Madison wrapped her arms around her and took a deep breath, inhaling Sherry’s enticing scent. Immediately, her body relaxed. Smiling, she realized that even though the day was still very young and Jake had woken them none too gently, this was already the best Christmas morning of her life. “Merry Christmas.” She let her head come to rest against Sherry’s.

“I’ve brushed my teeth, and Rita Mae is awake too,” Jake shouted from the living room.

Sherry and Madison groaned in unison.

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Madison stopped the car. She lowered her window, leaned out of her enclosed BMW convertible, and waved into the camera. Within seconds, the gate opened. She parked the car next to three limousines at the end of the driveway. “Are you nervous?”

“I’m good,” Sherry said. “How bad can it be? It’s just a New Year’s party.”

“Famous last words.” Madison killed the engine. “I should’ve told you earlier, but…”

“But what?”

Madison signed. “Even my grandmother calls some of tonight’s attendees snobs.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I wish. This New Year’s party will be the first since my sixteen’s birthday where I’m not smashed.” She shook her head at the irony of it. “In all those years, it never occurred to me that I might have a problem with alcohol. I only drank a lot because it made me feel good and to…I don’t know, not to think so much, I guess. But now…” She shrugged. “I think I really drank too much. And for much too long.”

Sherry’s eyes shone with something which, after a few moments, Madison recognized as pride before she touched Madison’s arm.

When Sherry let go of her, she glanced toward the main house with something that looked very much like apprehension. “Any last tips?”

“Yes. Remember these three sentences to be on the safe side.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“‘No, really?,’ ‘that’s scandalous,’ and ‘but of course.’”

“Um, I don’t think any of those are going to help me.”

Madison smirked. “You just wait and see.” She got out of the car, rushed around it, and opened the passenger door for Sherry. Holding out her hand, Madison helped her out of her seat.

Sherry took in Madison’s black evening gown that reached her ankles. Even though it wasn’t revealing much skin, it fit her very nicely, if she said so herself.

Madison’s mouth went dry when she saw the appreciation and something else in her eyes. Lust? Nah, impossible. Sherry wasn’t interested in her that way.

When Sherry looked away, Madison used the chance to admire Sherry and her long, red evening gown with its heart-stoppingly low neckline.

“You take my breath away,” she said without thinking.

Sherry picked at an imaginary piece of lint. “You chose the dress.”