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“No need to gloat.”

Their favorite martini spot with the calm blue lighting scheme was just beginning to pick up as they shifted into midevening, though the larger crowds arrived after ten, prime hookup hours. Megan planned to be home by then, hopefully a little more relaxed after a mango martini with an extra splash of lime. She signaled the bartender, who knew her drink. She’d earned it.

“Plus, I believe in fighting for my cause,” Kelsey said and sipped her London Fog.

“And that would be?”

“Attracting the hottest woman in this bar and using these shoes to do it.”

Megan surveyed the room on Kelsey’s behalf. “Lots of options, K. Though it is only Tuesday. Maybe pace yourself.”

“Why? I could be hit by a cab tomorrow. Gotta live while I can.” She sighed. “Same old faces, though. I’m bored with Dallas. Let’s move west.”

Megan laughed. “And what would we do there?”

“Hollywood calls. We need our own reality show. A day in the life of two kick-ass wedding planners.”

“Please. This is our town and we’re not giving it up.”

“Texas, man. As a Black woman, I have a love-hate. I hate its overconfidence, its audacity, but love that I’ve conquered this city anyway.”

Megan could identify. She took after both her white father and Black mother, and the noticeably white Dallas society had not always made it easy for her on her way up the ladder. Yet she’d refused to let outdated rules hold her back. She’d clawed her way to the top, kicking in doors that had been otherwise closed, and was now damn proud of the credit associated with her name. People respected her, and that mattered.

Kelsey touched her glass to Megan’s. “Cheers to us. Renegades that we are.” She then folded her arms on the table and leaned in, perfectly glossed mouth pursed in anticipation.

“Yes?” Megan asked, amused.

“Speaking of bold moves, how was your thing with Selena theother night? That was her name, right? The one who kept overarching her eyebrow when she looked at you?” Kelsey demonstrated with an exaggerated raise of her own.

Megan nearly spit out her drink. “That’s too good an impression.”

“I pay attention. Now answer my question.”

Megan nodded and looked skyward, not exactly proud of herself. “Dinner was mediocre. The conversation was surface level.” She sighed.

“So a no-go.”

“I still took her home with me. I’m apparently that girl.” She winced.

Kelsey shook her head, smiling and staring straight at her. “You little minx. I love it when you indulge. It’s rare.”

“Don’t minx me. It only encourages my bad behavior.” She bit her lip in thought. “The thing is that I’m too tired to be good and sort through the masses. I’m starting to think I’m a puzzle piece without a match.”

“No, you’re not. And with Selena, I totally get it. Bird in the hand,” Kelsey said coolly. “Plus, I tend to think if you had felt something, you wouldn’t have taken her home.”

She frowned, not following. “What does that mean?”

“You don’t do emotionally vulnerable. You never have. The day you meet a woman who does that for you, your world is going to tremble.”

“Maybe it’s better I stay as aloof as you, then.” Megan sipped her drink, not believing a word of it. She wanted to find someone. She did.

“I’d say you’re not far off.”

“That’s both complimentary and terrifying.”

“Then it should send you screaming.”

“Not funny.”