Carly nudged the glasses up. “Yep. Figured a new job meant new glasses,” she said with a smile.

“Oh, shit. That’s right. I’m so sorry I didn’t check in with you more. You started last week, right?”

“Yeah, on Thursday.”

The front door opened as Gwen walked into the house. “Hey!”

Carly clapped and headed to the fridge. “Yay, everyone’s here. Now for the important question, who wants what? Standards?”

“Yep,” Reagan and Gwen replied in unison.

Reagan nodded toward the living room and asked Gwen, “Can we chat for a second?”

“Sure. What’s up?” Gwen asked, sitting on the arm of the couch.

Reagan took a deep breath. “I’ll come back. I’ll take the lead on planning that party.”

Gwen quickly reached for Reagan’s hand. “That’s not what I was asking you to do at all. We can find somebody else. I know you don’t want it to be Myles. I get that. We can go another route.”

“That’s not why I’m doing it. Okay, well maybe a little. He’s just such a douche.” She and Gwen chuckled. “My dad heard part of our conversation, the damn eavesdropper. He said he wanted to see me thrive one last time, so that’s what I’ll do.” A small lump formed in her throat but she swallowed it down quickly. Shrugging, she continued, “Who knows. Maybe I’m just annoying him with all my hovering.”

“Are you sure? I know how important it is for you to spend his…um…last days together.”

“I’m sure. It’s not like this will take up every waking hour of my day. I figured I’d come into the office two or three days a week. Kinda ease my way back into being involved in day-to-day things. Might make the transition a little easier when…Well, you know.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I just said that I am. Are you constantly going to ask me once I officially get back to the office?”

“Of course. That’s what friends are for.” She pulled Reagan in for a hug.

“Thanks, Gwen.”

“I should be thanking you. The next meeting is on the twelfth. I’ll send you the details tomorrow.”

“Why is there hugging?” Carly asked as she brought out a tray filled with their drinks and a plate of cheese and crackers.

Reagan pulled out of the hug and put her hands in her back pockets. “I’m easing back in to work a bit because of a catering client. Take some of the pressure off Gwen. And before you ask, yes I’m sure that this is what I want.”

Carly handed Reagan a beer and Gwen a glass of wine then held up her gin and tonic. “Cheers to that.”