“Blake.”
“You told him?”
“Also Gran and Rose. He’s been really supportive and deserved to know.” He made her feel good about herself. “He was super happy for me and offered to take me to a live concert at the Highway Club. Tony Jenkins and the Magic Fingers played.”
“Chris and I went there once, for comedy night. It’s a cool place. I don’t believe I’ve heard of that band.”
“I hadn’t, either. They’re a blues group and amazing. When they started playing, we couldn’t sit still. Most everyone got up and danced.”
“Sounds like a really good time. Wait, you and Blake danced? I don’t think you’ve done that in forever, not in public.”
“I know. We had so much fun. He’s a pretty decent dancer. We didn’t stop till the band took a break. Then…” Vi broke off. She didn’t want to talk about Devin but ought to tell her bestie. “Something bad happened.” Lowering her voice, she shared the icky details, ending with Blake coming to the rescue.
“That’s horrible,” Carmie said with a sympathetic look. “Thank goodness for Blake, your knight in shining armor.”
“He truly was. I was scared and upset, and he calmed me down. The bartender saw what happened and called security. By then, Devin had disappeared. I hope they found him before he got into his car. He was in no shape to drive. I didn’t want to stay at the club or go home and be alone, either, so we left and went to Blake’s house.”
“Oh, really. Care to elaborate?”
“Back up, first we stopped right here and picked up eclairs. They were freshly baked, too.”
“Yum. Chocolate always helps. I wish they had fresh eclairs ready now to box up for later. I’m more interested in what happened at Blake’s.” Eyebrows raised, Carmie leaned forward in anticipation.
“We didn’t talk much on the drive, silence I needed, and by the time we pulled into the driveway I felt much better. He lives in an upscale neighborhood on the east side of town and has a really nice house. We sat on his deck, which happens to face the ocean, and looked at the full moon reflecting on the water. I’ve seen that before, but not on a private deck, eating treats, sipping wine and talking to Blake. I felt normal again and at peace.”
“Sounds romantic. And?”
“A few nights ago, I’d told him I didn’t want to get physical.”
“A few nights ago when?”
“The evening it rained hard and the wind was crazy. He was out cycling, got caught in it, and needed a place to dry off. He happened to be near the townhouse, a surprise to me, and knocked at my door. He stayed for a while.”
“And you’re just now mentioning this? Never mind—tell me about last night and not getting physical.”
“He listened and didn’t lay a finger on me.”
“That’s it?” Carmie looked disappointed.
“Not by a long shot,” Vi said and lowered her voice again. “I changed my mind. We kissed. A lot. Actually, a little more than kissing, but nothing too exciting.” Just enough to turn her insides into a hot mess of longing. At the same time, she was nervous. Her feelings for him had expanded to the point where she was already in too deep.
“I know that uncomfortable look. What are you leaving out?”
“I’m on the verge of falling for him,” Vi admitted, “and it scares me.”
“Why?”
“You know the answer to that. I don’t want to get hurt.”
“Maybe you won’t.”
“Believe me, I will. A gorgeous guy like Blake is bound to meet someone prettier and less dull than me.”
Carmie hooted in disbelief. “Are you hearing yourself? When it comes to work, you’re one of the most confident women I know. I admire you so much for that. But in matters of the heart, that confidence is missing.”
“I heard the same thing from Rose.”
“And high time you changed your opinion. It’s been a long time since you fell for someone. Blake isn’t like Devin. I know that and I haven’t even met him. But if worrying keeps you up at night, maybe you should slow down on the physical thing until you’re more comfortable with him.”
