She chuckled. “Yes, it will save your neck from having to strain to keep up with her all night.”
Randi put her hand on Cari’s forearm stopping her before she walked down the stairs. “Yes, I’m here for Eden, but I think she’s going to be just fine. I wanted to get to know you better. That’s why I invited you.”
“It’s okay, Randi,” Cari said. “I’m having a good time.”
Randi smiled and released a relieved breath.
As everyone settled at the table Eden looked on as Kelly quickly introduced her other friends. Randi and Cari were sitting to her left and Kelly was on her right. The band started to play and it made it hard to hear any type of conversation.
Eden looked over as Cari said something to Randi. They leaned in and Randi smiled. Eden couldn’t help but wonder what they were saying. Having Randi nearby had helped calm the jitters she’d been feeling. Kelly was nice and they’d talked a little trying to get to know each other better, hoping to relax somewhat before the band started playing.
When Kelly touched her forearm Eden looked at her date. She should be focused on Kelly and not Randi.
“I hope you like the band,” Kelly said, over the music. “They’re mainly a cover band and they play songs you’ll probably know.”
Eden smiled and nodded. Kelly gave her a reassuring smile and turned back to the band.
Kelly was right. Eden knew most of the songs and everyone at the table sang along. She gazed over at Randi and Cari several times. When she caught Randi’s gaze she nodded and gave her an encouraging look. Cari seemed to be having a good time and hopefully that would transfer to the presentation tomorrow.
Eden leaned over until her shoulder brushed against Randi’s. “She’s having a good time,” she said into Randi’s ear loud enough for her to hear.
Randi nodded. “I think so,” she said into Eden’s ear.
Eden shuddered when Randi’s warm breath tickled her ear. It surprised her and she pulled away. She gave Randi a forcedsmile and turned back to the band. When she glanced over at Randi again she could see confusion on her face.
Eden was glad for the loud music because she didn’t know what to say or why she’d reacted the way she did. The band announced they were taking a short break and people got up to get drinks.
“Do you want another drink?” Kelly asked.
“No, I’m fine,” Eden replied.
“The band is very good,” Cari said.
Kelly nodded. “They play for fun and that’s why they do songs we all know.”
“It’s hard not to sing along,” Randi said. “It’s a good thing they play loud because you wouldn’t want to hear me sing.”
Eden chuckled. “You’re not so bad.”
Randi smiled and turned to Cari. “Hey, didn’t you do a scene like this in your last novel?”
Cari nodded. “Yes, going out to listen to music is a typical thing for a friends’ group.”
“You’re a writer?” Kelly asked.
Cari smiled and nodded. “I write sapphic romance and fiction.”
“Oh!” Kelly exclaimed. “Cari DeWare! I’ve read your books.”
“Her books are great,” Randi said.
“Her latest is a friends to lovers romance,” Eden explained. “How often does that happen in real life, though?”
“Do you see those two women talking to the lead singer?” Kelly nodded towards the stage. “They were friends in high school then both went away for college. Once they graduated they came back here, started dating, and are now married.”
“Wow,” Randi said. “I had a couple of friends who dated in college and got married right after they graduated.”
“I can’t think of any of my friends from high school I’d want to date,” Eden said.
