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“Boo.”

Before she knew it, Megan had returned with her drink and escorted her through the room, introducing her to all the other women, who were warm and interested in most everything she had to say. Megan had great taste in friends.

“I’m an assistant district attorney,” one woman, Cathy, said. “What do you do?”

“I teach fourth graders.”

Cathy lit up and touched her glass to Allison’s. “A hero among us.”

“You doing okay?” Megan asked her, tugging on her elbow a short time later.

Allison grinned. “Everyone here is wonderful. That woman over there is a conservator at a museum.”

She followed Allison’s gaze. “I know, and amazing at it. I like smart, nice people. I collect them.” She laughed, now on to her second martini. How did she manage such grace on two? “Kidding, of course. But my friends are important to me, and I try to bring us together as much as possible. Our jobs sometimes get in the way, so nights like tonight are important.”

“I appreciate you including me, but then again I did introduce you to Froman’s, which was a pretty big deal.”

“I haven’t forgotten. Speaking of new places, I have a few venues I’d like you to take a look at. Maybe we can take a little field trip next week if you can steal time.”

“Field trip? You’re speaking teacher language now. I’m in.”

Allison stayed at Shakers much longer than she’d intended, enjoying the conversation. Only one problem. The wine was going straight to her head. The more she chatted, the more sips she absently took. She wasn’t even sure how many glasses she’d gone through. Others kept refilling her, and she was not a big drinker.

“You okay?” Megan whispered as Allison searched her bag for her phone. She was in no shape to drive and would call for an Uber. She also felt a little bit giggly, her first clue that she’d had too much.

“Little tipsy,” Allison said, blinking to clear her vision. “But your friend Mandy is hysterical. Did you know her dog can talk?” Shegiggled again just thinking about a dog saying hello becausethatwas hysterical. She hoped to meet that dog one day.

“She’s told me that story,” Megan said and rolled her lips in.

“Oh! I should have her bring the dog to class.”

“You should maybe think on that tomorrow,” Megan said gently. She had the best lips. Allison couldn’t stop staring at them.

“You have good lips.” Oh no. Dear Justin Timberlake. Her thoughts were speaking. How did that happen?

“Oh.” A pause. Allison studied them unabashedly now, and Megan seemed to notice. “Thank you.”

“I promise I’m not checking you out, though. Well, your lips. Yes. But not all of you.”

Megan chuckled. “Understood. Hey, why don’t we sit for a little while longer and have some water before you go?” She poured Allison a full glass, which she lifted in delight. Very clear water. Moderate bubbles. Four stars. This place had the good stuff.

“You are routinely full of good ideas. Is that the right word, routinely? It sounds so weird when you say it out loud.Routine.Roo-teen. Teen. With a Roo. Together.”

Megan smiled. “I think it’s correct.”

“Say it with me. So weird.”

“Routine,” Megan said along with Allison. “You’re funny when you drink.”

“Drink too much, you mean. Soused. I swear I’m not a regular souser.” She waved a hand in front of her face, hoping to convince Megan that she didn’t usually do this. “Total lightweight. Though I know this, the wine got away from me. People kept bringing me more. Tricky wine. Friendly people. What a combo.”

“Well, I don’t want to send you out into the world quite yet. Let me give Brent a call.”

She imagined Brent would really enjoy this one. “Oh, he’ll laugh.”

Megan put her phone to her ear. “Hey, Brent. Megan Kinkaid. I have your fiancée with me and she’s had a little—”

“Sauce!” Allison proudly supplied.