Page 16 of Milkshakes and Mistletoe

“I know! But speaking of charities; I have to tell you about a calendar I’m doing.”

“Sorry I’m late.” Mary Ellen appeared at the table and plonked herself down next to Chelsea.

“You’re fine. I’m glad you could come at all,” said Molly.

Mary Ellen smiled at Hannah. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You too.” Hannah had gone to school with Molly and Chelsea. Chelsea’s brother Cameron had been a couple of years ahead of them, as had Molly’s husband Marcos, and his brother, Antonio, who was now married to Mary Ellen.

“I couldn’t remember if you two had met before,” said Chelsea. She looked at Hannah. “Do you know Piper, too?”

Hannah nodded. “Yes, she’s lovely. I met her when Cameron brought her to LA one time.”

“So, you know the whole gang then,” said Mary Ellen.

“Everyone except Grady.” Chelsea raised her eyebrows. “Have you met him yet?”

Hannah glanced at Molly. “I’ve met him, but I don’t know him.”

Chelsea laughed. “Are you by any chance trying to play it down?”

“What do you mean?” Hannah’s heart beat faster. She hoped that Molly hadn’t told them. It’d be fine if she had. But it was embarrassing.

“I mean, you can’t pretend that you haven’t noticed how yummy he is.” Chelsea looked at the others.

Molly laughed. “I’ll admit that I did once upon a time, but that was before Marcos came back.”

“Even I can see it,” said Chelsea. “I mean, he’s not my type. I prefer tall, dark, and handsome. But there’s no denying that he’s a good-looking guy.”

“I’m saying nothing,” said Mary Ellen. “I’m married to a jealous Italian.”

They all laughed at that.

“How is Antonio?” asked Hannah, hoping to change the subject.

“Driving me nuts, as always,” said Mary Ellen with a smile. “He’s desperate to start a family. I just want a little more time before we start having babies.”

“You’re so lucky! I’d love to find someone who wanted to settle down with me and have babies.”

Hannah shrugged when all three of them turned to stare at her.

“Are you serious?” asked Chelsea.

“Deadly serious.”

“But you’ve dated all those gorgeous men and …”

“And what? I had some fun. But there was nothing that was ever serious. I’m not sure there was ever even anyone who was as interested in me as they were in my name and my money.”

“That sucks!” said Mary Ellen. “Is it really like that?”

“Oh yeah. You hear about women marrying for money, but you don’t hear so much about the guys who do the same thing. It’s sad, really.”

“I imagine it would be,” said Molly. “I can’t imagine dating someone who was more interested in what I had than who I am.”

Hannah shrugged. “It’s just part of life out there. And the main reason that I’m back here.” She smiled around at them. “Amongst real friends, who I know love me for who I am.”

Chelsea laughed. “Nah. We just tolerate you because we grew up with you.”

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