She was busy packing Wednesday night when Vashti called to wish her a safe flight. They hadn’t talked much this week since Vashti had been busy helping Gloria plan her wedding. Since it was a second marriage for both Reid and Gloria, they decided the wedding would be small, but the reception would be large. Bryce hadn’t told Vashti that she’d spent the night with Kaegan and wasn’t ready to share that information with anyone yet. Not even her best friend.

“Thanks, Vash. I’m looking forward to this trip. I’ve never been to Boston and hope to have some free time to tour the city.”

“You’re going to love it. I’ve been there a few times and loved it. And you’re okay with Kaegan?”

Bryce lifted an eyebrow. “Okay with Kaegan how?”

“Are you okay being there with him? I know you’ve accepted his friendship but were still trying to keep distance.”

If Vashti only knew how close they’d been that weekend. “I’m representing him now, so, yes, I’ll be fine with being around him.”

“And you never did say how your meeting with him Saturday went.”

“It went fine.” Knowing she needed to end the call before she told Vashti information she wasn’t quite ready to share, she said, “I need to finish packing, Vash.”

“Take some heavy clothing. It’s cold in Boston this time of the year.”

“Okay, I will. I’ll text you tomorrow to let you know when I get there. Love you.”

An hour later she had finished packing. Duke’s wife had a meeting in New Orleans in the morning and had offered to drop her off at the airport. She was about to strip and shower when her cell phone rang. She glanced at the clock and saw it was nearly nine, so it wasn’t too late to get a call. She saw it was not a number she immediately recognized. “Hello?”

“Hello, Bryce, this is Jeremy. I hope I’m not calling too late.”

“No, it’s fine. How are you, Jeremy?”

“I’m doing okay. I was calling to let you know that I’m going to be in New Orleans this week and was hoping for that rain check on dinner. I’d love to see you.”

Undoubtedly, she hadn’t been clear in that message she’d left for him that day. Now would be a good time to reiterate what she’d said. “Oh, Jeremy, I’m extremely busy now. In fact, I got my first client as a broker and will be leaving town for the rest of the week.”

“That’s awesome, Bryce. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. Well, it was good talking to you.”

“Same here and have a safe trip.”

“Thanks.”

Bryce ended the call. Jeremy was a nice guy but she wasn’t ready to get seriously involved with anyone. But then all she had to do was to remember what she and Kaegan had shared Saturday night. As far as she was concerned, she’d needed physical satisfaction, and now she could move on. Like she’d told Kaegan, it wouldn’t happen again.