Julia coughed again. That was a low blow.

“Jules?” Kat glanced toward her. “You know I’m right.”

“I’m staying out of this one.” Julia took another sip of her cocktail, deciding it might be best to change the subject. “What’s in this anyway?”

“St. Germain,” Andie said, jaw tight, gaze still on Kat.

“The flavor is unique,” Julia babbled, over the building tension. “Not bad, just different.”

“It’s elderflower,” Kat explained. “And it’s very good.” She lifted her glass in salute. “This is an excellent cocktail.”

Accepting the compliment for the peace offering it was, Andie relaxed. A sly grin lit her features as she said, “If you want a Colin that has some … what was it? Big Dick Energy? Then you gotta go with Colin Farrell.”

“Ha!” Kat crowed. “He’s shorter than Firth.”

“No way.” Andie shook her head and reached for her phone.

“You’re looking up how tall both the Colins are, aren’t you?” Kat demanded.

“Maybe.” Andie tapped her screen, brow furrowing.

“Well?” Kat scooted closer. “Was I right?”

“Fine,” Andie conceded with a deflated groan. “Farrell is shorter.” Hating to lose at anything, she added, “But he’s younger. And his BDE is so strong he seems taller.”

“Five minutes ago, you didn’t even know what BDE was,” Kat scoffed.

“I’m a quick study,” Andie retorted.

Before the battle of the Colins picked up steam, Julia guided her friends toward the couch. “How about we start the movie?” She carried the bowl of pretzels over and hit Play.

Kat set the plate of pita and hummus on the coffee table.

Soon everyone was munching and laughing, sipping and smiling at Bridget’s antics. After refilling their glasses with a second round, Andie sat back down next to Kat and said, “Okay, I can see it.”

“See what?” Kat wondered.

“Your Colin’s big dick.”

A giggle-snort escaped Julia. Kat raised an eyebrow.

“I mean the energy, or whatever.” Andie waved a hand toward the screen. “The BDE. He’s got this confidence. A presence.” She licked the side of her cocktail glass. “It’s sexy.”

“Yeah it is,” Julia agreed, raising her glass to clink against her friends. She’d always had a bit of a thing for tall guys.

“Why can’t we meet someone like that?” Kat wondered. “You know, have an awkward exchange at a holiday party or something and then it turns into love?”

“Because this is real life.” Julia shook her head. “I’ve had plenty of awkward exchanges at holiday parties. And trust me, it doesn’t work that way.”

“But what if it did?” Andie insisted. “What if you could stumble across the love of your life wearing a hilariously horrid sweater at a party, or while walking your dog and the leashes get all tangled.”