Page 30 of Marry Me, Right Now

I shrugged. “Yeah, it was intended to just be for a few weeks until I found a place. But we clicked so well. Our basic routines and habits just sort of lined up.” I wasn’t sure if I was overselling it, but I couldn’t resist adding, “And it might seem mushy, but I’ve never slept very well until I started sleeping in his arms.”

Lauren rolled her eyes but grinned. “Okay, you are officially making me sick.” She set her glass on the table, getting down to business. “You know the questions. The boyfriend test ritual. Or in this case, fiancé.”

Rayanne actually clapped in glee. Over the years we’ve sat each other down and checked in on boyfriends to make sure they were worthy, and the same four questions always came up after a little wine.

“Number one,” Lauren asked, “Does he have his shit shat?”

“Yes. He has a good job, a great home, nice friends, and no horrific addictions or habits.”

“Number two. How do you feel around him?”

“Like myself. I don’t have to pretend to be anything I’m not.” I paused for a second, remembering to throw some truth in the mix. “Okay, I’m still a little weirded out by his rich family, but nobody is asking me to change so far.”

“Good enough,” Rayanne said. “Number three – how does he treat you?”

I pressed my lips together, looking away for a moment. It was time for more truth. “I’ve never met a man who listens as intently as he does. He is absolutely dedicated to making me as comfortable as possible in every situation. And when I disagree with him, he listens, and he’s fine with us having different opinions.”

“Wow.” Lauren’s eyes were wide, but she was nodding.

“And the bonus question...” Rayanne grinned, knowing what Lauren was about to say.

Oh, no. I always block out the last one.

“Does he eat pussy like a champ?”

I probably blushed to the shade of the wine-colored throw pillows. Lauren burst into hysterical laughter. “That’s a big yes right there!” She stared at me while I sipped my wine, trying to think of some way to change the subject. I stayed silent, trying to stifle my giggling.

“Okay, fine. You keep your little secrets.”

I heard my phone buzz and glanced over to see a text from Jacob. I picked it up, read it quickly, then giggled. “He’s absolutely delighted that I’m having a girls night here and getting settled. Are you guys hungry?”

“Sure,” Lauren said.

“Actually, I’m starving,” Rayanne said. “I didn’t get a chance to each lunch on my shift today.”

“You both like Italian, right?” They nodded, but looked confused. “I’ll just text him that.”

In half an hour a catering service from a major hotel arrived, setting the giant glass dining room table, dishing out the food, pouring wine that was specifically paired to the beef ravioli, and sprinkling fresh pepper and grated Parmesan on our Caesar salads.

As soon as the staff retreated to the kitchen area, Lauren looked over at me and let her jaw drop open as we all sat down. “So, this is what it’s like being rich? One text and dinner is on the table in thirty minutes?”

“Apparently,” I said, my eyes likely as large as hers. “I’m still getting used to it. I won’t lie, it’s pretty strange.”

Rayanne took a bite of the ravioli and her eyes almost rolled back in her head. “Holy squid. I take back everything I’ve ever said about rich people. If this is how the other half lives, I love it.”

I held up a glass, and my friends joined me in a toast. “To new opportunities?” I said hesitantly.

“To finding the men of our dreams,” Rayanne laughed.

Lauren giggled. “To endless wonderful wine and food, with good friends.”

We had a fabulous night, and it was ridiculously decadent being able to send them both home with beautifully packaged leftovers for their lunches tomorrow, and having the serving staff clean everything up, insisting that I relax on the couch with a cup of tea. Jacob came in just after they left, and I ran to him, giving him a gigantic hug.

“So, sending food was the right decision?” he smirked.

I led him to the couch, where I had a glass of wine poured for him. As soon as the door had shut behind the last of the staff, I squealed, “Oh my God, it went so well!”

“That’s fabulous. Tell me everything.”

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