“Justin’s mom is the best,” Jessica said, her face lighting up for just a moment before darkening again. “Chris’ family... he and his brother email each other sometimes, but that’s about it. They haven’t actually talked since we all got together. We’re going to send them an invite but...” She bit her lip, her eyes darting around even though they knew they were completely alone in the club.

“You kind of hope they don’t come if they’re going to be awful,” Leigh said, her voice gentle. “Totally understandable.”

“I still feel like a jerk for thinking it,” Jessica muttered, looking guilty.

“Don’t,” Angel said. “I’m still freaking out about Adam’s parents both being here when the baby is born. They haven’t seen each other in over a decade, they might be perfectly fine, but I kind of wish they weren’t coming just because it’s an additional stress. It’s human nature to not want more stress piled on top of an already stressful situation. It’s also human nature not to want anyone raining on our parade.”

Leigh twisted around slightly so she could look at Angel. “That’s what I’m here for. If anyone starts upsetting you, I’m kicking them out of the room. I don’t care if they’re Adam’s parents.”

“And if she’s not there, one of us will do it,” Lexie said, nodding decisively. “You and Adam won’t have to deal with that crap at all.”

Despite her small size, no one doubted for a moment Lexie would be just as effective as Patrick at bodily dragging someone from the room if someone was upsetting her friends. For that matter, Ellie didn’t doubt even mild-mannered Leigh would. While Leigh tended to be nearly as quiet as Ellie, if someone was messing with one of her friends she changed to an angry bulldog in an instant.

“Or you could sic Olivia on them,” Ellie said. Although she would love to see Lexie or Leigh’s version of a smack down, but Olivia was really good at preventing the need for one.

“Ooo, yeeeees,” Kate said, her voice almost a hiss of satisfaction. “Feed them to the Domme.”

Everyone cracked up at the description, which was kind of super on point. There weren’t a lot of people whom Olivia couldn’t eat for breakfast - even here at Stronghold. She had the evilest of evil eyes.

“So Ellie... you’re awfully quiet over there,” Jessica said, as the laughter faded, an almost mischievous smile on her face. Everyone turned towards Ellie, making her want to squirm. “Feel free to tell us to mind our own business, but we’re all dying to know about you and Michael.”

“Shhh, don’t tell her she can ignore our questions,” Angel protested. “I want answers!”