She didn’t wear them often, but it wasn’t like it had never happened before. Her legs were currently twisted around the legs of the patio chair like she was sitting on a barstool in jeans and boots, and she moved to cross them in a more ladylike manner. Vickie had always taught her to cross at the ankles, not the knees, and even better, do the royal “princess slant” with legs together but not crossed, knees leaning to one side.

Her godmother, sitting inside right now, would be thrilled to know Zoey remembered those etiquette lessons. She didn’t know why she’d opted for a dress today. Maybe she was getting bored with jeans and T-shirts. Or she might be trying to show Mike she could have some style when she wanted to. Zoey had no intention of breaking their secret anytime soon, but someday, when Hazel was older and life had settled a bit, she hoped she and Mike could be an actual, normal, public couple.

Mike was a respected attorney from a prominent local family. His parents were involved in some powerful political circles in Albany. His first wife had been beautiful and sophisticated. Becca hadn’t been a snob or anything—she was kind and generous with everyone she met. She’d worked in real estate, and, like Vickie, had always worn the latest styles. She’d set the bar very, very high for whoever came after her in Mike’s life.

Zoey didn’t know when their someday would be, and she knew the wait was chafing at Mike. It was becoming more and more difficult for her, too. Because she was very sure she was falling in love with him.

She’d never intended for it to happen, but she had moved w-a-y beyond the friend zone with Mike in her heart. She couldn’t imagine ever going back to being just friends. She didn’t even want to try.

Finn was telling a story about the baby Moira’s knack for waking up hungry every time he and Bridget were trying to have some fun in the sheets. Zoey drained her wineglass in one gulp, wishing it was whiskey. Maybe it really was this dress making her feel so weird today. It wasn’t like her to worry about what Mike thought of her appearance. He’d told her multiple times he thought she was beautiful, but she couldn’t help thinking that eventually he’d want a woman more like Becca to settle down with after having some fun with his good pal Zoey.

She blinked a few times, shocked to realize her eyes were watery. She stood, mumbling something about finding her sunglasses, before heading inside. She met Mike in the doorway, carrying a platter stacked with hot dogs.