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Her resolve splintered and nearly collapsed as Audrey rushed forward, curls bouncing and tumbling over her shoulders in time to her energetic steps. She enveloped Evolet in a hug.
“What are you doing here?” Audrey asked with a laugh as she stepped back.
“I live just a couple blocks from here.”
“I didn’t know that. Some of the cafés and restaurants up here are so much fun. And that garden shop under the bridge was such a surprise!”
Evolet listened to Audrey chatter, soaking up the sound of a familiar voice, the relaxed nature of inane conversation with someone whose company she enjoyed.
“I’m glad you like it up here. Were you up here just for fun?”
Audrey’s smile widened. “I was on Saturday night. Then I met someone, and Saturday turned into Sunday and Sunday turned into...well, now.” She grasped her hands together and sighed. “She made me breakfast. I’ve never stayed the night with someone and had them make me breakfast the next day. I think it means something.”
The rest of Evolet’s resolve crumpled into a shattered mess in her chest, jagged shards that cut deep. Would she ever be able to eat pancakes again without thinking of green eyes and hot hands roaming over her body with the assured confidence of a lover who knew her body as intimately as she knew her own?
“Hey.” Audrey laid a hand on Evolet’s shoulder, her brow creased with worry. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She forced a smile as she scrambled to come up with something before opting for as close to the truth as possible. “I was just remembering when someone made me breakfast after...well, you know.”
“Sex,” Audrey said with another laugh as Evolet blushed. “I do know.”
“I think it means something, too.”
“I hope so. I really like her. We have another date tomorrow night. But,” Audrey added with a probing gaze, “I’m guessing the one who made you breakfast didn’t do the smart thing and hold on to you.”
“No, he didn’t, but that’s in the past.” She squeezed Audrey’s hand, her smile this time genuine. “Today is about you and someone who made you breakfast and who might turn out to be very special.”
Audrey returned the squeeze. “I miss you, Evolet. We should get coffee. And by that I mean actually get coffee, not say we will and then never do.”
She laughed. “I’d like that.”
“Have you ever thought about quitting the agency and coming to work for us full-time?”
“I liked it a lot, but no. I need something with flexibility that will let me perform with my orchestra and go to my auditions.”
“I bet Damon would be flexible with you,” Audrey said, nearly making Evolet choke on a pained laugh. “He seemed to really like your work. You made a big impact on us getting the Royal Air contract.”
Evolet’s phone pinged, and she grabbed it, thankful to have a reason to look away before her emotions became visible in her eyes and betrayed her.
“Oh! Which reminds me...”
The sound of Audrey’s voice faded as Evolet read the subject line of an email, then reread it again. Cautious hope bloomed in her chest, followed by a swift, all-encompassing joy.
“Evolet? Evolet, is everything okay?”
She looked up, her lips parted in shock. “I have an audition with the Emerald City Philharmonic. Today.”
Audrey squealed and threw her arms around her. “Evolet, that’s fantastic!”
“Thank you. I...” She was certain if she looked away, if she blinked, the email would disappear. “I can’t believe it. I sent in my audition video months ago and never heard, but someone canceled and I... I have an audition!” she finished gleefully as she returned Audrey’s hug, suddenly and fervently grateful that she wasn’t alone, that she had someone to share this moment with her.
I wish Damon were here.
She squelched that thought. He wasn’t here. But Audrey was, and she would tell Constanza as soon as she got out of the station. She needed to call Miranda, too, have her find someone else to cover the first day at the law firm. She hated to do it, but this audition was too important to risk.
She glanced at her watch. It was still early. Perhaps if she went down to the firm in person, spoke with them directly and explained the situation, she could smooth any ruffled feathers while Miranda found a replacement.
“Well, that answers my question about the party.”
