“When I became manager, the team was already there. After a few months, I knew who I could work with and who I couldn’t. And those were either reassigned or fired. It’s a cutthroat business and you must leave emotions out of it. That was the hardest thing to learn.”

“You have to be a bitch?”

She laughed. “No, that’s not what I mean. But even if you like someone personally, you can’t let that cloud your judgment on the job. And I’ve lost friends because of that. And it’s taught me that I’m the boss and they’re my team. There is no room for friendships.” She paused. “I miss that. When I was one of the underlings, I had friends. We’d do Friday happy hours nearly every week.” She held her hand up. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to go on and on about it. I guess I didn’t realize how lonely my workdays are.”

“You still have lunch with Sharon?”

“Oh, yes. She’s my outlet and we’ve become great friends. But in all these years, we have never done one single thing outside of our lunches, yet I know all about her life and she mine.” She raised her eyebrows. “What about you? Do you ever hang out with any of the guys?”

“I’ll grab a beer with them sometimes after work, but no, we’re not really friends.”

“Just Addison and Eric?” she asked gently.

“Pretty much.” Then Nic smiled. “And you.”

Abby returned her smile. “Thank you. And thank you for breakfast.”

Nic nodded. “Guess I should run you home, huh?”

“I suppose. I have laundry to do, my normal Sunday chore.” She got up and took Nic’s plate with hers to the sink. “I’ll do the dishes.”

“You don’t have to.”

“You cooked. I’ll clean up.” She leaned across the bar, pulling Nic to her for a kiss. “I had a really good time last night.”

Nic held her closer for a second kiss. “And this morning wasn’t too bad either.”

Chapter Forty-six

“Do you want to come in?”

Nic hesitated—yes, she was curious to see where Abby lived—then shook her head. “No. I better not. I’ve got a couple of hours at the gym planned. Then grocery store. And we have an early dinner on Sundays.”

“Okay.” Abby opened her door. “Dinner? With your uncle?”

“Eric and Addison. I pretty much go over there every Sunday.”

Abby got out, then leaned down to look at her. “Well, enjoy your dinner. Maybe I’ll get to meet them someday.”

Nic very nearly invited her to go along. She knew Addison wouldn’t mind. Hell, Addison would be thrilled. But no. That would be too much like dating, something she didn’t do. So she kept quiet and simply nodded at her.

“Maybe so.”