Chapter Two

 

Abigail Jayne, or Abbey as her friends called her, looked out the window of the honeymoon suite of the Fairchild Hotel, courtesy of Luke Stryker. The room faced the Oak Brook Mall but she wasn’t paying much attention. Her attention was on other things. Too many other things. Like having to face Luke after ten years, for starters. Shit. What a nightmare this day would be.

Abbey sighed, tightened the belt of her fluffy white hotel robe, also courtesy of Luke, and turned to see her sister Cassie, seated in one of the suite’s luxurious, stuffed, beige chairs as her hair was being styled in an elegant up ’do by the Bennett sisters Vanessa and Angela, or Angel as everyone called her.  

Beautiful blondes like Cassie, Vanessa and Angel effortlessly worked on her sister’s hair. Their friends, Madison Roth, a stylish brunette, and Roxanna Gibbons, a sexy redhead with the most stunning green eyes Abbey had ever seen, would do her and Jake’s sister Leah’s hair and makeup.

Abbey managed a smile. Angel was a member of the Kiss Army, proudly wearing a Kiss t-shirt as she worked on Cassie’s hair. She had asked if it was all right to play some Kiss songs while the got ready. Abbey had thought it would be weird, but it turned out weird was actually fun. Kiss playing in the background was just the distraction she needed.

Roxanna and Madison each set up a chair next to the long dining room table, along with their makeup and hair supplies, and motioned to her and Leah. Leah and Abbey both took their seats.

“Thank you guys for getting us ready today, we really appreciate it,” Cassie said as Angel and Vanessa finished up with her hair and started on her makeup.

“Yes, thank you so much. I’m not much of a makeup girl,” Abbey admitted.

“It’s our pleasure.” Angel answered for the four stylists. “You and Cassie have been hair clients of mine for what—seven years now?”

“Wow, it has been that long.” Abbey couldn’t believe it. The years just rolled on, whether or not she wanted them to. Whether she was happy or sad. In love or heartbroken.

Don’t think about Luke. He betrayed you. He’s moved on and so should you. Get over him already.

“Speaking of being clients for so long, what about that salon you wanted to open? I have no problem going to Essential Beauty for appointments, but I thought the four of you were looking to branch out on your own,” Cassie said and took a long sip of orange juice.

That was odd. The rest of the group had been sipping on mimosas and snacking on delectable pastries, but Cassie had stuck with straight orange juice. And come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Cassie drink any alcohol during rehearsal dinner and the combined bachelor slash bachelorette party Thursday night. Not that Cassie was a big drinker, but she and Luke indulged in their favorite—Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Abbey chalked it up to wedding jitters. Lord knew she was jittery, although for different reasons. Luke wasn’t the only thing she needed distraction from.

Vanessa, Roxanna, and Madison turned to Angel. Angel took a brush to Cassie’s eyebrow. “Actually, I’ll be finishing up my MBA soon and I’ve got our business plan completed. So after graduation I think we’ll be ready to make something happen. Right, guys?” Angel turned back to Vanessa, Roxanna, and Madison for confirmation.

“We’re ready when you are,” Madison said, and Roxanna nodded her head in agreement, with Vanessa not nearly as enthusiastic, but nodding as well.

“You’re still going with that beautiful name, Ullustra Salon and Day Spa?” Abbey asked.

“Yes, that’s the one. I just love it! And I can’t wait. This salon has been a dream of mine, well, of ours, for a long time,” Angel said as she and Vanessa started on Cassie’s makeup.

Abbey turned to Roxanna, lifting her chin and closing her eyes. “I’m ready. I decided I’m going to wear my hair down.” And that had nothing to do with Luke liking her hair down. No, she preferred her hair down. Screw Luke and what he preferred. He was probably bringing his girlfriend, Hollywood It girl and chestnut-haired bombshell Brenna Sinclair. He wouldn’t notice if Abbey’s hair were on fire so her hair and makeup for the day were for her and no one else. That was what she told herself, anyway.

