If I Were Your Woman by Donna Hill

into the tight fold, but because it had been a while since they’d all gotten together, to just relax and enjoy each other’s company.
    Barbara was just adding lemon to the glass pitcher of iced tea when the doorbell rang. As was tradition, Ann Marie was the first to arrive.
    â€œHey, girl,” Barbara greeted, bending down to kiss Ann Marie’s cold cheek.
    â€œWhew, frosty as a frigid woman out there,” she quipped, stepping inside.
    Barbara chuckled and closed the door. “But at least all that snow is finally gone. Thought we were in Alaska for a minute.” She sniffed at the tray in Ann Marie’s hand. “Hmm, something smells good.”
    â€œFlyin’ fish and callaloo. Had to hurry and get it out of the house before Sterling ate it all. Man always meddling in me damned pots.”
    â€œAnd you love it.”
    Ann Marie’s petite face lit up. “Yeah, I do. Didn’t ever think I’d want a man around me all the time…but I can’t seem to get enough of being with him. Ya know.” She looked into Barbara’s eyes, looking for understand and validation of her feelings.
    Barbara put her hand on Ann Marie’s shoulder. “I know exactly how you feel.” She took the tray from Ann Marie and walked toward the kitchen while Ann took off her coat and hung it in the hall closet. She followed Barbara inside.
    â€œWow. What a spread,” Ann said, looking at the table. Barbara came in and added scented candles and linen napkins to match the tablecloth. “You can transfer your food into the tray on the end.”
    Ann Marie followed the instructions of the hostess and added her contribution to the fare.
    The bell rang again.
    â€œCould you get that, Ann?” Barbara called out from the kitchen.
    Ann went to the door. Stephanie held out her bottle of wine in one hand and a six-pack of Coors in the other. Terri held a covered tray of appetizers.
    â€œHey, Ann,” Stephanie greeted, breezing in. “Sure smells good up in here. I’m starved already.”
    â€œI wasn’t sure what to bring,” Terri offered, following Stephanie inside.
    â€œWhatever it is, we’ll be sure to eat it. I can guarantee that,” Ann Marie said, closing the door behind them.
    â€œHello, ladies,” Barbara said, stepping out from the kitchen. “Glad you could make it, Terri.” She put the punch bowl on the table.
    â€œThanks for having me.”
    â€œMake yourself comfortable. It’s all self-serve, so have whatever you want whenever you want it. We definitely don’t stand on ceremony around here.”
    Stephanie took Terri’s coat and hung it up with hers in the closet. “Don’t tell me I beat Elizabeth here,” she called out.
    No sooner were the words out of her mouth then the bell rang again. “I got it,” Stephanie said.
    â€œSorry I’m late,” Ellie said, a bit breathless. “But I think my sweet potato cheesecake will make up for it.” She grinned triumphantly, taunting Stephanie by waving it under her nose as she came inside.
    â€œI vote we break tradition and have dessert first,” Stephanie said.
    Now that everyone had arrived, Barbara put the music on low as the ladies sat around playing catch-up and loading their plates.
    â€œI still can’t believe that it’s been less than a year,” Elizabeth said.
    â€œI can still remember that night. We were drunk as skunks,” Stephanie said.
    â€œSpeak for yourself,” Ann Marie piped in.
    Stephanie tossed her a look. “If I remember correctly we almost had to pick you up off the floor a couple of times.”
    Ann Marie rolled her eyes. “Damn Coors done addled your brain.”
    They all chuckled.
    Elizabeth raised her glass in a toast. “To Barbara, who came up with the brilliant idea to open a spa for men.”
    â€œHear, hear!” they chimed.
    â€œAnd to Ann Marie, who convinced