“Yeah, and in the glow of togetherness I failed to see he was using me. Trying to control me.”
“I like this new Cassie.”
Emma pulled up outside a store that sold everything from electronics to washing machines and bedroom furniture.
“I even told my mother to stop pushing me around when I spent time with them over Christmas.” Cassie laughed at her friend’s wide-eyed expression. “She didn’t take me seriously, but I reiterated when she rang me a few days ago. Still not getting it. I might have to resort to telling Dad exactly what I do to get her off my back.”
“If she learns you’re a well-known singer—”
“She’ll probably lecture me and try to shove me toward the opera genre.”
Emma giggled and the infectious gurgles enticed Cassie to join in. They were still laughing when they walked into the store.
“I have a list.” Cassie plucked it from the handbag slung over her shoulder. She scanned it to refresh her mind. “Beds first.”
“Jack said we should pay for the furniture. I agree.”
“Emma, you guys lost everything in the fire. Use your money to buy clothes and… Look, you buy linens to go on your bed. I have no idea of your preferences. You’ll need a few towels. Would that salve your pride? You’re my best friend, and I’ve saved my money rather than spend it on stuff. It makes me happy to share with you.”
Emma’s eyes were moist as she flung herself against Cassie and hugged her hard. “Thank you. I’m sure the insurance company will pay out eventually, but things are tight right now.”
“Furniture today. Perhaps linen if we have time. What about dinnerware?”
“Samuel and his sons have arranged a collection for us.” Emma’s expression tightened, a flash of fury.
An instant later, her face cleared and Cassie blinked. Imagination. While it was good in songwriting, her vivid inventiveness saw things that weren’t true in real life. After all, why would a charitable act make Emma angry?
“Okay, let’s do this. Now that the main work is done in the house, the sooner we furnish the rooms, the quicker you can move in properly.”
“I’m over sleeping on the floor,” Emma agreed.
With efficiency, they commandeered an employee, picked two beds and mattresses, a couch and two easy chairs, a kitchen table and chairs, a fridge, stove and microwave plus a dishwasher. Cassie arranged for delivery the following day.
“We have time to visit the department store for bed linen.”
Emma raised her chin. “Let’s do this.”
Cassie hurried out of the store, jazzed by everything they’d achieved. Immediately, her skin prickled, and it wasn’t the change in temperature from air-conditioning to the muggy outdoors. “Is it my imagination or is someone watching us?”
“Maybe they’re ogling our sexy bodies,” Emma said as she unlocked Jack’s vehicle and casually scanned the carpark. “I can’t see anyone obvious. You?”
“No, let’s go to our next stop and keep an eye out.” She craned her neck and scrutinized the area behind them.
Emma spluttered out a laugh. “Well, you’d make a good private eye. Can you be more obvious?”
“Sorry. Isn’t that Manu?”
“Where?” Emma’s voice was sharp.
“It is.” She waved, and he lifted a hand in acknowledgment. “He’s coming over.”
“Hi, Manu. What are you doing here?” Emma asked. “I understood work was keeping you busy.”
“Not too busy to escort my two favorite ladies for coffee,” Manu said.
“We’re off to the department store,” Cassie said. “But we could do coffee. You want to meet us at the mall?”
“I might as well come with you.” Manu opened the rear door and slid inside.
