“I’m fine. I’ve just been, you know, writing and preparing for the book signing. You know howI get when I work with Drea.”
I really hoped she would drop it. I honestly didn’t think I was acting any different, and I didn’t think she would’ve called me out on it if I was. She was always so busy with work and trying to find her person that I honestly hadn’t thought she was paying much attention to me at all these days.
“You guys seem to be getting along better these days, huh? Especially at our movie night. She saved you from falling? Months ago she probably would’ve been the one to push you down herself.”
I laughed nervously. “Uh, yeah, probably.”
“So, how are things going with your mystery date? Are you going to tell me who it is yet? When do I get to meet her? Or him? I feel like I don’t know you these days, Blair.”
She looked sad, and I was so tempted to tell her everything, but I was scared. I didn’t want to do it without Drea with me, and I didn’t know how she would react. I decided to give her a little something.
“Things are still fresh, but you’ll meet her soon, I promise. I don’t want to jinx anything with us right now. I’m sorry I’ve been acting so weird. The signing will be over soon, and then it’ll be time for our recharge vacations.” I smiled, hoping she would believe me.
I sighed in relief when she seemed to. “Good. I want to meet her, Blair, and I’m serious! I understand things are new for you, and I don’t want to ruin your happiness. That’s all I want for you. You’re my best friend and I love you. I’m looking forward to a much-needed break.”
I stood up and gave her a hug. “I love you too, Cara. I’m sorry if I haven’t been a good friend lately.”
“Oh, honey. You’ve been a great friend, as always. I just want to meet the woman who makes your eyes sparkle when I bring it up. I haven’t seen you this happy since Gwen, and I want to know who is responsible.”
My chest tightened at the mention of my ex. I hadn’t heard that name in over six years. After we’d broken up, she’d moved to Montana, and I hadn’t seen or spoken to her since, and I had no plans to. Even before I met Drea, that chapter of my life closed and I wanted to move on.
We were together for three years, and I kept waiting for her to propose, but she never did. We never had screaming matches or anything, but we wouldalways argue about little things.
I had overheard her talking to someone on the phone, and she’d referred to me as her “friend.” We had a long conversation about it, and I found out she wasn’t out to her family and wasn’t sure she ever would be. I understood that, and I was patient with her.
Coming out was never easy, and I wanted to be there for her and give her whatever she needed. A year later she told me she was going home for the holidays and was taking some guy who was pretending to be her boyfriend.
We had a long fight after that, and I finally stood my ground. I loved her, but I just couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t hide our relationship, especially if she was making no moves to change things.
I shook my head, letting that memory go. I wanted to tell Cara so badly about what had been going on in my life. I was happy with Drea, and I wanted her to know. But we’d agreed to wait until after the signing to tell her.
I only had to wait a few more weeks. Things were going to be even more crazy the closer we got, so I was sure it’d be easier to hide it from her until then.
“Thank you for this today. I needed a break, but I need to get back to work.”
“You work too hard, Cara. You need to take a vacation.”
She laughed. “In a few weeks, I will. Do you need a ride home?”
I nodded. Usually I’d take a car home, but I wanted just a little more time with my best friend. “That would be great. Thanks.”
It wasn’t a long drive back to my house, but I was anxious she would try to bring up Drea again. If she did, I wasn’t sure I’d have any more lies to give.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Drea
When Cara called me last week to invite me to a wine tasting, I was all for it.She had come up with the idea to get Blair a bottle of wine to celebrate the book signing.
She didn’t need to know that I had already planned on having Blair open something else on that night. She could enjoy the wine while I enjoyed her.
Between getting ready for the signing, running the store, and adding Blair to my to-do list, I was looking forward to a relaxing night.
When I walked into Queer Quarters, I headed for the bar and ordered a whiskey while I waited.
“Do you want a refill?” Rylee asked. Rylee, who was Mackenzie’s best friend, was also the barista at Brewed Awakening.
I laughed. “God, no. I’m here for the wine tasting. If I mix my drinks too much, I’ll be crawling out of here! I’m just waiting for Cara. She wants to get a bottle for Blair to congratulate her on the book signing, so I’m helping out.”
