Before Cassidy could answer, Laura’s eyes were drawn to the double doors. Cassidy could tell by her expression that she’d seen Claudia. Laura slowly brought her gaze back to Cassidy.

“Seriously?”

“I didn’t know she was coming,” Cassidy whispered. “She’s friends with Erica. Apparently, they thought it would be a good idea, you know, for me…”

Laura nodded. “Erica thinks…what was her name again?”

“Claudia.”

“Right. She thinks Claudia—the very thin, beautiful blonde—is perfect for you.”

“Something like that.”

“So…would you like for me to leave so you can have time with her?”

“God, no! I want—”

“Oh, the pool looks lovely, Cassidy. The flowers are gorgeous.”

Erica, with Amber and Claudia at her heels, descended onto the patio. She felt Laura stiffen beside her, and she plastered a smile on her face, turning to her friends.

“I have Laura to thank for the flowers. She’s my neighbor…and friend,” she added quickly. “Laura, this is Erica, Amber, and Claudia.”

To Laura’s credit, she showed no outward signs that she was miffed in any way. She smiled pleasantly at them.

“Nice to meet you all,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind if I join you.”

Erica’s eyes widened. “Oh. Well…if Cassidy doesn’t mind, I certainly don’t.”

Cassidy laughed. “I invited her, Erica. She’s not crashing the party.”

“Weren’t you telling us one time that your neighbor did your yardwork?” Amber asked. “Is she the one?”

“I am,” Laura answered.

Claudia came up close beside Cassidy, brushing her shoulder. “You do her…yard? What does that entail exactly?”

Cassidy took a step away from her. “She mows the lawn, Claudia. Trims the weeds. Tends to the flowers. That sort of thing.”

Claudia gave a condescending laugh. “Why on earth would you do that?”

Laura remained undaunted as she smiled at Claudia. “It pays well and I’ve got some pretty good perks.” At Claudia’s blank stare, Laura motioned to the pool. “I have permission to use the pool. That way I don’t have to sneak over and…you know, trespass.”

“Sneak over to your neighbor’s property? Trespass? But—”

“How about instead of talking about the pool, we actually get in it?” Cassidy asked, trying to end this vein of conversation. “Shall I make a pitcher of margaritas?”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful,” Claudia said. “Can I help?”

“No, no. I got it.” She looked over at Laura. “Do you mind getting some floats?”

“Happy to.”