Page 66 of Books and Hookups

“We need to plan your birthday party, Lucie,” Carly said.

“Ugh, forty,” I groaned.

“Remember, you’ll never be this young again,” she said.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

“We should do something fun like ziplining,” Tessa said, “or a trip!”

“She’s pregnant, remember?” Carly said. “She can’t go ziplining. And is she even allowed to travel?” They stared at me, eyebrows raised.

“Travel’s okay until the last month. But I’d prefer something low-key. Maybe a party at Barb’s?”

“You and that bar.” Tessa rolled her eyes. “It’s like you’re that guy fromCheers.”

“It’s true. Everybody does know my name.” And if we had it down there, it wouldn’t be weird to invite Danny. Plus, my parents would be unlikely to show up. Two points for Barb’s.

“Do you think we could get Danny’s brother to cater?” Carly asked. “His food is to die for.”

“Maybe. I’ll ask,” I said.

“Okay,” Tessa said. “When Savannah gets here, we’ll schedule it.”

A tap sounded on the door. “Perfect timing,” Tessa said. I rocked my weight forward, readying myself to stand. “Sit down. I’ve got it.” She walked to the door and opened it.

“There you are,” she said, hugging Savannah. “We were worried.”

“I, um, I got a late start,” Savannah said.

“Everything okay?” Tessa asked.

“Not really.”

With effort, I hauled myself off the chair. “Sit down. Need a little vodka in your seltzer?”

“No, thanks. I’ll drink whatever you’re having.” She hugged Carly, then flopped onto the sofa next to her. “What’s in the bag?”

“A surprise,” Carly said. “I was saving it until you got here, but it can wait until you tell us what’s going on.”

I brought in a seltzer topped with the remaining fruit and handed it to Savannah. Then I slumped into my chair and waited.

“Surprise first,” she said. “Maybe it’ll help.”

Carly dragged the bigger bag in front of her feet. “First surprise…” She pulled out a pink makeup case. “It’s makeover night! I’ve got nail polish, facial masks, hair dye, and makeup, of course.”

Savannah’s dull expression brightened. “That sounds fun.”

“What’s the other surprise?” I asked.

She zipped open the bag with the mesh side and lifted out something reddish brown and white—and furry. “Andrew and I got a dog. Ladies, meet Chanel.”

The dog had long ears and sad-looking eyes. She was clipped short all over, and her tail, which didn’t even wag, looked scraggly. She shivered in Carly’s arms. But she had two jaunty blue bows perched on top of her ears.

Savannah cooed while Carly held the dog protectively. “She’s a rescue, and she’s a little fearful of strangers. We’ll give her a minute to adjust and then you can pet her if you like.”

Savannah shoved her hands under her thighs as if to stop herself from touching the dog. “She’s adorable.”

“What’s up with her fur?” I asked.

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