“God, what wouldn’t I do to get Ruth to look at me like Sherry looks at you? This dreamy smile she sometimes sports when she follows your every movement.”

Sherry did that? Idiot. She’s playing her role convincingly. Same as you. It wasn’t anything but pretending, not for her and certainly not for Sherry. Sherry’s clear boundaries and pointing out that this was nothing but a business deal for her didn’t leave any room for doubt. Besides, Madison wasn’t exactly a lovable person. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“Enough about us. This isn’t about me and Sherry but about you and Ruth.”

“You’re right. So what do you suggest?”

“So, as I see it, Ruth is interested in you.”

“You really think so?”

“Why else would she have jumped at the chance to go to the movies with you?”

“Because she likes going to the movies and was out of money?”

Madison chuckled. “Are we by any chance a little insecure?”

Danielle shrugged.

“I have to admit your pick-up techniques leave a lot to be desired, my dear cousin. You’ve got no reason to be so insecure. You’re quite a catch. Remember that when we go back in a minute.”

“Thanks.” Danielle sighed. “But I don’t need to work on my pick-up techniques because I’m not planning on asking anybody out but Ruth.”

“Wow, you’re really head over heels.”

Danielle blushed.

“Okay, enough chitchat. Here’s my plan…”

When they walked back toward the table a few minutes later, Sherry and Ruth were sitting side by side, deep in conversation.

It seemed cozy, and Madison’s stomach was churning.

“Oh, no,” Danielle whispered. “Do you think Ruth is into Sherry?”

Madison’s teeth were clenched so strongly together that all she could do was shake her head.

Ruth laughed at something Sherry said and laid a hand on Sherry’s arm.

“Are we interrupting something?” Madison asked when they reached the table.

As if they had been caught, Ruth stood abruptly and walked back to her side of the table.

“Of course not,” Sherry said with a confused expression on her face. “We were just speaking about…the Archer.”

“Aha, sure.” Madison flopped down next to Sherry.

Danielle sank into her seat beside Ruth but kept staring at her lap.

So much for my plan. All of Danielle’s self-esteem had deflated like a pierced balloon. And what was going on between Ruth and Sherry? Don’t be ridiculous; Sherry is into men.

Ruth leaned toward Danielle and whispered something in her ear.

Danielle stared at her. “Really?”

Ruth nodded.

Danielle’s cheeks turned a deep shade of pink.

“Would you please excuse us for a moment?” Sherry pulled Madison with her when she stood.

Neither Ruth nor Danielle reacted to Sherry, who pulled Madison toward the restrooms.