“Nope. We take a step forward, then three steps back. Kaia’s been asking about her mother a lot lately... As she’s getting older, she has a million questions and it’s tough on Tank. Every time he gets close, he pulls back like I’ve burned him. I’m trying to be patient but, damn, it can be infuriating that he doesn’t see that I’m what they need.”

Erika touched her friend’s hand. “Hang in there. He can’t resist you forever,” she said with a smile.

“Right?” Cassie said with a hopeful expression.

“Definitely.”

She checked her watch and stood. “Well, I should head downstairs. Reed will be here any minute.” Her pulse raced at the thought of the painful goodbye awaiting her.

“Oh wait.” Cassie struggled to push herself up, only sinking farther into the couch cushions. “Help.”

Grabbing her hands, Erika pulled her to her feet. “See? This is why you need your mom.”

“Okay, maybe.” Cassie hopped on one foot to the kitchen. “I have something for you...” She opened the fridge and took out a white square box wrapped with a festive-looking red-and-green bow. She handed it to her. “To cure any chocolate cravings.”

The Chocolate Shoppe logo made Erika’s mouth instantly water. The smell of peppermint fudge revealed what was inside. Did her friend have anything to cure any Reed cravings she might have, as well? “Thank you. I can’t promise I won’t eat every last piece on the way home.”

“Hey, I’m not one to judge. In fact, I may have opened it already and stolen a piece or three,” she said with a sheepish expression.

Erika laughed. “I consider myself lucky to be getting any at all.” She suddenly wished she had a parting gift for her friend, as well. Then, seeing Cassie’s wrist tattoo, she rushed forward to hug her. “You really are the Best part of this friendship.”

Cassie sniffed. “Don’t make me cry. We’re going to keep in touch this time.”

“We will. I promise to try my best.” Already she knew it wouldn’t be good enough. Hearing Reed’s truck pull up outside the condo, Erika nodded, pulling herself together. “He’s here. I have to go.”

She collected her suitcase and headed toward the door. “Relax. Stay off your feet as much as possible.” She grabbed her red cashmere coat and put it on. “Doctor’s orders,” she said, earning a look from her best friend.

Sliding her feet into her heeled boots, she blew a kiss to Cass and left the house before tears could surface. She’d have even more emotions threatening her soon enough.

And it wasn’t like she wouldn’t see Cassie again soon...and they always had Facebook. Already, she was feeling the stress and anxiety that had subsided over the last ten days returning.