“Brenna Sinclair’s not attending, Abbey,” Cassie said. Had she said Brenna’s name out loud? Damn.

Roxanna stopped working on her makeup for a second. “The Brenna Sinclair? She’s dating Luke Stryker from the Cobras, isn’t she?”

No, no, no. Abbey didn’t want to get into this right now, or ever. Brenna not attending Cassie’s wedding meant nothing. She was probably on location somewhere across the world and couldn’t be bothered with some commoner’s wedding. Luke was undoubtedly with her Thursday night instead of taking his best man responsibilities seriously and attending the rehearsal, dinner, and Cassie and Jake’s bachelor slash bachelorette party.

“Yes, but Abbey had him first, and he’s the best man,” Cassie teased.

Abbey needed to put a stop to this conversation. “First of all, I didn’t have him. We dated when we were younger. I was eighteen, and he was twenty when he won his first World Series championship. How did he want to celebrate?  By cheating on me with some bleached-out blonde, fake-boobed bimbo, that’s how. Secondly, he’s been dating Brenna Sinclair for the last three years. We ended things ten years ago. He’s moved on. I’ve moved on. End of story and no big deal.” There, that should shut everyone up. Except now she felt sick to her stomach. When would she get over him? Wasn’t ten years enough time?

Leah and the four stylists remained quiet, but Cassie wouldn’t let it go. “I call bullshit.  I know Luke. He’d never cheat on you. He adored you, Abbs. He still does.”

Abbey’s hands clenched in her lap, her anger boiling over. “Well, you didn’t walk in on him and that skank naked and drunk in their hotel room, I did. So, so … bullshit back at you!” Her ears rung. She was lightheaded and panting.

Roxanna kneeled down and took Abbey’s hands in hers, unclenching them. “Slow breaths Abbey, it’s all right.”

Cassie came rushing over and Roxanna moved aside, allowing Cassie to take her place. Cassie rubbed Abbey’s arms, trying to calm her down. Abbey took deep breaths, slowly regaining her composure. She was ruining everything. This was Cassie’s special day and she was having a meltdown. She felt a tear run down her cheek. She was hopeless.

“I’m so sorry, Abbs. If you say he cheated on you, that’s that. If you say it’s over, it’s over. I won’t bring it up again.”

Abbey looked up at her sister, so beautiful and composed. She was actually glowing. Jake would be floored when Cassie made her way down the aisle to him later that afternoon. “I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to overreact, but I don’t need to relive that horrible day, all right? I thought Luke and I had what you and Jake do, but I was wrong.”

Abbey continued before Cassie could respond. “And that’s okay. We were young, his major league career was just getting started. It was wishful thinking on my part to believe we had a future together. He went on to become an MLB superstar and I didn’t do too shabby myself, right? A BS in Computer Science and an MBA. A ten-year stint at Office Supply Galaxy. I’m pretty awesome, I’d say.” 

Abbey made sure she didn’t mention she’d gotten laid off on Wednesday, just as she was getting ready to leave the office for the day. She had put in for vacation time on Thursday and Friday for the wedding. She had been asked by her new manager, who she couldn’t stand, to a small conference room where a HR representative was sitting at the conference table with a stack of termination paperwork waiting for her.

She had been taken completely by surprise, although she should haven’t been. Her manager Tim Webber was an arrogant, know-it-all blow hard. He’d only been with Office Supply Galaxy for three months but he acted as if owned the place, or at least the IT department. He hired a couple of guys from his previous company two weeks after starting, so Abbey suspected he wanted to bring on another one of his people and needed to get her out of the way and use her vacant position to do it.

Abbey was shown a document indicating over fifty additional people were being let go and that her responsibilities and skill set were no longer needed. She had almost laughed at Tim when he told her that since she was the only person at the company who administered and engineered the software system she managed.

