“Where is that Randi Powell confidence?” Cari exclaimed. “You and Eden have been best friends for nearly fifteen years. Don’t you think you would’ve screwed that up by now?”
Randi shrugged.
“Eden loves you,” Cari said. “Give yourself a little credit. You’ve done something right.”
They pulled into the parking lot and Randi thought about what Cari said. She knew Eden loved her, maybe that’s all that mattered.
Once inside, Cari led them past the bar and through the maze of tables to the area where Randi had given Eden’s pitch all those weeks ago. There was a band set up and Randi recognized Kelly sitting at one of the front tables. Randi turned to see Analise and Tennie sitting at a table near them.
“Do you want a beer?” Cari asked, pulling out a chair next to Analise.
“Uh, hey,” she said quietly to Analise and Tennie.
“Hi, Randi,” Analise said with a smile.
“Whoa, bud,” Tennie said. “I think you need a beer.”
Randi was sure she looked as bad as she felt. The shower hadn’t helped like she’d hoped.
“I’ll be right back,” Cari said.
“Eden told me what happened,” Analise said. “I’m sure it’s overwhelming.”
Randi could feel the heat rush to her cheeks. Since they seemed to know she and Eden had been hiding their feelings all this time, Randi guessed Eden was so upset that she’d turned to them when she couldn’t turn to her best friend. Randi felt a wave of anguish rush through her body. She was the reason Eden was hurt and she couldn’t be there for her.
“I want to thank you,” Tennie said.
“Huh?” Randi wasn’t sure she’d heard Tennie correctly. “For what?”
“You gave such an amazing pitch that I wanted to get to know Eden better,” Tennie said. “That led me to you, Analise, and Cari. You’ve become treasured friends.”
Randi smiled. It was the first time she’d been able to do that since last night.
“There’s a pitch we thought you’d want to see,” Analise said.
Cari set a beer in front of Randi and sat down.
“A pitch?” Randi furrowed her brow.
“Yeah, it’s the ultimate pitch.” Cari grinned.
Randi looked at Cari with confusion but then her attention was drawn to the stage. Her heart dropped into her stomach and her mouth fell open. “What is Eden doing with the band?”
“Looks to me like she’s going to sing,” Analise said.
Randi looked over at her wide-eyed. “She’s afraid to sing alone.”
Analise smiled and nodded towards the stage.
Randi watched as the lead singer took the microphone. “We have a special song this evening from a friend.” She smiled and handed the microphone to Eden.
“Hi, I’m Eden,” she said. “And I’m terrified.”
There were a few chuckles and positive shouts from the crowd.
“If you’ll indulge me, I’m really only singing to one person.” Eden smiled. “Randi, this is for you, babe.”
Randi’s mouth fell open again and when Randi’s eyes met Eden's, the love in them nearly knocked her down. She was wearing one of Randi’s favorite dresses and when the music began to play Randi recognized Bruno Mars’ song “Risk It All.” She and Eden had been fans for a long time. Whenever he released a new album they loved to listen to it together over and over.
