now they would come to see her happily married, making an already special day even more so.

“That’s great,” Annabelle said. “With the wedding being held at the ranch, the size isn’t much of an issue.”