When Tim finally shut the hell up and left the conference room, the HR rep had reviewed the termination paperwork with her. At least she was given six-month severance and three months of paid health insurance. That took some pressure off. Abbey hadn’t been allowed back to her desk. A company security guard brought her purse and escorted her to her car, like she was a criminal. She was due back at the office Monday evening to meet with the HR rep and collect her personal belongings from her cubicle so it wouldn’t be a distraction to the other employees.

Cassie stood up, holding Abbey’s hands. She looked at other women in the room with pride on her face. “I’d say you rock, Abbey. Not only did my little sister get her BS in Computer Science and her MBA but she did it on OSG’s dime, fully paid for through their tuition reimbursement program, no student loan debt. And she did it while working full time.”

“Good for you!”

“That’s amazing!”

“I agree, you rock, Abbey!”

Abbey felt herself blush. “All right, everyone, yes, I’m amazing. But today’s about you Cassie, not me.” She giggled and hugged her sister tight. “Thanks. I love you.”

Abbey stood back, looking Cassie over. She was absolutely radiant. She couldn’t wait to see her in her wedding dress. “Angel, Vanessa, you did a great job with Cassie’s hair and makeup. She looks like a princess.”

Vanessa came forward and looked Cassie over. “We didn’t really do very much with the makeup, not that we’re heavy handed with it. Cassie just has a natural glow.”

Cassie squeezed Abbey’s hands, a huge grin on her lovely face. Cassie looked in the eyes and whispered, “I’m pregnant. That might have something to do with my natural glow.”

The room erupted into squeals. Leah rushed to their side and the three of them ended up in a group hug. “Oh my God, we’re going to be aunties!” Leah exclaimed.

“Shhh, you’re the only ones I’ve told other than Jake. I told him he could tell the guys as long as no one says anything.”

Abbey noticed Vanessa and Roxanna had concerned expressions on their faces. They both came closer and both said, “How far along are you?”

Cassie beamed. “Eight weeks.”

Vanessa and Roxanna shared a knowing look and Roxanna spoke up. “You really shouldn’t say anything until you reach the third trimester, you know.”

“I don’t mean to be a downer, but I miscarried twice. Once at six weeks and then again at ten,” Vanessa added.

Angel and Madison came over to the group. Angel put a supportive arm around her sister Vanessa’s shoulder. “Yes, and now you have two amazing little boys, don’t you?”

Vanessa smiled at her sister. “I sure do.”

“I know I shouldn’t have said anything, but I’m so excited. And the wedding is today. I just couldn’t keep the news to myself. And I know there’s a risk, but Jake and I will handle it. It’ll be all right, regardless. Just promise you won’t say anything, please?” Cassie looked to the group of women around her, a pleading expression on her lovely face.

Abbey gave Cassie a quick hug. “We won’t say a word. Right, ladies?”

“Right!”

“Okay then, that’s settled. Now for some raspberry pastry before I get dressed.” Cassie scanned the dining room table for a savory raspberry treat and filled a glass with orange juice. “We better finish getting ready. Patty Hailey, the photographer, and videographer will be here soon.”

That got everyone’s attention. Patty Hailey owned the premiere Chicago event planning company Hailey’s Events. Luke’s Uncle Darren had booked them for Cassie and Jake immediately after they chose their wedding date.

Abbey and Leah quickly took their seats with Roxanna and Madison at the ready. “Cass, would you mind if Madison did an up ’do for me? I really want to impress today,” Leah said.

Cassie swallowed a mouthful of pastry and dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Of course not. I want you and Abbey to feel beautiful today too.”

Abbey smiled, knowing who Leah wanted to impress. Poor Leah. She’d been in love with Heath Jackson all her life. The sexy, blond-haired, hazel-eyed mountain of man and former Marine was one of Jake’s closest friends and a groomsman. Heath had been Leah’s second next-door neighbor growing up. Unfortunately for Leah, Heath was ten years older than she was and regarded her as more of a pesky little sister than a potential love match. At twenty-five, Leah wasn’t a child, but Heath hadn’t seemed to notice. Maybe today Leah would make sure he did. Abbey didn’t envy Heath. When Leah put her mind to something, she went after it with gusto.

