“It’s okay,” Tennie said. “I know about Eden’s other dates.”
Eden smiled. “Tennie and Kelly are acquaintances.”
“She’s provided the music and venue for events my company has done for builders in the area,” Tennie explained.
“But you’re not dating Kelly any longer, right?” Cari asked.
Eden shook her head. “She is traveling a lot right now and our schedules didn’t match up.”
“Uh huh.” Cari narrowed her gaze.
Randi could see the wheels turning and was afraid of what Cari might say next.
“Does that mean if someone else was interested in Kelly, or let’s say Gabi, then it would be okay?” Cari asked, staring at Eden.
“Uh, yeah,” Eden replied, meeting her gaze. “I guess so. Why? Are you interested in Kelly?”
Cari shrugged. “I don’t know. I was thinking about me or Randi or Analise.”
“Me!” Analise exclaimed. “Oh no, I’m not interested.”
“Why not? Because she’s a woman?”
“No,” Analise replied firmly. “I’m too old for the dating game. Period.”
Randi raised her brows and gave Cari a warning look as Analise reached for her drink, not making eye contact with anyone.
“Understood,” Cari said.
“Wait a minute,” Paige said. “Gabi was at game night last night.”
“Wasn’t she supposed to come to the bookstore today?” Cari asked.
“She texted me earlier and said she couldn’t make it,” Eden explained.
Randi wasn’t sure why but this conversation was making her uncomfortable.
“Wasn’t Gabi your date last night?” Paige asked. “I’m confused.”
Randi could see Eden recrossing her legs and knew that was a sign she was uncomfortable. She had to think of something to steer the conversation away from Eden’s dates.
“Yeah, I don’t see that going anywhere,” Cari said.
Randi whipped her head around and widened her eyes at Cari.
“What! I’m just being honest.”
“Sorry y’all, my sister tends to stick her nose where it doesn’t belong,” Paige said.
“I do,” Cari admitted. “You’d be surprised by the observations you can make by simply watching people’s body language. I think?—”
“That this is Eden’s business and it’s not our place to talk about it unless she asks our opinions,” Randi said. “Right, Cari?” She pinned her with a look. It was one thing talking toherabout Eden, but it was another to involve Eden when Tennie wassitting right next to her. Randi took a big sip of her beer and silently wished she’d never heard the word spark or date.
“Tennie, do you like roller coasters?” Paige asked.
Randi let out a sigh of relief and could’ve kissed Paige for changing the subject.
“Uh…actually I do,” she replied, confusion on her face.
