Abby watched as Nic Bennett made her way through the courtyard, glancing around as she went. She was wearing baggy jeans again today and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Maybe she wasn’t looking for her. Maybe she was trying to decide where she wanted to sit. But no. She was looking for her. Oh god. What if she said yes? Was it too late to take back the invitation? She should, shouldn’t she? Beth had told her she was completely insane to even consider taking a stranger as her date. With all her friends tossing around the “crazy” and “insane” words, she was starting to question her mental stability.

But then Nic Bennett found her and smiled at her. Abby stared as she came toward their table. Her blue eyes seemed brilliant today. Her smile was friendly. She found herself returning it.

“Hi.”

“Hello, Abby.” Nic turned to Sharon. “Hi. I’m Nic.”

“Sharon. Nice to meet you.” Then Sharon looked at her and winked. “I’m done with this scrumptious salad,” she said dramatically. “I think I’ll go see if I can find some low-calorie dessert. You want anything?”

“No thanks. See you later.”

Nic claimed Sharon’s chair when she left. They both sat there, looking at each other without speaking. Abby wondered how she could gracefully get out of the deal. If it was necessary, that is. Maybe Nic was going to say no. Yes, that’s what she hoped. Wasn’t it?

“I…I should apologize for this crazy scheme I came up with. You’ve had time to ponder it and you probably think I’m nuts. I don’t blame you.”

Nic smiled at her. “Well, some of my friends thought you were nuts, yes.”

“Oh, mine too! Well, I don’t mean about me, I meant the plan.” Then she paused. “Okay, so yeah, some thought me, but most were warning me that you might be…well, a serial killer or something.”

“That’s funny. That’s what Addison said about you. She and Eric are my best friends. College buddies.” Then she leaned forward. “But I’m not the one who invited you on a trip so the serial killer thing probably wouldn’t apply to me.”

Abby held her hand up. “Look, I’m really not crazy. I was desperate, that’s all, and dreading the whole holiday thing so—” Let’s forget it, she was about to say. But no. Nic was apparently thinking something entirely different.

“I think it’ll be fun.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “What? Are you seriously considering it?” She stared as Nic actually winked at her. A wink? Why was she winking at her? What did that mean?

“It’s almost like it’s an invitation I couldn’t possibly turn down.”

“Oh my god. So you’ll do it? Seriously?”