“This need to impress wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain sexy, blond-haired, tattooed Marine, who’s also a groomsman, would it?” Abbey teased.

“Oh, do tell,” Madison said as she worked on Leah’s hair.

“Absolutely. I want to hear this,” Roxanna added.

Leah sighed and seemed to take a minute to organize her thoughts. “Well, the short version is he’s one of Jake’s good friends, and his family lived in the next house over to us in Elmhurst. I’ve known him all my life. Loved him all my life, actually. He’s ten years older than I am, not that it should make a difference, and it doesn’t to me. But to Heath, I’m just his friend’s annoying little sister. And yes, when I was younger, I probably was annoying. But I’m twenty-five now, a grown woman, most definitely not annoying. Hell, I even work for the Cobras in the finance department with him although he’s not my direct manager. We’re perfect for each other. He’s just a stubborn jerk and won’t give us a chance.”

Cassie returned to her seat so Angel and Vanessa could touch up her makeup before she got dressed. “Jake says he’s changed a little since returning from Afghanistan. And I don’t mean from his hearing loss.”

Heath had returned from Afghanistan six years ago, injured after IEDs, improvised explosive devices, exploded during one of their missions. He’d lost two men in his unit with several others sustaining severe injuries, including Heath who had lost seventy percent of his hearing as a result of being so close to the blasts.

Physically, Heath had healed from his injuries, with Luke replacing the clunky, outdated hearing aids the VA provided him with a state-of-the-art tiny pair that were barely visible and provided much better sound. Emotionally though, Abbey suspected Heath still suffered. Maybe Leah could help her wounded warrior. Abbey hoped so because she agreed with Leah. If Heath was willing to give them a chance, he and Leah could be happy together.

Leah frowned, nodding her head in agreement. “I know that. I know war changes you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be happy. Once Luke replaced Heath’s hearing aids, he went to college using his VA education benefits and got his finance degree and MBA, and now he manages the Finance department for the Cobras. He turned a bad situation around. He should be proud of himself. I am.”

Madison finished up with Leah’s hair, adjusting wisps on each side of her face. “Leah, if he lost members of his unit, he’s probably feeling survivor’s guilt. I know how that feels. My husband passed away a year ago. And although I know in my head I should move on and not feel guilty for being alive and try to be happy like I know my late husband would want me to, my heart says something different. Don’t be so hard on Heath is all I’m saying.”

Leah nodded and took a hold of Madison’s hands, squeezing tight. “I’m so sorry, Madison. And I’ll try to go easy on Heath, but I will not take no for an answer. I believe my love can help him if he would just give me a chance.”

Madison smiled back at Leah. “I think all the women in this room know the love of a good woman can make even the most stubborn, jerky men come around. You, my dear, are ready to get dressed.” Madison handed a Leah a hand mirror to show off her wonderful work.

“Madison, wow. Thank you so much! This is perfect. Not overdone at all.” Leah admired herself in the mirror before making her way to one of the suite’s bedrooms that had her and Abbey’s clothes. “Hurry up, Abbey, let’s get ready.”

Abbey looked up at Roxanna and she smiled. Roxanna handed her a hand mirror and she couldn’t believe what she saw. Leah was right. The makeup was flawless but not overdone. “Thank you, Roxanna, Leah was right.” She looked up to see Cassie smiling over at her. Even though her life was a total mess at the moment, Abbey felt beautiful. For the first time in a long time.

Abbey could do this. She could put her personal issues aside and be there for her sister’s big day. She would be the best maid of honor a bride could ask for, and she wouldn’t let Cassie down. She’d be calm and collected. She’d be gracious and considerate for Cassie and for herself.

