Page 43 of State of Grace

“Language!” Alexis, Emily, and Mason snapped at her in unison.

“Geez, Soph.” Shaking her head irritably, Alexis pointed at Harper as she lowered her voice. Sophia held up her hands in protest as Patrick elbowed her in the shin. “Not in front of your goddaughter.”

“Sorry.” She stuck her tongue out at Alexis, who did the same in return.

“Can you children stop your bickering so we can finish this game?” Patrick held out his empty wine glass across the board game as Sophia picked up the bottle beside her and refilled it.

In a move that caught Blake off guard, Harper walked over to her and held out her arms. Blake slightly hesitated as she looked at Alexis, who nodded in response. She picked Harper up and sat her on her lap as she handed the dice to Harper.

“Do you want to roll for me?”

“Sure.” With a nonchalant shrug, Harper tossed the dice onto the board game. Blake pretended not to notice the look that Alexis and Sophia shared. She also tried not to catch the way Alexis couldn’t stop smiling every time she looked their way.

Although Harper had little knowledge of the game’s strategy, she enjoyed ‘spending’ her money every time she got to ‘visit a hotel.’ Blake found her insanely precious and was thankful she’d chosen her to be her partner. As the game wound down, Harper fell asleep in Blake’s arms with her head resting on her shoulder.

“Do you want me to get her?” Alexis started to stand up, but Blake held up her free hand that wasn’t around Harper’s small back and shook her head.

“No, it’s ok. I got her.”

“Well,” Patrick tossed the rest of his money onto the board, “I’m out.”

“Ditto.” Mason followed suit, as did Jordan, Maddie, and Emily. Sophia held out as she looked at Alexis and Blake.

“Harper used all my money to stay at fancy hotels, so I’ve been out for a few rounds.”

“I’m too tired to care anymore.”

“Then I win by forfeit.” Sophia smugly collected all the money discarded on the board game and fanned herself with it. The move caused her to receive an elbow in the ribs from Emily. “You all are jealous that I always win.”

“Winning by forfeit isn’t the same as legit winning.” Patrick snarked off at her.

“That’s what losers say, darling.”

“And on that note.” Standing up, Patrick pulled Jordan to his feet as they all started to say their goodbyes. Blake stayed on the ottoman while they each walked over to her and gave her a quick hug goodbye. Once the room was empty except for Sophia, Emily, Alexis, and Blake, Alexis sat beside Blake and looked at Harper sleeping.

“I’m stunned she’s so taken with you.”

“Why’s that?” Blake tilted her head at her.

“She’s a very outgoing kid, don’t get me wrong, but she’s usually reserved around new people.” Alexis reached out and tucked Harper’s strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. “I can carry her across the hall. It’s past her bedtime anyway.”

“I got her.” Carefully, Blake stood, and her heart melted when Harper woke up enough to wrap her arms around her neck and legs around her waist. “Emily, thank you for inviting me tonight. I had a lot of fun.”

“You’re welcome anytime, Blake.” Emily wrapped an arm around her and Harper as she kissed her cheek. “We usually get together on Thursdays; it’s super casual, so feel free to come over anytime.”

“And it doesn’t have to be on Thursdays.” It was Sophia’s turn for a hug and kiss. “Our apartment is always open for friends, and, after your initiation tonight, you’re officially a friend.”

“Well, I’m happy to be considered friends of such wonderful people like yourself.”

“Oh, Blake,” Sophia’s drunken giggle was such a fun sound, “you flirt.”

“I think it’s time I get this one to bed.” Emily put her arm around Sophia’s waist.

“She wants to fuck me.” The fact that Sophia tried to keep her voice low but failed miserably made everyone but her laugh. Walking toward the front door, Blake felt Alexis’s hand on her lower back as they said final goodbyes to Sophia and Emily. They walked across the small foyer between the two apartments; Alexis led her down the hallway to Harper’s room. Alexis pulled down her sheets and duvet before turning to Blake, who was gently rocking Harper in her arms.

“You’re so smart for putting her pajamas on before game night.”

“A trick I learned after many nights fighting a sleeping Harper out of her play clothes and into her pajamas.” Alexis stood close to Blake as she rubbed her hand up and down Harper’s back. “She’s like her mama; once she’s out, she’s out.”

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