The weekend shifts when she and Marco often worked together were the most fun. He made her laugh, and they shared a similar sense of humor. He was quickly becoming a good friend. It didn’t hurt, either, that he was quite good-looking with his dark hair and eyes and warm smile. He made everyone feel welcome and flirted with all the women, no matter their age, and they loved it.

She couldn’t help but notice that the few times their hands accidentally touched as they both reached for something that there was an immediate buzz of electricity. So, yes, she was attracted to Marco and she sometimes ever so faintly picked up a similar vibe from him, but each time he quickly made a joke, and the moment was gone. She suspected that he felt, as she did, that it would be a huge mistake for them to do anything beyond friendly flirting. Her track record wasn’t great, and the last thing she needed was an awkward breakup and then have to still work so closely together. Plus, she didn’t want to lose their budding friendship. They’d gotten into the habit of having after work drinks once or twice a week and she looked forward to it.

She was surprised to see Paula join them at the outside bar. Miss goody-two-shoes rarely went for after work drinks. Even her brother seemed surprised to see her. She couldn’t help but notice that Paula’s hair looked more polished than usual and she was wearing lipstick, something she rarely did. And the consultant, David, was with her.

She wondered if Paula was interested in him? Maybe she didn’t even realize that she was. That wouldn’t surprise Andrea. Especially as she gave Ben her number. Andrea assumed if they hadn’t already had a date that they’d be going out soon. Paula wasn’t the type to date around. She wasn’t surprised when Paula only had one drink before calling it a night. And she noticed with interest that David finished his beer and then left, too.

When she’d first met him, she found David attractive, but after that initial conversation when she realized he agreed with her grandfather’s decision to replace her with Paula, she wrote him off as stuffy and boring. Maybe he and Paula would make a good match, after all.

“You’re deep in thought. Should I be scared?” Marco teased her.

She laughed and turned her attention back to Marco and Nick. “Sorry, just spaced out for a moment. What are we talking about?”

“Nick was just saying that he’s going fishing on Sunday and asked if I want to join him.”

“I thought you didn’t like to fish?” she asked.

“Good memory. I told Nick that but he’s pretty persuasive.”

“You should come, too, Andrea. When was the last time you fished?” her cousin asked.