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Harper giggled. A light, happy sound. “Yeah. It took my sisters and me a while to get used to his fame too.”
My stomach whirled again. “I’m so sorry. I just … I didn’t mean … ”
Ugh, this was awkward.
Her eyes softened. “I get it. It’s a little weird, but I’m used to other women finding him attractive. I wasn’t always like that, but I know it’s just part of the job. And he locked me down fast after the baby was born. I have no doubts about his commitment to me.”
I had to give her a lot of credit. It had been hard on me over the years when fans had gushed over Peter. Even harder when he lapped up that attention, or worse, hooked up with them. But I guess that was the difference. Harper was in a committed relationship, and I was starting to realize I’d dodged a bullet. I don’t think I’d ever have been as confident in Peter’s love as Harper clearly was with Lincoln’s.
“That’s really wonderful.” I said, rubbing at my chest. My heart twisted in envy. Not because she was married to my celebrity crush, but because they seemed so deliriously happy. It made me more determined than ever to find that kind of love.
Ashlyn turned to me and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Are you the Trissa that Lexi asked me to find the perfect lingerie for?”
“Yes! I love everything you design,” I gushed. “Your pieces make me so happy. I adore reading the inspirational messages stitched into them.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you. That’s all I ever wanted for this line. For women to get a little pick-me-up if they need it, and remind them they are beautiful at every size. Being a plus-size girl myself, I was tired of not finding pretty bras and underwear that were also supportive. I’m so lucky to get to do what I love,” she said sincerely.
Lexi had been right. I had nothing to worry about. Everyone here was lovely.
We continued chatting for a few more minutes before Lexi leaned over with a strange gleam in her eyes. “How’s the dating scene?”
As I stammered out a reply not sure what to say Ana jumped in. “She’s already found a man.”
I swallowed hard. I’d told Ana in confidence that Killian and I had decided to date. I hadn’t told her it was fake.
“That was fast.” Lexi smiled encouragingly at me. “Tell us more. I love a good love story. How did you meet?”
Now everyone’s eyes were directed at me and the side conversations ceased. It seemed everyone loved dating gossip. I cleared my throat and forced a smile to my face. “We’re uh, just seeing where it goes for now.”
Lexi frowned. “I felt for sure you were going to say it was Killian. I’m surprised Jenn and I didn’t leave with third degree burns. It was so hot between you two.”
I’d learned long ago not to play poker. My facial expressions always gave me away. And Ana didn’t help the situation when her eyes grew so wide you could tell she had the inside scoop.
A happy gasp burst out of Lexi who clearly read our nonverbal cues. “No way. Really? I knew it!”
“What way? What did I miss?” Harper asked, her adorable lightly freckled nose wrinkling in confusion.
At the same time as Ashlyn said, “You don’t have to tell us.”
I froze. Which I quickly realized was all the confirmation Lexi needed.
Our fashion designer friend decided it was a good time to yell out. “I totally called it. Jenn and I had a bet at how long it would take before the two of you realized you were meant for each other. Jenn owes me twenty dollars.”
As the silence around the table grew, my brain jumped to the various excuses I could use while I texted Jacquie and left.
“Way to read the room, Lex,” Jess scoffed affectionately. “My sweet-but-clueless sister-in-law sometimes pushes a little too hard.”
Lexi’s eyes met mine, regret shimmering in their depths. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it was a secret.”
“It’s um, it’s okay. I … we decided … ”
Ana put her hand on my arm. “I’m sorry too. I should’ve kept my mouth shut.”
“But you didn’t say anything,” I mumbled.
“My sister Elsie says I can say whole sentences with just my eyes. It’s both a curse and a blessing.” She said it so deadpanned that I couldn’t stop the giggle that slipped out.
“I don’t even know what to say to that.” I shook my head.