Time to put on her big girl panties and suck it up. It had been ten years since she’d broken up with Luke. That was long enough to pine after someone who didn’t want her. Abbey had gone to great lengths over the last ten years to steer clear of Luke and could now admit that might have been a bit drastic. Weddings were a time of new beginnings. Maybe she could begin again with Luke as friends. In actuality, Abbey didn’t have much of a choice. He was dating someone else and from everything she’s seen and heard about Luke and Brenna as a couple, they seemed happy. And she would do her best to be happy for them. That knot in her stomach over the thought of Luke with someone else would eventually go away. Maybe if she put an effort into dating, she wouldn’t feel so preoccupied with Luke’s love life. Maybe.

As Abbey padded to the bedroom to get dressed, Angel called out to her. “Don’t forget, we made up bags for the three of you with everything we used today so you can recreate your looks whenever you want. I’m a rep with the cosmetic company so you can order the exact items anytime you need them.”

Abbey liked that idea. She normally didn’t wear much makeup, but if she was going to start dating again, she’d take more time on her appearance. “Thanks, that’s really thoughtful of you and so helpful for me.”

Leah had just finished putting on a delicate white lace bra and panty set when Abbey walked into the bedroom to get dressed. Heath was in trouble if he got the chance to see what Leah was wearing under her bridesmaid dress. The bra and panty set complemented her sexy curves just right. “What do you think?” Leah did a quick spin as she giggled.

“I think you’re gorgeous and Heath’s not going to know what hit him if he gets a chance to see what you’re wearing,” Abbey said.

Leah pointed to the lingerie set Abbey purchased for the wedding, the cornflower-blue matching her dress perfectly. “Looks like you got something special too.”

Abbey felt herself blush. She had never bought lingerie so fancy before. “I just wanted something pretty to go with my dress. I didn’t have a specific someone in mind to model it for.” Although she couldn’t help wondering what Luke would think.

Stop that. It doesn’t matter what Luke would think.

Leah slipped into her hose and a long slip. Abbey held open the unzipped bridesmaid dress so Leah could step into it without ruining her hair and makeup. Once it was comfortably in place, Abbey zipped it up and Leah turned to face her.

The lace and illusion mesh bodice of the bridesmaid’s dresses was delicate and feminine. The cornflower-blue color flattering on both Abbey and Leah. And with elbow-length lace and mesh sleeves, and a floor-length skirt, it was the perfect. “God, Leah, you’re stunning, really.”

“You think so?” Leah asked, a huge smile on her face.

“Absolutely.” Now Abbey was excited to get dressed herself.

“Okay, now get that sexy lingerie on and I’ll help you too.”

Leah admired herself in the dresser mirror while Abbey put her new lingerie set, hose, and slip on. When she was ready, Leah helped her into her own dress and pulled up the zipper. Leah fluffed up Abbey’s hair, laying it just so around her shoulders.

“Wow, Abbey, just—wow. You were right to leave that gorgeous blonde hair down.” Leah turned Abbey to face the dresser mirror

Abbey looked at herself in the mirror, shocked. She almost didn’t recognize herself. A little makeup and hair styling made such a difference. She would definitely order makeup from Angel after the weekend was over. “I feel wow.”

“Jake’s invited a few of his single lawyer friends and college buddies. You never know who might get a peek at your lingerie tonight.” Leah waggled her eyebrows and took her dyed-to-match, much too high heeled for Abbey’s safety, pumps and went back to the dining room.

Abbey wasn’t so sure she wanted anyone else taking a peek at her lingerie tonight, but for the first time in a long time, she felt amazing. She grabbed her own dyed-to-match, safe one-and-half-inch heels and followed Leah out to the dining room.

Cassie rushed over to them both, giving Abbey and Leah quick hugs. “You both look wonderful. I knew this dress would be perfect for you guys.” Cassie teared up.

“Don’t cry, Cassie, your makeup! Look up and blink. It will stop the tears from falling,” Vanessa suggested.

Cassie laughed at herself and did as Vanessa suggested. It worked, no tears fell.

