“Same.”
Maybe Eden could count on morning coffee with Tennie the same way she counted on brunch with Randi.
“Hey, I just remembered you’re a reader,” Eden said. “I’d love for you to come to the author event for Cari. I may have to help with it, but I think you’d enjoy it.”
“I’d love to,” Tennie said. “Just let me know where and when.”
“I’ll text you the details.”
“Great. As much as I’ve enjoyed our time together,” Tennie said, “I’ve got to go. Let’s plan on doing something outdoors this weekend.”
“You’ve got a date,” Eden said. “But I’ll see you before then, won’t I?”
Tennie held up her cup. “Next time is on you.”
Eden smiled as they got up and said their goodbyes. It was nice to have someone to talk to about Randi and Cari. Tennie was a good listener and as Eden explained the situation, she could hear how she was probably overreacting. Or was she?
Randi looked at the charcuterie board she was almost finished creating when she heard a knock at her front door. She didn’tbother to wipe her hands or attempt to answer the door because she’d received a text moments earlier.
“It’s just me,” Eden said from the living room.
“I’m in here,” Randi replied. She’d given Eden a key to her apartment years ago. She couldn’t think of one time Eden had used it without letting her know first.
“Hey,” Eden said, walking into the kitchen. “Wow, doesn’t that look pretty and delicious.”
Randi chuckled. “Here, have a taste.” She reached over and popped an olive into Eden’s mouth.
“Mmm.” Eden moaned. “That’s good.”
“Try one of these crackers with this dip.” Randi handed her a cracker and pointed to a small container in the middle of the board. She watched as Eden dipped the cracker then placed it into her mouth. Randi grinned at the delighted look on her face. “Told you. It’s good.”
“It is.” Eden nodded. “Thank you again for hosting game night. I didn’t think it would take us this long to find a night that would work for everyone.”
“You mean a night that would work for Gabi,” Randi said.
“I guess you’re right,” Eden said. “Our little foursome has become a regular thing.”
Randi smiled as she continued to get the food ready. Eden was right. In the past couple of weeks she, Eden, Cari, and Analise had fallen into a routine of sorts. Cari came by the office several times a week and the four of them went out for drinks after work, plus they’d had dinner together more than once.
“Thank goodness,” Randi said. “I hope you’ve finally calmed down about Cari spending so much time with us.”
“It’s not time withusI’m concerned about.” Eden raised a brow and stared at Randi.
The doorbell rang and Randi grinned. “Saved by the bell.”
A few moments later Cari, her sister, and Analise followed her into the kitchen.
“Hi, Eden,” Cari said. “I’d like you to meet my sister, Paige.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Eden replied.
“Thank y’all for letting me tag along,” Paige said. “It’s nice to get out of the house and be with adults.” She chuckled. “Cari and I used to be pretty good at games when we were kids.”
Cari shrugged. “We’ll see if we remember how to play.” She turned to Eden. “Analise and I were just saying we should’ve invited Tennie and Kelly to play games with us tonight.”
“Yeah, I think Tennie would like this,” Analise said.
Eden put her hand to her chest. “My heart is pounding at the thought.” She chuckled. “But you’re right, Tennie would love this. However, Kelly and I have moved on.”
