“Looks like it’s a commiseration party,” Susan said. “Let’s crack those bottles. I’ll get glasses.”
Julia started to rip the foil off one of the chilled bottles. “Are you disappointed, Susan? You entered this show because you were depressed with being single.”
“The show has been fun. I’m not disappointed about Nolan, but I feel flat.”
“Are you sure you can’t live in Clare?” Maggie asked.
“I’ve asked myself that so many times.” Susan started to rub her face with her hands, remembered her makeup and began pacing instead. “It would feel like turning my back on who I am, just when I’ve discovered myself, if that makes sense.”
“But you’d have Tyler,” Julia said, expertly popping the cork on the champagne.
Susan accepted a glass of bubbles. “I know, but I wouldn’t be one hundred per cent happy. Enough of this emotional stuff. Let’s have a toast.” She lifted her glass. “To love and friendship.”
“To love and friendship,” her friends chorused.
A brisk knock on the apartment door made them freeze. They stared at each other.
“Get the door,” Maggie whispered.
Susan stared at the door. “It’s probably one of those church groups doing the rounds.”
The knock came again, and Susan took a deep breath, uneasy with nerves quivering through her tense muscles. She set her glass on the counter. It wasn’t as if she loved Nolan or wanted to marry him. She licked her lips, the taste of lipstick bringing the action to an abrupt halt. On trembling legs, she walked to the door. Her hand trembled as she grasped the knob and twisted.
She stared at the man in the doorway, the bunch of bright early spring flowers in his hands, the cameraman standing behind him.
“Are you going to invite me in?” Nolan asked.
Why couldn’t it have been Tyler?The thought flashed her mind before polite manners took over. “Hi, Nolan.” She stood on tiptoe and brushed a kiss on his cheek. “Come inside.”
She waited while Nolan and the cameraman entered, then closed the door behind them.
“A party?” Nolan asked.
“Would you like a glass?” Julia asked and poured one before he answered.
“Nolan, what are you doing here?” Susan asked.
“You’re the woman I pick,” Nolan said, humor lighting his eyes.
Susan was aware of her friends, the cameraman with his smirk fixed in place. “I like you, Nolan. I applied for the show to find a prospective husband, but things have changed. I don’t think we could be anything more than friends.” She’d thought emerging the winner would feel great. Instead, depression settled on her shoulders, digging in its nasty claws. “I thought you realized that too and would pick Lucy.”
Nolan grinned and lifted the glass of champagne Julia had given him. “To friendship.”
“Here’s your glass, Susan,” Christina said.
“I don’t understand,” Susan whispered.
“The object of the show was to find a prospective wife,” Nolan said. “I didn’t find the one for me, but I did find two women who’ll make great friends. I know you love Tyler,” he said abruptly.
Susan jerked. “What?”
“I saw you and Tyler down by the dam.”
“What?” Susan narrowed her eyes, wanting to knock the smartass grin off his mouth. In her mind, she rummaged through the various meetings with Tyler, their lovemaking and tried to make sense of Nolan’s words. She shot a glance at the cameraman and his wide, wide smirk. Maybe she’d thump them both then kick them out of her apartment.
“I saw you and Tyler get naked down by the dam.”
“Fuck,” Susan blurted seconds before she clapped her hand over her mouth. Had she said that? “Sorry.”
