“Exactly! What crime did you ever commit against Arthur besides being gorgeous and totally authentic?” Ashley shot back, teasing Valerie even harder.

Valerie rolled her eyes, flicking her perfectly blown‑out hair over her shoulder like she was on a runway, then gave Ashley a little signal to follow.

“That’s a blessing, not a mistake! It’s his problem if he can’t handle someone as fabulous as me,” Valerie declared, strutting forward like she owned the catwalk.

Ashley ...