She and Maddie shared a glance, one of Maddie’s eyebrows raised. “What do you think, sea legs? Can you handle some more booze?”

She laughed and turned to Erin. “Let’s try something different.”

Erin seemed excited, turning around once again, and Ryann allowed herself to stare at Maddie fully and without fear, possibly for the first time all morning, maybe for the first time since they’d met. The last three days, she’d continually made herself look away, look elsewhere, any time she caught herself checking her out, even when Maddie didn’t notice. This time, however, she let herself regard her at length. Maddie smiled at first, but as the moment dragged on, and she continued to stare, Maddie squinted, and her lips began working on themselves nervously.

“What?” Maddie finally asked.

“Just looking at you,” she said.

“Why?”

“I want to.”

Maddie’s cheeks colored slightly, and she chuckled uncomfortably. “Maybe we should stop day drinking. I can tell you’re getting a little…”

“Chummy?” Erin suggested, startling them both. She laughed, holding up her free hand. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” She gave Ryann a quick wink and poured the next cocktail.

This one was nearly clear, with only the palest hint of pink, a slight foam on the top, and a twist of some citrus rind inside. This too had bubbles, and it was sour and pleasant on Ryann’s tongue as she drained the little glass.

“Oh, boy, I like this one, too,” Maddie said, setting her glass down. She’d also drained hers.

“Me, too,” Ryann said. “But I’m not sure if I like it better than the last one. I’d have to try that one again to be sure.”

Erin raised an eyebrow at Maddie, who only shrugged.

“Okay,” Erin said, “so you think it comes down to those two? Or I could make you another new one if you want.”

Maddie answered before she could. “No—probably not, especially since we have to try the wines, still. I’m already pretty sure I’ll have to call a cab.”

“Okay,” Erin said. “Here’s what I’ll do, then. I’ll make a little of both of the ones you liked so you can try them together. How’s that sound?”

“Perfect,” Ryann said before Maddie could object.

“You’re fun, Red,” Erin said, laughing.

“And she’s getting drunk,” Maddie added.

Ryann laughed. “I’m okay, really. I feel a little silly, but I’ll be okay if I have some water.”