Page 20 of Secrets on Ice

"Except I haven't." I laugh without humor. "I've been Kevin's wife or partner since high school. High school!”

“Our whole entire adult life has been with them,” Cassidy adds. “Every major moment has been with them.”

Collette and Jo nod as if they understand, but I don’t think they can grasp how long we have been with these two.

“Okay then, what do Ember Black and Cassidy Sullivan want from life?”

Her using our maiden names throws me for a loop as it’s been so long since I’ve been Ember Black.

“Firstly, I can’t remember the last time someone called me Cassidy Sullivan, and secondly, I want to be called Cassidy Sullivan again.” Cass smiles.

“There you go, one decision made.” Jo smiles as she turns to me. “Do you want to be Ember Black again?”

I nod slowly. “I think I do. Ember Black never got to grow into being someone, she’s been Ember Henderson for so long.”

“It’s the same with Cassidy Burke, she needs a funeral,” she explains.

“Who are Ember Black and Cassidy Sullivan today?” Collette asks.

I look over at Cass, and I know she is struggling with that simple question as much as I am.

“Honestly, I have never seen a future that didn’t include Kevin. Is that bad?” I ask them.

Jo shakes her head. “No, of course it isn’t. He was your partner and husband, you’re supposed to envision your life with that person.”

“Seems like they were envisioning a different life,” Cassidy adds.

She’s not wrong.

“I know it was a long time ago, but can you think back to those girls who had a dream before the boys came along?” Jo asks.

Cassidy and I look at each other. “We always said we would open an interior design company together, that was always a dream, and we did do that, but it’s not solely ours.”

“You could still have that. You could separate the interior design business from your husbands’ business,” Collette explains.

“They would probably need to speak to lawyers. I’m not sure how easy that would be,” Jo adds.

Collette frowns. “You’re right. Doesn’t mean they can’t start up a new company until things are settled between the four of them. What about Sullivan Black Designs?”

I still, hearing her company name suggestion. That has a nice ring to it.

“Oh, I like it,” Cassidy says.

“Me too,” I tell my friend.

“Ooohhh, this is good,” Collette says excitedly. “We know so many people that need help with interior design. Also, look at all the hockey guys. They all live in bachelor pads, they need help.” This makes me smile. “Also, Harper and Issy are billionaires and know everyone in this city. They would easily put in a good word for you and help get you clients.”

“In New York?” I ask.

“Yeah, unless you are moving back to Wisconsin?” Collette asks.

“Hadn’t thought about it,” I tell her.

“Oh, I just assumed, but it can still work there,” she states.

“We always said we would live in New York together,” Cassidy tells me.

“Yeah, when we were kids, binge-watching Sex and the City behind our parents’ backs.”