Unexpected Rush (Play-By-Play #11)(69)

“I need lingerie,” Mia said, as they walked along the mall.

Harmony’s brows rose. “Do tell.”

Mia grinned. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll tell.”

“Oh, come on. I promise not to tell any of your brothers about the hot guy you’re buying lingerie for.”

“I’m not sure it’s a relationship kind of thing. More like a hookup kind of thing. You know how college is.” She finished with a shrug.

“Those can be fun. All the excitement with none of the messy commitment and hurt feelings.”

“Exactly.”

Harmony hooked her arm in Mia’s. “Then let’s go lingerie shopping for your mystery man.”

Mia laughed. “Yes. Let’s.”

Once they were done shopping, they stopped at a place called the Blue Dahlia Bistro.

“You’re going to love it here,” Mia said. “The food is incredible.”

They settled in and Harmony sipped the most amazing pomegranate tea while she perused the menu.

“So tell me about school,” Harmony said. “You must really love being there.”

“It’s a great university. I’ll finish up my MBA within the next year. I’m looking at a few universities for my PhD, so it looks like I’ll probably be moving out of state for that.”

“Farther away from home, huh? Are you ready for that?”

“Actually, yes.” Mia took a sip from her glass of tea, then set it down on the table. “I’m all about the adventure. And chances are I’ll likely end up living somewhere near one of my brothers, since they’re spread out around the country. Family tends to be close by, no matter what.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. Any idea where you’d like to get your PhD?”

“I’m looking very hard at Stanford right now and keeping my fingers crossed that I can work something out there. Plus I’d love to live in California. And, Flynn is there.”

She grinned. “Flynn is a great guy.”

“You’ve met him before?”

Oops. “Yes. All of your brothers have visited Barrett in Tampa before, and since Barrett and my brother are best friends, they’ve all ended up at my mother’s house for dinner.”

“Oh, of course.”

She was so glad to have had that excuse. And at least it was the truth.

“Frankly, I’m anxious to get out on my own,” Mia said. “College has been great, but I’m ready to branch out. Even if I don’t start the PhD program right away, I’m ready to move on and start working.”

“I’m excited for you. There’s nothing like using what you know and starting a career.”

“Exactly. It was important to me to at least get my MBA, but now I’m ready to do something with all this education.”

“I think you’ll do great things.”

“Thanks.”

Lunch was amazing. Harmony had the chicken salad tartine with nuts and cranberries, which was delicious. She was so full—they both were—that they decided to decline dessert.

They had a few hours to kill before the event tonight, so they headed to the hotel. Not only did they have individual rooms, but Lydia had booked a massive suite at the Four Seasons. It had two bedrooms and three bathrooms, perfect for all the women to get ready together, which Lydia said would be a lot more fun—and easier, in case someone needed help with a zipper or their hair. And there was plenty of room for all of them to move around, plus a balcony with a breathtaking view of the lake.

Harmony and her mother would share a room, so she met up with her mother in the lobby when everyone else showed up. They all checked into their individual rooms first.

“I . . . might not be staying here tonight,” her mother said, as they unpacked.

Harmony noted the slightly nervous tone in her mother’s voice. It was like role reversal, with Harmony taking on the parental role. She turned to face her mother.

“Mama. Really? You and Elijah?”

Her mother straightened, didn’t even look embarrassed. “Yes. Me and Elijah.”

Harmony laughed. “Go get you some, Mama. And have a great time.”

“I intend to, honey. Believe me.”

She couldn’t be more thrilled that her mother was having some fun. Whether it was temporary fun or something more, it was none of her business. Her mother was a grown woman and could do whatever she wanted.

Harmony and her mother packed their dress clothes for tonight and put their makeup and hair products into bags, then went upstairs to the presidential suite. They laid their bags down and headed out onto the balcony, while Lydia ordered up drinks from room service. She’d told them they had time to sit back, chat and relax before tonight’s event.

Harmony wasn’t sure she’d ever felt more pampered, especially when room service showed up with champagne, wine, sparkling water and iced tea.

It was definitely enticing. Though it was early, she couldn’t resist a glass of champagne. She was looking forward to partying tonight.

They all sat and chatted together about everything from men to sex to careers, politics and religion. They all had different backgrounds and belief systems, were of different ages and in various stages of their lives, and yet the conversation stayed respectful. Harmony had never thoroughly enjoyed herself more than in this company of women.