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"Drinks." Maria declared, waving toward the bar. "We need to welcome our newest family member properly."
Before I could protest, Tex appeared with a tray of shot glasses filled with amber liquid. "Ladies," he said with a wink, "and Matty. First round's on the house."
"Oh, I don't really—" I started, but Kat pushed a shot glass into my hand.
"Club tradition," she said firmly. "New family members drink with us."
I hesitated, then took the shot glass. It had been a long time since I'd had alcohol—I simply couldn't afford it on my meager café salary. The bourbon burned going down, but the warmth that spread through my chest was welcome after the day I'd had.
"Another." Daisy called, and before I knew it, another shot was in my hand.
By the third shot, I was feeling pleasantly fuzzy around the edges, the tension from earlier melting away. I vaguely thought again that I'd only eaten breakfast, then pushed the thought away. The women were asking me questions about how Novo and I met, and I found myself giving the sanitized version Ricky had helped me craft—we met through mutual friends, hit it off, and decided to get married quickly because we knew it was right. I tried to keep my voice steady as I spoke, but the alcohol on top of the day I'd had, made everything feel slightly unreal.
"So romantic," Maria sighed, giving me another glass with something pink this time. "And look at you—you're so cute. No wonder Bear couldn't resist making you his cub."
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment and alcohol. Cub made me sound like a child. "I'm nothing special," I mumbled, taking another sip. The sweet drink was dangerously easy to swallow.
"Nonsense," Daisy said firmly. "Bear doesn't do anything without a reason. If he married you, you must be pretty damn special."
The warmth in her voice made my throat tight. I wasn't used to this kind of acceptance, this immediate inclusion. These women barely knew me, yet they were treating me like I belonged.
"So what do you do, Matty?" Ellie asked, leaning forward with interest.
"I worked at a café," I said, emphasizing the past tense. "Got fired today."
"What?" Kat's eyebrows shot up. "Why?"
The story spilled out of me—Mrs. Kazinsky, the spilled coffee, Helena's vindictive firing. The words tumbled out faster with each drink, my inhibitions lowering as the alcohol took effect.
"That bitch," Ellie spat, slamming her glass down. "Someone should go throw coffee on her."
"I'll do it," Kat volunteered, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "I've got excellent aim."
I giggled at the image, the sound surprising me. I couldn't remember the last time I'd laughed like that—genuinely, without fear or constraint.
"And then that car..." I continued, my voice dropping. "If Novo hadn't been there..."
Daisy's hand covered mine, warm and reassuring. "But he was there. That's what matters."
"To Bear." Maria raised her glass. "For saving our newest family member."
"To Bear," the others echoed, and I found myself joining the toast, warmth spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with the alcohol.
"One more round," Kat declared, waving to the bartender.
"I don't think I should," I protested weakly, already feeling the room tilt pleasantly around me. "I'm not much of a drinker."
"Nonsense," Maria laughed, pushing another pink concoction toward me. "We're celebrating."
I took the drink, unable to resist their infectious enthusiasm. The sweet liquid went down easily, and I found myself relaxing further into my chair, a pleasant buzz humming through my veins.
"So," Ellie leaned forward conspiratorially, "how is he?"
"How is who?" I asked, blinking slowly.
"Bear," she clarified with a wicked grin. "In bed."
My face flushed hot. "Oh. I mean, well—"