Abbey looked around the room and found Roxanna and Madison missing. Had they already gone on to the church? All four stylists agreed to stay through the ceremony to help with hair and makeup touch ups if needed for pictures.

“I sent Roxanna and Madison to help Mom and Jake’s mom real quick. Let me take a couple of quick pictures before I get into my dress. Patty Hailey and friends should be here in fifteen.”

Abbey and Leah posed while Cassie took a few shots with her smart phone.

Where the bridesmaids’ dresses had a touch of the lace and illusion mesh, Cassie’s wedding gown took the mesh and lace effect to the next level. The entire bodice of her gown had the appearance of a strapless dress with what looked like lace dripping down her sleeves and up her back. Intricate lace appliques dotted a cathedral-length train to finish her fairy tale look. A delicate, lace-trimmed, elbow-length veil complemented the dress rather than detracting from it. “Let’s wait until the photographer and videographer get here before putting the veil on,” Cassie suggested.

Everyone agreed and Abbey and Leah snapped a few photos of their own while they waited. “So, Jake and I tried that new steak house down the street here on Butterfield Road, Golden Horns.” Cassie held her arms out, admiring the sleeves of her gown.

Abbey was confused. She’d seen their sign, but she didn’t think they were open for business yet. “I didn’t they were open for business.”

“They’re not officially. They’re doing a select soft open right now. Luke contacted the owner, Kyle Asher, and got us a table for dinner this past Tuesday night. We got our steak on, just like their sign says.”

Abbey chuckled. The restaurant signage actually said Get Your Steak On. It was unusual and fun. She wasn’t sure what to make of it though. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs had quite a few quality steak houses. And leave it to Luke and his connections to get Jake and Cassie in on the restaurant’s select soft open.

“Lucky you. Was it any good?” Leah turned when she heard the suite door opening. Madison and Roxanna were back.

“Was what any good?” Madison and Roxanna asked.

“I was just telling everyone that Luke got me and Jake into Golden Horn’s select soft opening this past Tuesday. And yes, it was fantastic. The filet I had cut like butter and was so flavorful, and Jake’s porterhouse was cooked exactly the way he likes it. And their desserts. Wow, they were amazing. I had the best carrot cake I’ve ever had and Jake tried their triple layer strawberry cake. It’s hard to describe, it was so good. The best part, though, was getting to chat with the owner Kyle Asher himself and his younger sister.” Cassie shot Abbey a playful look.

“Oh no, Cassie, what did you do?” Abbey would lose it if her sister had something up her sleeve. Since she and Jake got engaged, Cassie wanted everyone around her to be happy and in love. Abbey knew from personal experience everyone didn’t get their happy ending.

Relax. Luke isn’t the only man in the world. I can still have my own happy ending with someone else.

Abbey’s heart wasn’t completely on board with that thought yet, but she was confident it would get there.

“Relax, Abbey. I didn’t give him your number or anything. Although you could do a lot worse than Kyle Asher. Kyle and his sister gave us a tour of the restaurant and kitchen and told us about their expansion plans.”

“Where are they from, then? Are they a part of some restaurant group like Lettuce Entertain You or Landry’s?” Madison asked and took a seat the dining room table with Roxanna joining her.

“Not exactly. They’re from a small town south of Dallas called Envy. And they don’t just have restaurants. Their group is called Envy Entertainment,” Cassie explained.

“What sort of entertainment?” Abbey was curious. It was an unusual combination to her, restaurants and entertainment. Although she supposed it didn’t need to be. Restaurants could be considered a form of entrainment.

“I don’t know if you can handle it. Are you sure you really want to know?” Cassie had everyone’s attention now.

Abbey rolled her eyes. “Yes, Cassie, of course we all want to know. Dramatic much?”

“It’s my wedding day, I can be dramatic if I want.”

Abbey took Cassie’s hand in hers. “Of course you can.” She didn’t want to detract from Cassie’s day, but the suspense was killing her. She had to know what Envy Entertainment was into. And maybe get a little more information about Kyle Asher? Why not, she told herself. What would it hurt, right? There was no harm in a date or two. Maybe.

