"He couldn't say for sure." And Kate refused to pout over it. "It doesn't matter."
"You're crazy about him."
"I am not. We have a very mature, mutually satisfying relationship." Distracted, she tugged on the strap again. "How do these silly things work?"
"God. Let me." Huffing, Margo knelt down and demonstrated how to hook the hose.
"I beg your pardon." Laura paused at the doorway, stuck her tongue in her cheek. "I seem to be de trop. Perhaps there's something you two would like to share with me."
"Another comedienne." Kate looked down at the top of Margo's head and giggled. "Christ, now here's a scandal. Pregnant former sex symbol and suspected embezzler celebrate their alternative lifestyle."
"Could I just go get my camera?" Laura asked.
"Done." Margo proclaimed, then held up a hand. "Stop snickering, Laura, and help me up."
"Sorry." As she hauled Margo to her feet, Laura's gaze fell on Kate. Her friend was sitting in an elegant Queen Anne chair wearing a black bustier with matching lacy garter belt and sheer black stockings. "Why, Kate, you look so… different."
"I have tits," she stated and rose. "Margo gave them to me."
"What are friends for? You might want to finish dressing, unless that's your outfit for this evening. The musicians pulled up behind me."
"Terrific. Laura, it's the off-the-shoulder floor-length bronze." Margo gestured vaguely as she started into the main showroom. "I'll be back."
"Why does she think I need to be dressed? I've been dressing myself for several years now."
"Let her fuss." Laura took down the gown Margo had cho sen. "It helps keep her from being nervous about tonight. And…" Laura pursed her lips as she studied the dress. "She's got a hell of an eye. This is going to look great on you."
"I hate all this." Sighing lustily, Kate stepped into the gown. "I mean, it's okay for her, she loves it. And you—you'd look elegant in tinfoil. I'd never be able to wear what you've got on. What is that, anyway?"
"Ancient," Laura said, dismissing her smartly tailored copper-toned evening suit. "I'm getting one last wear out of it before I put it into stock. There, all hooked in. Stand back, let me see."
"I don't look stupid, do I? My arms aren't bad now. I mean, my biceps are sort of happening. I've been working on the delts, too. Bony shoulders aren't very attractive."
"You look beautiful."
"I don't really care, but I don't like looking stupid."
"Okay, we're right on schedule," Margo announced as she hurried back in. With one hand she supported her belly and tried to ignore the fact that the baby seemed determined to settle directly on her bladder. She tilted her head, took a long, narrowed-eyed study of her creation, and nodded. "Good, really good. Now a few finishing touches."
"Oh, listen."
"Oh, Mommy, do I have to wear that exquisite jeweled collar?" Margo whined as she lifted it from the box. "Oh, please, not those gorgeous earrings too."
Kate rolled her eyes as Margo decorated her. "Can you imagine what she's going to do to that kid? The minute it pops out she's going to have it swaddled in Armani and accessorized."
"Ungrateful brat." Margo took a purse atomizer out of her pocket and spritzed before Kate could evade.
"You know I hate that."
"Why else would
I do it? Turn around and—drum roll, please." With a flourish, Margo tugged the draping off the mirror.
"Holy shit." Her mouth agape, Kate stared at the reflection. There was enough of Kate to recognize, she thought, dazed. But where had those exotic eyes come from, and that unquestionably erotic mouth? The figure, an actual figure, draped in shimmering bronze that made all that exposed skin seem polished.
She cleared her throat, turned, turned again. "I look good," she managed.
"A grilled cheese sandwich looks good," Margo corrected. "Baby, you look dangerous."