“And?” both Chi-Chi and Ellie pursued in unison.

Luna shrugged. “And, nothing.” She knew neither of her friends was buying her nonchalant attitude.

“Pul-lease, woman. You have been smitten since the very first day you met him. And I, for one, have been around you and that fine man.” Chi-Chi tuned to Ellie. “I believe what we have here are two adults pretending there is no attraction. I have seen it. I have felt it.” Chi-Chi sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. Nigerians were known for telling the truth. Except when it’s someone calling or e-mailing you telling you that your uncle wants to wire $3 million into your bank account if you would just give them all your banking information.

Luna looked over at her friend. “Are you finished?” It was a rhetorical question. Luna knew by her body language that Chi-Chi had said what she had to say and was done. Not in a mean way. She was merely punctuating her sentence with her posture.

Ellie smiled at Luna. “I have to agree with Chi-Chi. I’ve seen the two of you together. There is definitely chemistry there. So, I repeat. What is the latest?”

“We haven’t spoken since last week. He’s been busy with a case. Apparently, a child went missing from Raleigh, and there were several sightings between there and Louisville, Kentucky. He’s been working out of the Kentucky field office.” She broke apart the brioche and slathered some butter on it. She let out a big sigh. “Speaking of getting fat . . .” Luna shoved half the brioche into her mouth, hoping it would end the conversation.

“I knew there was a reason I liked you.” Ellie chuckled. “But you’re not getting off that easy. You must be very fond of him.”

“Yes. As in really-really. I feel like I’m back in high school.” Luna swallowed in a big gulp, then pouted.

“But isn’t that a wonderful feeling?” Chi-Chi’s smile was ear to ear.

“Yes, and no.” Luna licked the butter off her fingers.

“Yes, because it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling, and no, because it scares the bejeezus out of me. I’m afraid if I make a move, as in big move, I’ll make a fool of myself.”

“I am surmising you haven’t done it yet.” Ellie went for the deep dive.

“What? No!” Luna was emphatic.

“But do you want to?” Chi-Chi poked her with an elbow.

Luna slouched. “OK. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have fantasies about being with him. Yes, as in being with him. Sometimes I think the fantasy is enough. What if we did, and I was disappointed?”

Chi-Chi and Ellie almost doubled over. “I seriously doubt he would disappoint you.” Chi-Chi grinned.

Luna looked up at her friends. “I am sure you are correct. But, what if he doesn’t want to?”