“She knew before I did.” Shay hugged Rosie tight to her hip. “Apparently, twenty years of friendship means she knows me better than I know myself.”
Lori turned back around and smiled at Rosie. “Best friends are worth more than all the gold in the world.”
Shay noticed RB and Woody hovering a few feet away and beckoned them over.
“Congratulations,” Woody said. “Now that you’re off the market, me and RB won’t strike out as much.”
Shay laughed. “I don’t think the two are related, but if that’s what you want to believe, go ahead.” She looked around the room for the last member of their group. “Where’s Solo?”
“This was her first real event without Janie by her side.” RB shook her head. “She couldn’t handle it, so we put her in an Uber and sent her home before she did anything stupid.”
Shay looked at Gabe. “Do we need to do anything about this?”
“I don’t think there’s anything we can do yet,” Gabe said. “They’re still living together, and they’re getting counseling, so they’re trying to figure it out. All we can do is support her and make sure she doesn’t go off the rails.”
“Is Janie still seeing her co-worker?” Rosie asked.
Gabe shook her head. “Apparently, she was never seeing him. They had a few drinks together, but Janie swears up and down that nothing happened and there were no feelings on either side. When Janie told Solo they were talking, that’s exactly what she meant. Just talking, like friends.”
“I don’t get it,” Rosie said. “If Janie isn’t cheating on her, what’s the problem between them?”
Shay gave a humorless laugh. “That’s what Solo is trying to figure out, and it’s driving her to distraction.”
“Forget that right now,” Gabe said. “Let’s celebrate you two lovebirds.”
Lori nudged Gabe. “And pay our respects… It’s a wake, remember?”
Rosie shook her head. “I think I’ve done everything I can for my mom.”
“In that case,” Lori said, “when are we going on our first double date?”
Rosie waved the question away. “No need to rush anything.”
The group headed to the tables where the food was laid out, and Shay tugged Rosie back gently. “I’m here for it all, you know?”
Rosie frowned. “What do you mean?”
She motioned to Lori as she walked away. “The way you brushed Lori off about the double date. You sounded worried.”
Rosie smiled and shook her head. “I’m not worried. I was just thinking that since I’m supposed to be teaching you how to be mygirlfriend, maybe we should slow down and take a few steps back before we talkdoubledates.”
Shay frowned and guided Rosie back against the wall and out of sight. “Isn’t it a bit late for that?” She pulled Rosie in closer and nibbled the skin along her neck. “I thought you were all about moving into your new future?”
Rosie moaned lightly. “I am, but a girl likes to be properly wooed, you know? If you’re going to be myactualPrincess Charming, I’ll need a first date.”
Shay moved up and kissed Rosie’s jawline. “I can do that. I’d love to take you out. Would you like me to choose what we do and when we go?”
Rosie sighed deeply. “Yes. I love surprises.”
Shay had never been a big fan of them but falling in love with Rosie had been the biggest surprise of allandprobably the best thing that had ever happened to her. She’d always been a good student; she’d take on board all of Rosie’s teachings to become the very best partner Rosie deserved,andshe’d deliver the most original first date of all time.
CHAPTER 27
Rosie openedthe door to a bouquet of red tulips so large that she couldn’t see Shay holding them.
“They’re from Red at the Flower Loft.” Shay peeked around the side. “She said I should be bringing you red roses for a first date, but since I already know your favorite flower…” She offered them to Rosie.
“They’re absolutely beautiful. Thank you.” She turned from the door to put the bouquet in the kitchen, but Shay didn’t follow. “Are you coming?”
