Or sleeping with anyone, for that matter.
With a sigh of exasperation, Juliet tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I’ll say you’ve done everything you can. Tell me again. Why am I getting married on December second?” She tapped a finger against her chin and pursed her lips. “There was a reason…I just can’t quite remember it…”
Willow dropped a bean in the strainer and leaned forward, her elbows digging into the counter. “You know I can’t miss work. Even when I’m not trying to get the most important role of my career, taking a week off class and rehearsal is a no go.” She took Juliet’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “But, in case I haven’t said it before, I’m really super, uber thankful you planned your wedding during my break so I can be your maid of honor. Besides, since I’m the one who actually got you and Ian together, I’d be righteously offended if you left me out.”
“How in the world do you think you get credit for bringing us together? If anything, I’d give that credit to Lulu.” At the mention of her name, the dog’s ears perked up and she cocked her head as if to say, ‘yep, I’m definitely the reason for your happily-ever-after.’
“No offense to the pup, but who did you call when you weren’t sure if you should go out with Ian or not?”
Juliet hopped off her stool and peered into the oven, checking on the chicken. “You.”
“And what did I tell you to do?” Willow refilled her wineglass, making herself a promise to slow down after that one. The last thing she needed was to end up on the wrong side of tipsy and embarrass herself in front of Juliet’s new family.
“If I remember correctly, you said something along the lines of ‘Fuck it. Sleep with him.’”
“Exactly!” Willow flared her hands and looked around the large kitchen with its view of the private beach. “So, as you can see, this house and the way that man puts his hands on you is totally because of my stellar advice.”
When they finished de-stringing green beans, Juliet threw them into a pan with some butter and got them started on the stove. “Have you had anyone putting their hands on you lately?” she asked over her shoulder.
Willow swirled her wine, then took a sip before putting it down with the light clink of glass on granite. “Every day,” she said with a sly grin. “Many hands. All over me. For hours at a time.”
Juliet’s eyes widened in shock and then understanding set her laughing. “I’m not talking about work, you goof. I get it. You get touched by a lot of men at American City Ballet. But you know damn well that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Eh.” Willow dropped her gaze to her hands. “ACB is my boyfriend, you know that.”
Not that she wouldn’t like to have an honest to goodness boyfriend. She wouldn’t mind that at all. The simple fact of the matter was there just wasn’t time, with rehearsals, and classes, and performing, and…you know…sleep. Although Willow would be the first to admit if they ever figured out how to do away with sleep, she’d be all over that shit.
Juliet shook her head, smiling sadly. “How many times have I heard that? American City Ballet, this, ACB, that...”
“Well, then, you really didn’t need to ask, did you?”
“Can’t help it if I worry about you.”
That last comment was out of character. Julz had always been understanding of the sacrifices Willow made for her career.
She has to be thinking about Ian again, she thought. And that’s probably why she’s worrying about my love life.
“There’s no need to worry. I love what I do. And I won’t be able to do it forever. There’ll be time for real love after my career is over,” she said, as Juliet’s face went mushy.
“In my experience, when it’s time for love, you don’t really have a choice in the matter.”
That spring, Juliet had moved to Bliss, South Carolina, where she immediately stumbled upon Ian Moore, and fell madly, head over heels, crazy in love with the guy. Apparently the feeling had been mutual, because the proposal came a few months later. Not as fast as the real Romeo and Juliet, but pretty damn fast given they were talking about real life.
“I’m really glad things worked out for you, Julz,” Willow said. “I’ve never seen you happier. And this house!” She made a sweeping motion with her hand. “Ian really is the best thing that ever happened to you.”
“The second-best thing that ever happened to me. You’re number one.”
“And don’t you forget it!” Willow gathered veggies for a salad while Juliet checked on the chicken.
Nerves jangled in her belly as she realized how many new-to-her people would be filling the house in a few hours. Large crowds were never her thing, but a lifetime of performing had taught her some coping skills. First things first, she needed to arm herself with knowledge.
“Okay, so help me out here. What kind of craziness am I in for once Ian’s family arrives? There are what? Six Moores, plus a girlfriend?” She surveyed the ingredients in front of her. “I’m gonna need a bigger salad, aren’t I?”
“You’re fine, Will. They’re going to love you.”
“Of course, I’ll be fine. Socializing is what I do best.” Willow rolled her eyes at her own sarcasm. She was much better at listening than talking. “Just give me the basics so I have a starting place for conversation.”
“Oh, don’t worry, there won’t be any awkward silences at the table tonight.”
“Okay, vivacious bunch. Check. What else?”
Juliet leaned against the counter beside her friend. “Well, there’s James—Ian’s younger brother—and his girlfriend Ellie who’s just recovered from a really awful car accident. A broken arm, concussion, and
