“Well, like I said, it was mutual. They don’t do flowers.” She handed Laura a beer that she’d first slipped into a koozie. “I like what you’ve done over there.” Cassidy walked toward the pool and sat down at one of the tables. “I was paying these guys four hundred dollars a month. They mowed the lawn, trimmed the grass, edged along the sidewalks…that sort of thing. If you’d do all that plus add some flowers—and take care of them—I’d pay you four-fifty. And of course, I’d pay for the flowers and whatnot.” She raised her eyebrows. “Interested?”

Four-fifty? Laura tried to estimate how long it would take her. Using the riding mower, she figured she could have the lawn done in about an hour, front and back. The trees were mature, so trimming the grass around them wouldn’t be much of a chore. Planting and tending to flowers would be more pleasure than work. Was she interested?

“Yes. I’ll do it.”

“Great! I only have one rule.” Cassidy showed her smile off again. “Have it finished by noon on Fridays.”

Chapter Eleven

Cassidy wasn’t fond of blind dates. Never had been. But Erica promised her that she’d “love” Kathryn. Cassidy reminded herself that Erica had said the same thing about Claudia. However, Erica forgot to mention that Kathryn only ate chicken, never beef. So she’d had to scramble to adjust the teriyaki beef kabobs to include one with chicken breast. Sure, it wouldn’t have the twenty-four-hour marinade on it—one hour, at the most—but it was the best she could do on short notice.

“So do you like her?”

“I’ve hardly talked to her. I’ve been busy thawing a chicken breast.” She glanced over to the pool. “Besides, she and Amber seem like they have a lot to talk about.”

“They haven’t seen each other in months.”

“I thought they worked together.”

“Not anymore. Kathryn’s in Irving now.” Erica leaned closer. “How great would it be if you two started dating? We’d get to see you more often, that’s for sure. I can’t believe this is only the second time you’ve invited us out here.”

“Is it?”

“I know you have a long list of friends, Cassidy. I’m glad we at least have warranted two visits now,” she said with a laugh. “So what happened with Claudia? You were dating for over a month. That’s a record for you, isn’t it?”

Cassidy shrugged. “It was okay. I wasn’t going to marry her or anything, so I didn’t see the point in drawing it out.”

“Still looking for that soulmate, huh?”

“Yep. I’ve never been one to settle. Not in business and not in my private life.” She took the pitcher of margaritas from the fridge and topped off Erica’s glass. “And…it’s kinda fun to date.”