“It may not be romantic, but it’s the sensible thing to do.”

“Worked out so well for you with Holly, hmm?”

Abby’s comment died on her lips. It was the truth, wasn’t it? She’d gone on four dates with Holly before she’d felt comfortable enough to move things past a goodnight kiss. Six dates before they slept together. By then, she felt like she knew Holly, knew who she was and what she was about. Oh, how wrong she’d been. She mentally shook her head. She did not want to rehash the whole Holly thing, even with herself.

“Well, as I said, maybe someday I won’t have to be so careful. I’ll be swept off my feet by someone without having the chance to dissect them.”

“I hope you’re right. Because that would be romantic.”

She sighed. Yeah, it would be nice. Had she ever had romantic? Had she been wined and dined and pampered in a relationship? Certainly not with Holly. Holly was the one who needed pampering. Who else was there? There was Cynthia in college. They’d dated for nearly a year, but she wouldn’t call it romantic. It was more just…well, hanging out. Devin? No. That lasted all of ten weeks.

She nibbled at her sandwich. Maybe it was her. Maybe she was expecting too much. Or maybe she was hard to live with. Maybe she was boring and predictable and no fun.

“Why are you frowning?”

She sighed again. “I’m going to be single forever and end up a bitter old woman.”

Sharon reached over and patted her hand. “I think you try too hard.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means, you meet someone new, and you do your thing, trying to see if they fit into this box that you’ve designed. You’re too rigid, never flexible.”

“How else are you supposed to know if someone is right for you? You just can’t go date willy-nilly and see what happens. Talk about a waste of time.”

“Okay then. You’re going to be single forever and end up a bitter old woman.” Abby tossed a chip at her which Sharon scooped up and popped into her mouth. “Thank you very much.”

“I’m sorry,” Abby said sincerely. “I’m a little on edge.”

Sharon laughed. “Just a little. Hopefully, when you get back from vacation, you’ll be in better humor.”

Yes, hopefully she would be. For a few months, at least. Until the freakin’ wedding came around, that is. Maid of honor, she thought with disgust. My ass.

Chapter Nine