Reagan clasped her hands in front of her. “Please stop. Her mother’s outburst had nothing to do with me or Jill. She said she talked to her about it, and I think it took a lot for Jill to confront her mother so give her some credit. She means a lot to me, and I hope she’ll be around a while. You need to get used to it,” she said, pointing at Gwen.

“I’m sorry. I’ll try. But I just want what’s best for you, Reagan. You’re my best friend and business partner and you have always felt like a sister to me. I will always protect you. No matter what.”

Reagan hugged her tight. “I know. And I’m thankful for that every day.” She stepped back and grabbed her notebook off the table. “You just need to get to know her better.”

Gwen groaned. “If I have to.”

Reagan threw up her hands. “Just gi—”

“I’m kidding. I look forward to spending time with her as more than a client. Find out why she has you tied up in knots all the time.”

“She does not,” she replied, feeling her cheeks blush at the innocent fib.

“Well, your face right now and the way you looked at her at the party says it all. I like that look on you. She seems to make you happy. I know that feeling has been in short supply recently.”

“Thanks. She does.” She cleared her throat and continued, “I’ll ask Jill and text you guys some days that might work.”

“Perfect.” Gwen linked her arm through Reagan’s and pulled her out of the office. “Now tell me, she a good kisser?”

Jill shut down her computer and piled up a few loose papers, then picked up her cell to call Reagan.

“Hey, what’s up?” Reagan answered, sounding rushed.

“Hey there. I just wanted to see if you’d like to go out to dinner tonight.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can. I’d love to see you but I have so much work to do. I’m trying to finalize the invitations for the benefit.”

“I understand. Do you need help?”

“No thanks. I’ve got the template. Just trying to tweak the colors a bit. Then I need to send the order to the printer. And run through the guest list and double-check addresses. And then like a dozen other things.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Jill waited for several seconds, receiving nothing but silence from the other end of the line. “Reagan?”

“Huh?”

“I asked if there was anything I can do. You totally zoned out on me,” she said with a slight laugh.

Reagan sighed. “Shit. I’m sorry, Jill. I don’t think so. I’m stressing out about all of this. I just want it to be perfect.”