Her thoughts wandered ahead to the evening. Zara was babysitting, and Luke was thrilled. He’d already planned their evening activities, complete with a movie, snacks, and a Lego build-off.
As for her, she was going adulting.
Lainey giggled. Adulting. What a silly word that meant so much more.
She’d be meeting a couple of girlfriends at Sugar Crush, a new dessert and cocktail bar, nestled on the edge of Haywood Lake.
A night out. With friends. With laughter, drinks, and chocolate. The kind of night she hadn’t let herself enjoy in far too long.
What could be better?
The low humof conversation and laughter mixed with the clink of glasses and the warm scent of cinnamon, lemon zest and something sexier—caramelized sugar!
Yum.
Lainey paused just inside the door of Sugar Crush, taking it all in.
The interior was dim and shimmered with golden pendant lights shaped like upside-down champagne flutes hanging from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over a display case of yummy-looking desserts. The place was cozy but chic with midnight-blue walls, glossy black tables in the center with rattan chairs and navy cushions, and smooth leather banquettes in slate gray lining the edges.
A sleek marble bar curved along one wall. Several bartenders moved with graceful rhythm. Soft jazz played overhead. Beyond the bar, tall windows opened onto the lakefront patio strung with tiny fairy lights. A few tables with candles flickering in the breeze overlooked the dark water.
She scanned the room until she spotted Dani tucked into a corner table near the windows. Her friend caught sight of her and waved her over. Lainey smiled. As she walked over, something in her loosened.
This wasn’t just a girls’ night out; it could be the beginning of her new life. One dessert at a time.
She felt beautiful even though she hadn’t dressed for anyone in particular.
The navy jumpsuit wasn’t new, but it was one of her favorites. It hugged her in all the right places and made her feel confident. Gold hoops and a bracelet were a last-minute touch. Her hair was down, tucked behind one ear. She caught a glimpse of herself in the glass and didn’t look away.
Damn. She looked hot.
The two women hugged and settled into the plush cushions.
“You look terrific. Is that outfit new?” asked Dani, giving her the once-over.
Lainey shook her head. “I just haven’t had an occasion to wear it lately.”
Dani smiled and pushed a lock of her honey-blond hair behind her ear. “Well, we need to change that.”
“Humph.” Lainey gave her a small smile. “I truly don’t need a man in my life right now.”
Dani waggled her brows. “Who said anything about a man? I mean, you need more occasions. You deserve to have some fun, get dressed up, go out and laugh.”
“True.”
“And maybe flirt a little?” Dani gave her a sly smile. “I happen to know a few sexy men.”
“You’re incorrigible.” Lainey sighed. “I’ve given up on men. Luke keeps me on my toes. My job keeps me busy. I don’t have time to date.”
“Poo.” Dani’s attention moved to the door. “Oh good. Autumn is here. You’re going to love her.”
She waved across the room. “Autumn!”
A woman with chestnut hair pulled into a messy bun stepped in, looked around and returned the wave. Lainey loved Autumn’s sleeveless round-neck crop top and wide-legged cropped pants in brick red. She made a note to ask her where she had purchased them.
Dani rose to greet and hug her, then turned to introduce her.
“Lainey, meet Autumn Bennett, preschool teacher extraordinaire and seriously talented photographer.”
