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.”
“I wasn’t in the party mood, it turns out. Everyone else seemed to have a good time, though.”
Tanya sat down across from her. “So? Who’s the flavor of the month?”
“No one. I was actually single at the party.”
“Really? That’s a first, isn’t it?”
Cassidy leaned back in her chair and folded her hands together. “I’m in a rut, I guess. No one seems to interest me right now.”
“I’m sure that will pass. I’ve known you twenty years. You’re never lacking for company.”
“I have made a new friend,” she said, the thought of Laura bringing a smile to her face. “She’s my neighbor. She does my yard, borrows my pool.” She leaned closer to the desk and rested her elbows on it. “She’s like…real.”
“Real? You mean compared to your usual friends?”
“Yes. Normal. Down to earth. What you see is what you get. There’s no pretense with her.”
“Ah. I bet that’s refreshing. I’ve met a few of your friends, remember.”
Cassidy laughed. “I know. That was a bad dinner party mix, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, the worst. So when do I warrant an invite out to the country?”
She very nearly offered an invitation for this weekend, then remembered her plans with Laura. “How about next week Saturday? I’ll do an early dinner.”
“I’ll check with Derrick. An afternoon relaxing by the pool sounds wonderful.”
“Great. Let’s plan on it then. I’ve been waiting on an excuse to try out that new smoker.” She rubbed her hands together. “Ribs. Maybe some chicken too.”
“I make an excellent potato salad. I’d be happy to bring some.”
“Good. I’m looking forward to you seeing the house. And all my flowers. I actually helped build a flowerbed over the weekend.”
“Well, that I’ve got to see.” She stood up. “I did come in here for a reason. The monthly reports from Hub Six are going to be late.”
“Again? What’s the deal?”
“They’re the busiest hub. She needs more help.”
“At times she needs more help, like when reports are due. Give her permission to hire someone part-time. A college student.”
“Okay. She’ll be happy about that.” Tanya turned to leave, but Cassidy called after her.
“I want to meet them before she hires.”
“As always.”
She’d been thinking about splitting up Hub Six, but that would entail purchasing another building, stocking it, and hiring licensed technicians to man it. For that kind of expense, she wanted to wait at least another year.
With a sigh, she opened up her laptop. Time to get to work.