The outing

"Are you OK?"

The two women seated in front of her give her a sidelong glance. "Nah. Another one."

Phina took out another cloth and put the one she held back in the closet. Laney insulted the material without hesitation.

When Phina stopped looking for Mia, she said, "Where in God's name is Mia?"

"With her newfound boo," Laney replied.

Avery laughed. "She is with Henry, I guess."

Then they noticed Mia entering via the open door.

Laney stated, "Talking about the devil, she's here."

Mia entered the room more fully to greet her pals. A big smile spread across her face.

"I apologize for making you wait so long," she murmured, approaching them. "And why are you all looking at me like that?"

Curious, Avery said, "Is this a thing between you and Henry now?"

"No. Where did you get the idea from? Don't tell me you're trying to ship the both of us?"

"I'm fully committed," Laney concluded, pausing briefly.