“You all know Heather Bellatoni, right? The semi-retired super model?”

Who didn’t know Heather Bellatoni? Abbey sighed. Heather’s father Enzo was half of the design genius behind one of Italy’s premiere couture design houses, House of Bellatoni. He and his older brother Paolo built a clothing empire from the ground up, starting with nothing but Heather’s mother Stacey, who they’d literally plucked from her family’s dairy farm in Ohio.

Heather Bellatoni inherited her mother’s good looks, blonde hair, and blue eyes. She also inherited her father’s Mediterranean skin tone, giving her a more exotic appearance than her mother Stacey’s girl-next-door look. Heather had been thrust onto the runway at age ten.

“Kyle met Enzo, Jr., Michael, and Heather in New York a couple years ago. Apparently EJ, as Kyle calls him, and Michael are amazing tattoo artists and Kyle wanted them to do his ink. Kyle had his dress shirt sleeves rolled up a bit when we met him on Tuesday and I got to see some of his incredible ink. From what I was able to tell, he’s got arm sleeves of exotic animal tattoos. It was sexy as hell. And that southern accent.” Cassie actually fanned herself. “So hot, guys.”

“Hey! You’re getting married in a couple of hours. You’re drooling over some Texas dude?” Abbey had to admit, so far Kyle Asher sounded pretty hot. She might have to seriously consider getting herself invited to the select soft opening. I wonder if I should ask Luke to get me on the soft open list like he did for Cassie and Jake.

Angel pointed to Madison who promptly shook her head. “Tell us more about hunky Kyle Asher.”

Madison quickly jumped in. “Not on my account. Rox?”

Roxanna just shrugged, not appearing very interested.

“Kyle’s probably about six and a half feet tall, broad-shouldered, with sandy blond hair, sexy blue eyes, and dimples. He’s well-built and has a dreamy southern accent.” Cassie looked around the room for everyone’s reaction.

“I think he sounds amazing, don’t you think, Abbey?” Leah turned to her and winked.

She rolled her eyes. Although Kyle sounded amazing, she would not let on about her possible interest to anyone else. “Cassie, just continue without all the Kyle commentary, okay?”

Cassie stuck her tongue out at Abbey and continued. “So when Kyle was in New York getting his ink done, he met Heather. She was considering retiring from modeling. It turns out she was more of a small-town farm girl than her mother. All the traveling just got to be too much for her. She wanted to do something else and Kyle helped her come up with a business idea and plan for a shop that sells lingerie, adult toys, costumes, etcetera. It’s called Impulse. They opened their first shop in Envy and her brothers moved their place to Envy too. It’s called Envied Body Art. Impulse is a part of the Envy Entertainment group or family of businesses. Kyle used the word ‘family’ a lot when describing how he wants to build their brand and company.”

“Cassie, that’s not so scandalous.” Abbey didn’t understand what the big deal was. There were adult shops all over Chicago and online.

“Oh, but a lot of Impulse’s customers are from Envy Entertainment’s other business.” Cassie smiled and everyone waited to hear about this other business.

After what seemed liked forever, Cassie continued. “It’s a kinky sex club called Club Envidious!”

“No way, like BDSM?” Vanessa asked.

“Red room of pain-type stuff?” Madison speculated.

“Never say that to Kyle. Real life differs from books, but it’s not a room, it’s more like a complex. The original Club Envidious is in Envy. Kyle’s older sister Lauren lives there and manages it and the Golden Horns there. Kyle is behind their expansion plans.”

Abbey hadn’t expected a sex club. She might have to reconsider Kyle Asher after all. She wasn’t into the BDSM scene. At least she didn’t think she was. She had never tried anything very kinky. After she and Luke split up, she hadn’t dated very much. She had focused on her job at OSG and night school.

