Audrey pulled her inside and wailed, “I’m so embarrassed! I sent Jake homemade cookies yesterday as a funny welcoming gift, and it looks like he’s already dating someone else.” She tiptoed over near the window and flattened against the wall, hiding behind the curtain, motioning Eve over. “Look, he’s out there with this absolutely gorgeous woman having breakfast.”

Eve snuck over to the wall and discreetly peeked from behind the curtain into Jake’s garden. “Well, they could be just friends. I don’t recognize her from the party.”

“That’s true,” Audrey said. If only she had been able to say yes when Jake had asked her for a bike ride.

“He said that he was going to stay single for a while.”

“But Penny doubted he’d even last a week.”

“They’re not eating your cookies.” Eve stepped away from the window.

“No, not for breakfast anyway.”

“It could just be interpreted as a neighborly thing to do.”

“From the single woman next door? It looks like I’m pursuing him, when he just told me women pursue him all the time.”

“And weren’t you?”

“Yes.” She gave Eve a “Do you really have to call my bluff?” look. “That’s why it’s embarrassing. But it was under the guise of a neighborly welcome.”

“Do you want me to send over some food as well? From me and Pete?” Eve laughed.

“That would make me feel much better,” Audrey said. “But no need for him to think we’re all nuts.”

“How did you get it to his front door?”

“I didn’t. I left it at his garden sliding door. I lowered it over from my balcony. It wasn’t easy.”

“Girl, you are crazy.”

“I know.”

“But that’s why I love you.” Eve hugged her. “Cheer up. It’s not that embarrassing, even if he is dating her.” The two friends peered out from behind the curtain again.

“From the body language, it doesn’t appear they’re romantically involved,” Eve said. “Your chocolate chip cookies may yet work their magic.”

“Maybe. But he did say he didn’t like lawyers, so I shouldn’t be interested in him either.”

“He dislikes all lawyers?” Eve walked away from the window and sat on Audrey’s couch.

“He has exceptions,” Audrey said as she joined Eve on the couch.

“You should steer clear of someone with a hang-up about lawyers,” Eve said. “Although he seemed fun and I liked his friends. I probably prefer him to Preppy Boy.”

“Tim would be more supportive of my legal career.”

“Unless it conflicts with his own,” Eve said dryly.

Like Kevin. Audrey looked down. She’d been swept up by Kevin’s attention when she was a fourth-year associate. And impressed by his experience as a senior lawyer. But then he hadn’t made it. She shivered. That could easily be her in six months.