Page 48 of Blush

“She couldn’t make it,” Gigi says. “Said she had a bit of a headache.”

I nod. That’s Isabella-speak for,I got a better offer.

I don’t say this, though. Frankie may not take it too well. This is supposed to be a night with her bridesmaids.

“What are you two up to?” I ask.

Before they can answer, though, a cocktail waitress appears with two froufrou drinks for Gigi and Frankie.

“We’re on our second round,” Frankie says. “What do you want, Mandy?”

“Sidecar,” I say.

Frankie laughs. “I should’ve just ordered one for you. I always know what you want.”

“No worries.”

The server scribbles a quick note. “I’ll have that for you as soon as I can.”

My stomach growls. This place doesn’t serve food, and I’m pretty sure I forgot to eat dinner.

“We’ve been flirting with that table of guys over there.” Frankie gestures.

“Flirting? When you’re engaged?” I point to the ring on Mandy’s finger—

Only to find she’s not wearing it.

“Frankie! Where’s your ring?”

“I couldn’t wear it. What if I got mugged?”

“You’ve never been mugged in your life.”

She huffs. “No one’s going to ask me to dance if I’m wearing a rock on my left hand.”

Then I get it. She’s having her last hurrah. “Okay.”

“It’s not like I’m looking to go home with anyone,” Frankie continues. “I just want to do some dancing. Have a nice time. Feel attractive.”

“Frank, you’ve always been attractive.”

True that. I was the ugly duckling of the two of us.

“Still…I just want to have some fun.”

“Are you going to be doing girls’ night a lot, then?” I ask.

“Whenever I can. Even after I’m married, for that matter. Marriage doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun.” She giggles. “It just means you have to stop having sex with other guys.”

Sure. I nod, and then I look over to Gigi…who’s staring at me.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I don’t know. You look…different.”

Frankie turns her stare on me then. “You do. It’s your eyes. You’re wearing eye makeup.”

“Guilty.”