Miranda was laughing so hard she knew she had tears in her eyes.

"It's not that funny," Nora shot back at her, clearly offended.

The two women had found a comfortable table, tucked off to the side of a back room of the venue. The reception had been held at a one of the poshest yacht clubs on the Chesapeake. Once Miranda had figured out that she hadn't inadvertently pissed the other woman off, the two had been in deep conversation, thick as thieves. They had even managed to snag a waitress on her way by, that they had talked into bringing them another round of drinks.

Nora glared at her. Miranda tried again to stop her guffaw and failed. She tried again, managed to take a swig of her cocktail without snorting it, swallowed, licked her lips, took a breath, and let it out. "I'm sorry, dear, but really? You think that Gary O'Neill isn't interested in you? We are talking about the same man, right? Your current boyfriend's best friend who literally has to tear his eyes off of you whenever you're in the same room together?"

"He does not!"

"Yes, he does. You probably just haven't noticed because he always averts his eyes when he thinks you're about to look at him and you're also likely too busy trying to avoid him catching you looking at him. Not to mention, but have you looked in a mirror, and I mean, like ever? My God woman, I can't stop staring at your tits! What right blooded man wouldn't want you?"

Nora blushed a bit at the praise. "Well, if you're correct, then this might work. I just don't want to hurt Ken. Not to mention the fact, I don't want to embarrass myself, or upset a friendship. But were you serious? Are you interested in Ken?"

"Now that I know that I didn't yet again massively overstep social grazes back at the bar, if you don't mind me saying so, hell yes! That man just, I mean, does things to me. I don't know how you haven't spent every second against some horizontal, or even vertical surface."

Nora was glad for the alcohol in her system. Frack, Miranda was dirty. She'd be perfect for Ken. "Well, if I had, I wouldn't be able to walk."

Miranda's eyes shot up. "Really? Oh, this just gets better."

Nora swallowed another sip from her flute.

"You know if this works, I'll still feel a little sorry for Ken," Miranda added.

"Why's that?" Nora asked, taking another sip.

"Well, he'll be trading you, you know basically Marilyn Monroe, for me, you know freakishly tall and all limbs, average boobs."

"Ok, you look like a Greek Goddess. I would kill for that waistline and those legs and sleek hair."

"Scottish, my dear, but thank you. To each their own I guess, cheers!" and she took another swig from her cocktail glass.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Ken's been having his fun, but I just don't think I'm his type, at least long term. He needs something wilder, more untamed."

"And that's me?" Miranda asked.

"Well, I think you fit the bill better than I do."

Miranda took the last swig, emptying her glass. "Ok, let's go see if we can interest your man into switching partners and let me prove to you that Gary is already head over heels for you."

The two women stood, albeit both a tad tipsy especially given their heels, and returned to the bar area. It was late, there were only a few remaining wedding guests and a few members of the wedding party. The bride and groom had long since departed to start their honeymoon. Ken and Gary had moved to a table close to where they had been knocking back shots at the bar. They each had a brandy sniffer. Ken was rolling his in his hand and Gary's was on the table in front of him. They were both clearly intoxicated, but still upright and functional. Both men were capable of holding their liquor.

Ken turned to greet his date, suddenly feeling guilty for not having paid her any attention in the past couple of hours. He wobbled slightly as he moved to stand, placing a hand on the edge of the table to steady himself. "Ken, relax, everything's fine, sit back down," Nora directed.

"Thanks, sorry," he slid back into his seat. "Gary and I have had a few, but I didn't mean to neglect you, it's just been a while since we had some guy time together." Ken lifted his eyes briefly to the tall drink of water standing next to his date. He had first noticed her at the church. The woman was an absolute stunner. He didn't think he needed to be a bigger dick by ogling her right in front of his date. As he was contemplating this, said woman stepped forward, taking Gary's closest hand in hers.

Gary looked up at Miranda. He didn't pull away, but he was confused. He had known Miranda most of his life. They were acquaintance friendly. She was gorgeous sure, but he didn't think of her romantically. Was she making a move? Did she think differently?

Miranda softly brushed her thumb across his hand. She reached her other hand back to pull Nora forward and replaced her hand with Nora's. Gary now had his large hand surrounding Nora's. He looked up at her, their eyes finally meeting. Miranda spoke just above a whisper, "Gary, dear, how 'bought you take Nora home."

Ken opened his mouth to protest at the same moment Gary's fell open. Before Ken could respond, Miranda quickly stepped to just behind his chair, and trailed her open palms seductively down his upper arms. Ken lifted his head to look up and behind him, his mouth that had opened to protest ceased as his brain suddenly hit recognition of what was happening, and he mouthed out a soft "O". Gary still looked confused.

Ken looked between Nora and Miranda. "Is this just a tonight kind of thing, or a more permanent kind of thing?" he asked.

Miranda had returned her hands to gently kneading Ken's shoulders. "Well, I think that Nora is hoping for much more on the permanent side of things. As far as you and I go, I think we'll still have to see."

Gary seemed to finally snap out of his trance. He looked at his friend and then at his friend's date. "Are you both ok with this?"

Ken lifted one corner of his mouth and shook his head in agreement. Nora asked, "Are you?"

"God, yes!" He stood quickly, pulling Nora behind him. He hollered back over his shoulder, "Thanks buddy! Good to see you! Have fun!"

Ken chuckled, pushing his chair back enough to slide the beyond gorgeous statuesque brunette into his lap. She let out a beautiful laugh and settled there like she was made for him.

"Most amicable break up ever. Congratulations!"

"You can say that again," Ken answered, wasting no time in reaching to give her a teasing kiss, it was all strong lips with just the touch of his tongue. "So, what's your name, gorgeous?"