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“What?”
“Don’t hold back on my account,” Katya said, after she slurped the rest of her margarita. “I wished I had a sex life. I’m not exactly a virgin by choice.”
Tommie turned to the girl. “How is it that a beauty like you doesn’t have a man? Or are you into women? Maybe both? We could get you one of each.” He rose a bit from his chair, scanning the crowd. “Let me get you a hottie tonight. Maybe more than one. ’Cause why not? I love me some reverse harem.”
Katya chuckled. “Actually, I’m into men—”
“Ain’t we all,” Tommie muttered.
“—and I didn’t go out much before because of all the hospital visits. Cancer,“ she said, when they looked at her questioningly. A determined look crossed Katya’s face. “But that’s over now. It’s time for things to change. It’s time for some color in my life.” She patted Tommie’s arm. “Thank you for the pink extensions, by the way. I love them.”
“You’re welcome, sugar-plum. Next month, we’ll go for rainbow hair.”
Jazzy’s hand went to Katya’s in a silent support. Mary knew her cousin was thinking of her friend whom she’d lost to cancer. Katya smiled at her, her eyes shining.
And just like that, Mary knew Katya had become a permanent part of their group.
Speaking of their group, a long-lost member just emerged out of thin air, snaking through the crowd. Gina was coming over. She wore an amazing-looking white dress with cap sleeves. The piece was complemented with gold hoop earrings.
She was surprised to see Gina because ever since the incident with Jazzy, she avoided their cousin. Even now, she could hardly look Jazzy in the eyes.
“I need to speak with you,” her sister said.
It irked her that Gina ignored the rest of her company. “Sure. But first, let me order you a drink.” Maybe if she could get her to talk to Jazzy again—
“No, I need to speak to you, now. In private. I knew you’d be here tonight. I need… can we please—”
Mary got up from her seat.
“Do you want us to go with?” Jazzy asked, her eyes narrowed on Gina.
“What? No.” Did she really think her own sister would be a danger to her? “I’ll be right back. Order me another round. Make it something fruity.”
She followed Gina through the busy crowd. Gina didn’t stop until they were behind the club, in the parking lot.
Standing underneath a lamp post, Mary saw the fear in her sister’s eyes.
“Are you okay?”
“I need a place to stay tonight.”
“You’re welcome to stay with us.” She wasn’t sure how Hector would feel about that, but Gina was her sister. He’d have to deal.
Gina rubbed her arms as if she was cold. The night was a bit nippy, but Mary had a feeling it was more than that.
“You look tired,” she said carefully. Gina didn’t do well with anyone making remarks on her looks.
“Iamtired,” Gina admitted, to her surprise. She leaned back against a Suburban and let out a deep sigh. Her Jimmy Choo clad foot was jittery. “I can’t believe my life has turned into this nightmare.”
“Nightmare?” Her sister had a flair for drama when things didn’t go her way. A nightmare in her world could also mean that she didn’t get to purchase a handbag that was ‘todiefor.’
“I’m broke, Mary. I have nothing. Every last dime I had, I’ve spent on chasing a duke.”
“Chasing a duke?” It sounded like the title of a Regency novel.
“Andrew. I told you about him.” Her sister sounded miffed.
“The British guy.”