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“Get married and get Mom off my back?”
“How about an invitation to come with me to the Miami game on Sunday? Not only that, but we’ll be in Shaw Bennett’s corporate suite.”
His eyes widen as his fingers stop in the middle of typing. He can’t disguise the excitement on his face. “I suppose that would be one way to help me overlook your little prank.”
“I’ll get more details this afternoon.”
He nods as the front door beeps. I give a small wave and go to see who’s here, since we are technically closed.
When I round the corner, I freeze. My heart plummets as I come face to face with Bizzy Bennett and another woman. Their eyes land on me, and Bizzy’s mouth breaks into a wide, blinding smile.
“Grace Monroe.” She walks to me with her arms extended and embraces me warmly, like she’s known me forever.
“It’s so good to see you.” She lets go but stays close, keeping her hands on my arms.
I’m still stunned speechless, taken completely off-guard.
“Shit, Biz, let the poor girl go. You’re scaring her to death,” the other woman pipes in, and Bizzy takes a full step back.
I take a good look at the other woman and then look back to Bizzy, suddenly feeling very plain in my casual outfit.
Finally, I find a voice and try to smile, hoping it doesn’t appear pained.
“Bizzy,” I force out.
“Hi, I’m Claire.” Her friend offers a hand, and I shake it feebly.
“I’m Grace.”
“God, don’t I know it. You’re all I’ve heard about the last twenty-four hours. Lucky for you, I was able to wrangle this one down and wait for a decent hour to ambush you.” She points at Bizzy. “If not for me, she’d have been here the second you opened the doors.”
Bizzy throws her a dirty look and turns back to me. “Please don’t pay attention to Claire. She has no couth. We’re thinking of putting her in finishing school to learn some manners.”
Claire huffs, reaching out and swatting Bizzy on the shoulder. Tension starts to ease, and I try to relax. “It’s nice to meet you,” I direct to Claire. “And it’s nice to see you again,” I tell Bizzy.
“Grace, you look wonderful.”
“So do you.”
“Jesus, it’s like I’m staring at Mila Kunis except for the eyes… Has anyone ever told you that?” Claire blurts out.
“Maybe once or twice,” I reply shyly, unsure exactly how to answer. I have heard this before, but I don’t see the resemblance.
Bizzy rolls her eyes and mouths ‘finishing school’.
My lips twitch until I can’t hide my grin.
“I’m sorry to barge in here today, but I couldn’t help it. You’ve been on my mind since yesterday morning. I couldn’t wait until Sunday to see you.”
“What she means is she’s nosy, she’s intrusive, and she wasn’t going to wait until Sunday,” Claire tells me.
“Claire! Why the hell did I let you tag along? You’re ruining this!” Bizzy stomps.
“Because I’m your best friend.”
I observe the two of them glaring and decide immediately I love Claire. But I should probably try to intervene so this doesn’t become weird.
“It’s a very nice surprise.” I direct my statement to Bizzy. “How have you been?”
