Cassidy laughed. “Okay. I’ll save some back for you.”

Laura pushed her toward the door. “Go out to your party before you’re missed.”

Cassidy nodded. “I know.” Then she paused. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” Laura met her gaze and smiled. “See you tomorrow.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Cassidy paced in her office, wondering at her restlessness. The day after a holiday was usually busy but she could find nothing to hold her attention this morning. Well, there was something, but she’d analyzed that to death already.

Laura.

Laura was unlike any of her friends. She was so different, really, she doubted that any of her friends would even like Laura…and vice versa.

But she liked Laura. She had quickly become a friend. In fact, Cassidy thought that if they nurtured this friendship, it could end up being a very good one. They obviously enjoyed each other’s company.

She stopped pacing and stared out the window, a slow smile forming as she remembered their conversation over coffee Sunday morning—after Cassidy had delivered the promised fajitas to her.

“So, if you don’t have a hot date next weekend or anything, I thought I’d make that green jerk chicken that you want to try.”

Laura’s eyebrows had shot up. “You mean there’s no skinny blonde coming with you? Or is it a threesome?”

Cassidy had laughed. “No skinny blonde, no. Just us. If you want.”

Laura had smiled sweetly at her. “Then I’ll look forward to it.”

Yes, Cassidy was looking forward to it too. And she was looking forward to having the weekend to herself. No company. No date. No skinny blonde to share her bed.

So what in the world was wrong with her? She hated being alone, she reminded herself for at least the fourth time that morning. She was used to having romantic company, whether she wanted it or not. She was used to people being around…used to parties.

But she’d hated the party, hadn’t she? Laura had somehow known, even seeing her from a distance through an upstairs window. She’d looked sad, Laura had said. And Laura had come over, just to check on her.

Laura had hugged her. No one really ever hugged her. Certainly not friends. The group that she hung with…they weren’t exactly huggers.

But it was…nice. Unexpected, but nice. Still…

“I came in here an hour ago. You were standing in the same spot.”

Cassidy glanced at Tanya and shook her head. “No. I was over there,” she said, pointing toward the opposite wall.

“Do you need me to find you something to do?”

Cassidy went around her desk and sat down. “I have plenty to do, I just don’t feel like doing it.”

“So what’s her name? You haven’t mentioned anyone lately and you’ve said only a few words about your pool party.”