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When she started to resume walking, Cora tugged on the back of her friend’s hoodie to stop her. “Oh, no, you don’t. I have questions. First of all—”
“Yes,” Suzette said, marching ahead. “The answer is yes.”
“I didn’t even ask my question,” Cora called after her.
“I already know what’s going through your head. So, yes.”
“Really? You want to give me all your designer shoes because you and Rob have decided to elope to Minnesota to become farmers and live out yourLittle House on the Prairiedreams? Wow, that’s so sudden. Tell me, when I visit you guys, will I need to bring my own bonnet, or can I just borrow one of—”
“Fine.” Suzette whirled around, planting her hands on her hips. “Yes, Rob slept over last night. But nothing happened.”
“I’m going to need a little more information, Ms. Wilson.” Cora used her best “interrogation” voice, trying not to smile. Suzette was so clearly flustered; it was endearing and a little surprising. She usually acted very cavalier about the men she dated. “I thought you said Rob Hopper bothered you. What made you change your mind?”
Suzette plunked herself onto a fallen log. Her bright red hair danced in the breeze, and with the faint, whooshing sound of the waterfall in the distance and melodious birdsong overhead, she reminded Cora of a Disney princess from one of those woodland scenes. Except Suzette didn’t look like she was about to break into song. Hives, maybe. She looked that agitated.
“What the heck happened, Suze?”
“We ended up at that all-night Italian restaurant. You know, the one where all the stoner kids go when they get the munchies? Rob ordered his favorite—pizza with Canadian bacon, bell peppers, pineapple, and extra sauce.”
Cora propped her foot on the log to do calf stretches. “Hey, that’syourfavorite.” She and Suzette had been best friends for so long they knew all those small, inconsequential details about each other that were unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but sacred within the circle of true friendship.
“I know,” Suzette said in a hushed voice, like she was afraid of what it could mean. “At first, I thought it was just a fluke. But then we got to talking and I realized we have way more in common than I ever thought possible. Before I knew it, two hours had passed and we were still sitting in that corner booth, yapping away. I could’ve sat there all night, but I decided to be responsible and tell him I had to go home.”
“And?”
“He ended up going home with me,” Suzette said helplessly. “I told myself it was just for drinks, but we never even made it to the kitchen. I just opened my door, andbam! We started making out right there in the entryway, like two horny teenagers seizing the opportunity because we knew we’d be grounded for life in the morning. We somehow made it to the sofa, and here’s where it gets really weird.” She leaned forward with owl eyes. “Everything was going hot and heavy, and then Rob stopped. He just pulled back and got this really intense look on his face. He said he didn’t want to mess things up with me, and I agreed we shouldn’t rush into anything. So, we ended up just talking and...” Suzette wrinkled her nose in confusion. “Snuggling.”
Cora blew out a breath. “Whoa.”
“I know,” Suzette said in exasperation. “Crazy, right?”
“Rob Hopper turned down sex in favor of just snuggling,” Cora said thoughtfully. “That doesn’t sound like him at all.” When Rob saw a good thing, he was notorious for jumping right in, and Suzette was as good as it got.
“Eventually we just fell asleep on the sofa, and this morning, he gave me a kiss goodbye and said he’d call me later today.”
“So, you guys are officially seeing each other?”
“I...” Suzette’s cheeks turned red. “No, because that would be so—I mean, come on. Rob Hopper? He’s just...” She threw her hands up, shaking her head. Then her shoulders slumped, and she let out a defeated sigh. “I don’t know. Maybe?”
Cora tried not to laugh at her friend’s dejected expression. “You say that like it’s a fate worse than death.”
“It could be. Maybe I feel like I stumbled into one of those reality shows where the poor, unsuspecting fool gets pranked for everyone else’s amusement.” Suzette stood and began to pace. “I’m not sure what’s going on with us. I’m afraid to even think about it. The whole thing is just bizarre.”
“No, it’s not. Suze, he’s liked you for years. I’ve never known him to be hung up on someone for this long.”
“That’s because he’s never had to be. Women tend to fall right into bed with him. They have a wild romp or two, and then he moves on to greener pastures. That’s the problem. I didn’t want to be just one of those girls.”
“Trust me, you’re not. I think he knows it, too; that’s probably why he wants to slow things down.” Cora remembered how upset Rob was when he’d talked to her at the station after Suzette refused to return his calls. He’d looked worse than she’d ever seen him, and now Cora felt certain his feelings for her best friend were genuine. “Not that it matters, but I just want you to know—and I can’t believe I’m saying this about Rob Hopper—I approve.”
Suzette had been biting her nails, but she dropped her hand, looking so relieved. “You don’t think I’m crazy for even considering this whole thing?”
“Not at all. I just want you to be happy, and if he’s the guy who does that, who am I to judge? Lord knows I’ve made my own share of mistakes, so it’s not like I have a leg to stand on here.”
Suzette’s hopeful expression fell away, morphing into one of careful concern. “Cora. We need to talk about Liam for a minute.” Uh-oh. Suzette looked way too serious, and Cora suddenly didn’t want to hear whatever her friend was about to say.
“Let’s not talk about him,” Cora said in a rush. She knew Suzette believed Liam was in love with her, and it was only a matter of time before he caved, but Cora was sick and tired of putting herself out there when he didn’t reciprocate her feelings. It was embarrassing, and a person could only take so much rejection before it just got pitiful. All she really wanted to do was forget about him this morning, which she’d been doing a pretty good job of so far. Not counting now, she’d already forgotten about him at least three times today. “It’s not going anywhere, Suze, and I’m tired of trying to force something that’s so one-sided. No, don’t try to talk me out of it.” She held up her hand when Suzette opened her mouth. “I’ve already made up my mind and—”
“You’re right,” Suzette interrupted.