Cassie had everyone’s attention now. “They’re putting their Chicago site in Oak Brook, down 22^nd Street here at Camden Court.”

“That’s just some vacant office building,” Angel said.

“Envy Entertainment bought it and it’s been completely renovated. It has a lounge and bar, a huge dungeon, themed play rooms, and executive apartments on the top floor.” Cassie looked so excited and Abbey was surprised. Were her sister and her soon-to-be brother-in-law into BDSM? Was Luke?

It doesn’t matter what Luke’s into now. You’re moving on, remember?

Leah seemed uncomfortable but looked at Cassie with a serious expression on her face. “I don’t want details, but are you and Jake into that stuff?” That was what Abbey wanted to know but was too embarrassed to ask. From the looks on Angel’s, Vanessa’s, Madison’s, and Roxanna’s faces, they were curious too.

“No, not really. I mean, aren’t we all maybe a little curious though?”

All the women in the room looked intrigued. Roxanna spoke up first. “Curious, sure. I don’t think I could ever actually go to BDSM club though.” Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.

“Me either. But there’s another section of the building that’s separate from Club Envidious where the Twisted Tea Society meets twice a month.”

Madison spoke up this time. “And what’s that?”

“You can read all about how it started on their website, but it’s a kinky erotic book and social club for women. There’s a membership process similar to Club Envidious, but there’s no sex, whips, Doms, or anything like that. And the twisted part is that naked male servers serve the members tea and refreshments, and give them footbaths, foot and shoulder massages. And did I mention, the male servers are naked?” Cassie smiled brightly, proud of herself for knowing something the rest of the group didn’t.

Abbey couldn’t help herself. “Liar. They are not naked.”

Cassie nodded. “You’re right. They’re not completely naked. They wear bow ties.”

Roxanna typed furiously on her smart phone. Her mouth dropped open and she looked up. “Cassie’s right, it says that on their website. Beverages and refreshments served to you by naked male servers wearing bow ties. It says it’s a safe, discreet place to indulge your kinky curiosity, or the Clothed Female Naked Male fetish.”

Abbey could admit she liked the sound of the Twisted Tea Society. It was probably as daring as she’d ever be. What the hell? It could be fun. Another part of her plan to move on with her life post-Luke. Maybe Kyle wasn’t so bad after all if he cared enough to make something like the Twisted Tea Society available to ladies like them.

Madison typed away on her smart phone. “Oh, I like the sound of this. One of the benefits of membership is a break from your hectic life where you can just be for a few hours, twice a month, in a relaxing, comfortable environment. Oh! And a fifteen percent discount at Heather Bellatoni’s Impulse store. Great!”

This Twisted Tea Society was sounding better and better.

“They’re looking at potential Impulse locations here in Oak Brook and Elmhurst. Heather will be here for the grand opening,” Cassie said.

“That sounds really amazing.” Angel went to answer the door.

“Angel, just a second before you answer the door. Kyle’s looking for a salon to bring into the Envy Entertainment family of businesses. They use a salon in Rapture, Texas. It’s Envy’s sister city the next town over. The salon’s owner is a small-town girl. She doesn’t want to expand. Kyle’s looking to expand the businesses to New York, Chicago, Nevada, Los Angeles, and Florida, to name a few. It could be an exciting opportunity for you. For all four of you.” Cassie looked at all four stylists, seeming to hope they were interested. Vanessa, Roxanna, and Madison all turned to Angel, waiting for her feedback.

Angel smiled at Cassie and nodded. “Thanks, Cassie. It’s something to consider. I want to finish my MBA program before I tackle the next step. Are you all ready for me to open the door?”

Cassie took a deep breath and nodded her head. Abbey took a couple of deep breaths herself. Now wasn’t the time to think about Kyle Asher or naked male servers at the Twisted Tea Society.

Abbey had to be at her best today for Cassie. She was going to be the maid of honor Cassie needed and deserved. And she would deal with seeing Luke for the first time in ten years. Calmly and confidently—she hoped.