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“Thank you. You look good too.”

“What are you doing up here on the administrative floor?”

“I actually just finished a job interview.”

Her eyes widened in excitement. “Really?”

“Yup.”

“For the critical care nursing opening?”

“Mhm.”

“Girl, so you might be working here with us soon?”

“Looks that way, if everything goes through smoothly with the background check.”

“Good for you!” She hugged me again, shaking her head. “Oh, my God. It is so good seeing your face.”

“It’s good seeing you too, Tynessa.”

When she stepped back this time, her expression softened into something more tender and sympathetic.

“Girl, I never really got to talk to you after...” She paused, letting the unsaid words hang between us. “You know.”

Some of the brightness in my smile faded, replaced by that familiar, dull ache.

I knew exactly what she meant without her having to speak Caspian’s name.

“Yeah,” I said quietly.

“How are you holding up?”

“As good as I can be,” I replied honestly.

She gave me a warm, understanding smile. “I understand completely.” Then her mood brightened instantly, changing the subject. “I also heard you have a baby now!”

I couldn’t help the proud smile that broke across my face. “I do have a child, but he’s not exactly a baby. I have a five year old son.”

“Oh, my God! I know he is gorgeous with your genes!”

“He’s Caspian made over,” I laughed softly.

We both laughed, enjoying the familiar ease of old colleagues. Then she leaned a little closer, lowering her voice into a conspiratorial whisper.

“So...”

I already didn’t like the mischievous tone of her voice. “What?”

“I heard you’re staying up in Caspian’s mansion.”

I closed my eyes, letting out a heavy groan. “Jesus Christ.”

Tynessa burst out laughing. “What?”

“Is there anything this town doesn’t know?”

“Girl, I don’t even remember who told me! I just heard it through the grapevine.”