Kate unsuccessfully tried to hide her glee. “I knew it.”
Janie smiled, amused by Kate’s reaction, then remembered the upheaval the kiss wreaked on her emotions. “Now I’m more confused than ever. Were we just caught up in the moment? Or did it mean something?”
“You haven’t talked about it?”
“No.” She stared out the window, watching the passing homes, then businesses. “We’ve pretended it never happened.”
“My brother’s a knucklehead.” Kate scowled. “Men don’t have a clue sometimes.”
“He can’t take the sole blame. I’ve not exactly been eager to discuss it.”
“May I ask why not?”
“This.” She ran her wedding band up and down her finger. “My heart still grieves for Mike.”
Kate didn’t answer right away. “I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Mike personally, but from the stories Evan has told me, he was a man who embraced life and wouldn’t want you alone for the rest of yours.”
“I don’t know. And with Evan? If it doesn’t work, there goes our friendship, and it means too much to me to—”
Lifting a hand from the steering wheel, Kate interrupted. “Maybe you aren’t meant to be together, but the fact is, the kiss did happen. If you don’t talk about it and figure out what you both want, itwillaffect your friendship.”
“It’ssoawkward.”
Kate’s brow lifted. “Any less awkward than tiptoeing around the subject?”
Despite her inner conflict, Janie laughed. “You have a good point there.”
They approached the spa, and Kate drove into the parking lot, found a spot. A mischievous gleam shone on her face. “Was it a good kiss, at least?”
Janie pressed a hand against her warm cheek and caught a glimpse of the deep red blush on them through the mirror. “Yes.”
“For what it’s worth, I’ve seen the way you look at each other and think there’s something there worth exploring.” Kate put a hand on the door, about to get out. “My advice—enjoy your last day here, but when you get back to North Carolina, don’t waste time having that conversation.”
“I will.” Needing a change of subject, she nodded toward the building. “And I’ll enjoy my last day by getting a manicure and getting these nails back in shape.”
Chapter Ten
The New Year’s Eve party at Luke and Kate’s house had been a last-minute decision when they found out for sure that Bryce and Sophie would be in town. Janie had nothing to wear and had stopped at one of Kate’s favorite boutiques after their spa time.
Sticking closely to Kate’s impeccable style suggestions, Janie had left the store with an off-the-shoulder boho top and trendy jacket that she could wear with a pair of jeans she’d brought with her. A new pair of cognac-colored leather slouch boots completed the outfit.
Back at Evan’s parents, her reflection in the mirror pleased her. She’d lived in jeans and t-shirt far too long.Okay, okay, I’ve lived in sweats and flannel pajamas far too long. Not that she planned to give up her basic denim and cotton attire—there was much to be said for comfort—but she enjoyed the touch of style that stared back at her. It was time to put effort in her appearance again.
She went downstairs and saw Evan talking to his parents. He’d shed his beloved hoodie for a button-down shirt and his sneakers for a pair of chukka boots. His hair sported a tighter trim than it had hours earlier.
“You look lovely.” Maria left her son’s side to greet her. “I always wished I could pull off ivory shirts, but alas they wash me out. You have the perfect complexion for it.”
“Thank you.” She noticed Maria wearing an apron. “Aren’t you coming?”
“Oh, no. I prefer to watch the ball drop in the comfort of my own home where I can go to bed directly after.” Maria turned to Evan. “Give my love to Sophie, and ask her to stop by tomorrow if she’s able and show off those sweet children.”
“I will.” He looked at Janie. “Mom’s right. You look great.” He held out an arm. “Ready to go?”
“Yes.” She slid an arm through his and allowed him to escort her to the car. “How many people will be there?”
“Not many.” He opened her door for her and finished answering before closing it. “Calling it a party is an overstatement. As far as I know, me, you, Kate, Luke, Sophie, Bryce. I think their kids are staying with Bryce’s grandmother in Oden Bridge for the night.”
“What’s Bryce like?” Her stomach twisted in knots. She didn’t follow pop culture or celebrities very closely, but spending the evening with one caused bursts of nervousness.
