“Yeah, but I have eyes and I could see you and Eden trading looks and smiles all day.”
“Because we were working together and we’re friends,” Randi said defensively.
“Yeah, yeah,” Cari muttered. “You know there’s no distraction that will keep your mind off of Eden. It’s hopeless.”
“Uh.” Randi snorted. “Why would I keep my mind off Eden? Or you? Or Analise? Or anyone else who was there today. Come on, you’re making too much of this.”
Cari shrugged. “Maybe you and Eden should revisit your agreement.”
Randi shook her head. “I don’t think so. She’s dating Tennie and Gabi at the moment.”
“I don’t think I’d call that dating,” Cari said. “I mean, there’s no chemistry.”
“What?”
“Come on,” Cari said. “You saw her with Gabi last night. There were no sparks.”
“Yeah, but she likes Tennie,” Randi said.
“I like Tennie!” Cari exclaimed. “I hope she becomes part of our friend group, but I don’t see her and Eden as more than that.”
Randi glanced over at Cari and frowned. “What are you? A matchmaker, all of a sudden? Or a relationship specialist of some sort?”
Cari looked over at her. “Yeah, I am.” She nodded and looked out the windshield. “I think writing romance makes me some kind of specialist. I’m an observer. That’s how I could tell you have feelings for Eden. There’s something in the way you look at each other and how easy everything is between you.”
Randi could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks. “I do have feelings for her. She’s my best friend.”
“Yeah, but my best friend doesn’t look at me like that. You can keep saying it, but it doesn’t make it true.” Cari raised a brow. “Have you ever thought that maybe Eden feels the same way? She has given me a look or two when I dare touch you.”
“No,” Randi stated. “She would say something.”
“Would she? Maybe she’s as scared as you are.”
“Scared? What makes you think I’m scared?” Randi pulled into a parking space and stopped the car.
“Of course you’re scared! You don’t want to lose your friendship and admitting your feelings to Eden could put it all in jeopardy. It’s a risk,” Cari said.
Randi sighed.
“But you cannot deny there are sparks.” Cari continued. She opened her door and turned to Randi. “It’s okay, you don’t have to confirm or deny.”
“Ugh!” Randi groaned and got out of the car.
Why did Cari have to bring this up now? They’d had a successful event and the connection she felt to Eden was wonderful today. She didn’t worry about hiding her feelings or being in protection mode since none of Eden’s dates were there until Tennie showed up towards the end of the day. It was a pleasant day of work sprinkled in with friends and fun.
In the past few weeks there had been awkward moments where it felt like she and Eden weren’t on the same page or in sync. It rarely happened with them, but had been happening more and more lately since she’d started working at Hook, Line and Reader.
She felt none of that today and her heart fluttered for a moment as she thought back over the smiles and looks she and Eden had exchanged during the day.
“It’s okay,” Cari said, holding the door to the bar open for her. “No one knows your secret but me and I’m not telling.”
Randi’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Well, Eden knows, but she won’t admit it either.” Cari gave her a devilish grin.
“Stop!” Randi exclaimed.
Cari chuckled as they walked into the bar.
