Page 119 of Nocere

Alice returned a few minutes later, and snagged two ravioli at once before slipping into Stella's lap. "They're all out cold."

"Hooray." Stella kissed Alice while the latter stroked her cheeks. "Aren't you glad I'm off for a few days?"

"So glad." Alice nibbled her bottom lip. "I'm also glad that Finn wants to make some extra money before Christmas and we've hired her full-time for the next four days."

"And let me tell you, she couldn't be any happier." Vee chuckled and Scarlett nodded her agreement. "You're also paying her way too much."

"The girls are a handful. Paying her a salary for each of them is only fair," argued Stella, shaking her head.

"It's obnoxious." Vee laughed and so did the moms.

"Yeah, well, we appreciate it. We're going shopping and a few other things I had planned, one of which includes sleeping in." Alice poked Stella's nose. "Often. And even if the girls so much as sneeze, we have their lovely pediatrician on call." Alice gestured to Scarlett in a flourish. "All bases covered."

I adored listening to them banter and wondered what it would be like to actually become friends with them. I had to admit, without Jordan and Ainsley, there was a missing piece to the crew. Ainsley and I hadn't hung out as much since Sam and I got together. I would make that up to her when she returned. I shared a similar sentiment about Alex, but now that she dated Sara, she was just as preoccupied as me.

Samirah's fingers in my hair drew my attention to her face. Her soft smile, and doting fingers had me leaning into her. She wrapped both arms around me suddenly, and cupped the back of my head as she held me. The whole room fell quiet, and when I looked up, Stella held Sam's gaze, the two of them sharing a silent communication I couldn't begin to understand.

"Rosie," called Alice. "How's work been? I heard you cracked some big serial case with your analyst savvy skills."

"Where'd you hear that?" I perked up at the reflection.

"Marc tells me all the things."

"What kind of case?" Vee jumped on the train in a heartbeat.

"Well…" I sat up a little straighter and sipped my wine before continuing. "Stiles asked me to run a profile on a few connected rape cases. I used some of the details described by the victims, expanded the search and dates, then found dozens of reports. None of the precincts connected anything because everything was scattered around."

"Nice work. The FBI is involved now, right?" Alice continued and I nodded.

"They are." I hadn't thought about the sudden awkwardness of my overlap with Caroline. I figured, however, I wouldn't see her at work much. This work situation wasn't usual for me.

"Amazing. Marc said your presentation was great." Alice wagged her brows at me. "He's a harsh critic so take that to heart."

"I will. Thank you."

"Do you like being an analyst?" asked Vee. "I considered it, but then went the dispatcher route."

"I do. Until recently, it kept me out of the spotlight. I prefer behind the scenes work. Give me an assignment, I complete it, and the day is done," I told them.

"You like a tidy, neatly packed life, too, huh?" Stella grinned and I nodded firmly.

"Oh yeah."

"So does Stella." Alice poked her in the cheek. "Except now she's got me and three little girls, and everything is a mess."

Stella laughed as she kissed Alice's cheek. "Worth it."

"Babe, should I get the bruschetta? We nearly cleared off these trays." Alice gestured to the table where we all did a number on the appetizers.

"Sure, love." She released her and Alice hopped up to grab it. "Sami, you're very quiet tonight."

"I'm enjoying everyone's company," she said, her hand around my waist. I noticed she hadn't eaten much and I reached under the table to squeeze her knee. Her response was to brush her lips over my ear.

"We're glad you both came over," said Stella, leaning back when Alice set down the plates of crispy bread treats. We all dug in at once except Sam. "And I've enjoyed getting to know you better, Rosie."

"It's been good getting to know all of you as well. You're way less intimidating than I expected," I teased and they laughed.

"Who's the scariest of us all?" asked Alice, her brows narrowed.

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