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Haylee stopped short, her lip pulled tight between her teeth. “Wait, you know what happened?”
“I was there. I have history with them, so I went to the gala to support their efforts.”
“History?” Haylee’s eyes crinkled. “Oh, this reeks of a good story, but I don’t want to spoil my bet.”
“What’s the bet?” Tori interjected.
“Well, if I don’t let our boss, Febe Aarts, fuck up the gala again this year, then my co-admin will help me with a pet project and tell me what happened at the gala.” Haylee still looked like she wanted to ask.
“And if you lose?” Miranda questioned.
“I have to feed her donuts every week and a dinner for two at Le Rochelle’s.”
Miranda tsked. “You should have told her The Met.” It was a dig on Tori’s date with her, but it was one of the best date places out there.
Haylee frowned. “It’s not that kind of relationship.”
Miranda wasn’t sold on that. “Well, if you lose the bet and you want to know what happened, give me a call. I’ll fill you in.”
“How do you know my boss?”
Humming, Miranda shook her head slowly. “To tell you that would be to tell you what happened at the gala. You can’t have your answers and have fun. So which is it?”
They reached the gate to the front yard. Haylee stopped and looked both of them over. “My theory is it has something to do with sex, drugs, and rock and roll.”
Laughing, Miranda gave nothing away.
“Fine. But I think the way to win this bet is to get my boss laid.”
“What?” Tori stared at her in complete awe.
“She’s really hot.” Haylee at least had the audacity to look sheepish. “But I honestly don’t think either one of us will win. Febe is an ice queen to the core, and she doesn’t let anyone in.”
Tori chuckled. “Never say never. So was Miranda.”
Haylee raked her gaze over Miranda, a smile playing at her lips. “Oh, she still is. Just not for you. Got to run! It’s my day to win, I can feel it.” Haylee waved them off. “See you, Tori!”
Haylee was the first to leave. The fairy lights brought out the magic Miranda had tried so hard to harness for Tori’s birthday celebration. She wanted everything for Tori tonight, everything that she wanted and more.
Rebel and Harley ran over, clinging to Tori. Miranda smiled down at Rebel and snagged her up onto her hip, tickling her belly. “Did you find something good to eat?”
“Yeah!” Rebel shouted and laughed again.
Miranda turned her head toward the house. She stiffened instantly. Her heart sank. Her breath sped up. Panic clawed its way through her chest as her jaw dropped. There she was. Standing on the back stoop like she’d never left.
“Miranda?” Tori asked, soft worry brushing her tone.
“Tierney.” Miranda stepped forward just as Tierney moved onto the grass.
Miranda stared at Tierney, as if she was a ghost who’d just appeared in front of her. Miranda never actually thought she’d come back. Something deep inside her told her the next time they saw each other would be at her funeral.
With Rebel on her hip, Miranda walked right for Tierney and wrapped her in a tight hug. “I’m glad to see you home safe.”
“Yeah.” Tierney had eyes for no one but Rebel. “Hey, baby.”
Rebel shied away from her, pressing her face into Miranda’s chest. Miranda flicked her gaze over Tierney’s shoulder to her parents. “I thought you were both busy for the day.”
“We were,” Emmitt answered with pursed lips and annoyance in his tone. “You didn’t pick her up like we told you, and you didn’t answer when we called.”
