Page 50 of The Last to Know

Caz stared at her nonplussed. “They’re the women I spoke to on the beach last night.”

“Sometimes I think you are the most oblivious person on the planet,” Grace hissed quietly. “That’s Sasha, the pianist…we saw them on the beach—” She stopped for second and then continued, “I saw them on the beach and told you…she’s hella famous.”

“Well, she’s hella nice, then,” Caz responded, and continued to read the menu.

Grace reached over and pulled the menu down. “You really aren’t the slightest bit excited about the fact that you know them?”

“I don’t know them. I met them and had a drink and a chat with them.” She closed the menu again. “They’re just normal people. Do you want to meet her? I’ll introduce you.”

“What? No, that would be…silly.”

Caz grinned. “Well, it is my life’s work to let you be silly.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Caz got up before Grace could say another word and made her way over to where Alex and Morgan were sitting and watching with an amused look on their faces.

“Hello,” Caz said, only feeling a little awkward, now she was actually standing in front of them. “So, Grace informs me that I’m culturally out of step and must be an idiot for not knowing who I was talking to the other night.”

It was Morgan who spoke. “I don’t recognise her half the time, and I live with her.”

Caz smiled, grateful for the comradeship.

“Are you having a romantic lunch, or would you like to join us?” Alex asked, throwing a playing wink into the mix.

“Thank you, we wouldn’t want to intrude, but…” She glanced back at Grace. “I think she’s dying to say hello.”

Alex laughed. “I’ll be over in a moment.” She picked up her glass and raised it as she looked behind Caz and towards Grace. “She’s very pretty. I can see why you’d be smitten.”

“Well, I did marry her.” Caz tried to smile, but it felt off. She hadn’t quite admitted to herself yet that she was, in fact, smitten. Was that even the word for how she felt about Grace? She had no clue and wasn’t about to put any stock in it standing here. “Thanks again.” She turned to walk away, then stopped and turned back. “Also, sorry about the vest and pants—notmy best look.” She nodded to them both before backtracking to where her own seat was.

“I cannot believe you did that,” Grace said, her face registering a weird mix of shock and awe. “What did you say?”

Taking her seat again, Caz pulled the linen napkin back in place across her lap and then picked up the menu. “Only that my wife had pointed out I was a nincompoop for not recognising her.”

“A nincompoop?” Grace laughed loudly, quickly becoming aware that people were staring. “I can’t believe you met her and had no clue.”

“Well, I don’t listen to classical music, do I?” She grinned. “Imagine your dad’s face, though, if he came into the garage and that was playing.”

Conversation was interrupted when the waiter appeared and took their order, but the moment he left, Grace sat up straight. “So…” she started, gaining Caz’s attention. “I was thinking,” Grace continued as Caz poured them both a glass of water from the carafe, “maybe it would just be easier using the clinic.”

“Okay,” Caz replied slowly. “What’s brought about this change of mind?”

“It would just be easier wouldn’t it, all round? Finding a donor, making sure all the tests are done? It would be easier for you, and us.”

“Not gonna lie, I think it’s the sensible option.” Caz reached for her glass and took a mouthful of water, her mouth getting drier by the minute. Was it the topic of conversation, or the way Grace looked so happy in that moment, that she feltmore for her than just being her friend? Shewassmitten, wasn’t she?

Grace nodded. “I know, I just thought…I thought if it was you that did it then it would be like we really did make a baby together.”

Caz smiled at the sentiment before reaching across the table for her hand. “Whatever is meant to be will be, and if we are lucky enough to have a baby, it will be a baby we love, and that is all that matters. It won’t matter how it got here.”

“You’re right.” Grace squeezed her fingers.

“Hope I’m not interrupting,” a voice to the left of Grace said. Alex stood beside her, smiling down at them holding hands. “It was lovely to meet you yesterday, Caz, and you must be Grace.”

“Oh, yes. Hello.” Grace gushed a little, and Caz held in the giggle that threatened to erupt. “Wow, I am such a fan, especially your last album.”

“Ah, yes.Euphoriawas a little different.” She leaned down, glancing back at Morgan quickly. “It’s amazing what the right kind of inspiration can create.”

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