Page 62 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

He was settling into his life here on the farm and he was finally content. He had Gia to thank for a lot of those things. She believed in him and she saw in him the person he wanted to be. He wanted to live up to those expectations.

* * *

Music hummedover the sound system as Gia spoke into the waiter’s ear. “A cosmopolitan, please.” She had a two-drink limit, especially on weeknights, and tonight was a Tuesday.

Fortunately, tomorrow would be an easy day. The plans were set for the party at the orchard on Saturday and everything was moving along according to schedule. Just a few last-minute to-do lists to complete and she’d be ready. She was excited about it.

She stood chatting with Kira at The Anchor Bar & Grill, a popular spot in Heritage Bay where she regularly got together for drinks with friends. The Anchor had an air of sophistication without the pretentiousness found in some of the more urban establishments, but the vibe was youthful even with its cozy maritime memorabilia. Tonight the group had met up for happy hour. It was great to catch up with everyone.

Tom, Nick, and Jake sipped from their bottles of beer, commenting on the game that played on the flat screen TV over the bar, while Courtney, Marcy, and Angela sat around a table on the barstools they’d managed to snag. Gia had invited Seth to come, but he said he’d been exhausted and was going to call it an early night. He’d love to join them another time.

Gia had filled Kira in on the recent developments with Seth. “Oh, girl, that is so exciting!” She squeezed Gia’s arm. “And see, Courtney and I called it. Hate to say I told you so, but Iknewhe liked you.”

Gia switched her weight from one foot to the other and straightened her camisole strap. “That’s the best kind ofI told you so, though. I’m glad you were right.”

“Is he a good kisser?”

“Kira—that is none of your business.” Gia blushed, grinning.

“Okay. Well, I guess I’ll just live vicariously through someone else, then, if you’re not talking.”

“Aw, don’t you think it’s about time you started meeting some new people, honey? I mean, Sam’s been gone for almost two-and-a-half months. You’re only young once. What harm would it do to start dating again?”

“I know,” Kira said. “You’re right, and that’s why I gave my number to a guy I met last week on a job. He asked me out.” She squeezed Gia’s wrist. “He’s super cute.”

“You did? That’s great! Has he called yet? Or texted?”

“Actually, yes, he has. He’s taking me to dinner on Friday.”

“No way? You were holding out on us! I’m telling Courtney.” Gia turned to face Courtney.

“Courtney already knows. She was there!”

“And neither of you told me? I am so mad right now—at both of you!” Gia stared at Kira, grinning.

They walked over toward the table of girls and Kira laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to get too excited until I went out with him. He might be a total snoozefest.”

“Oh, that’s true. It’s best to wait and see before you get your hopes up. I certainly didn’t exhibit that kind of willpower.” She rolled her eyes. She’d been caught up in Seth right from the start.

Kira laughed. “Yeah, but it all worked out in the end. No harm, no foul.”

“I’m like—so happy lately—I have to pinch myself sometimes.”

Kira reached out and pinched her as they reached the table.

“Ouch!” She laughed. “What’s this new guy’s name, by the way?”

“Darren.”

Gia turned to Courtney and the other girls. “So you all knew about Darren?”

Courtney, Angela, and Marcy all nodded.

“Yeah, we knew.” Angela grinned. It’s about time Kira got back in the game.”

“And when were any of you going to tell me?”

Just then the guys strolled over to the table. Jake went behind Angela and put his arms around her shoulders, laying a kiss on her cheek. Nick stood beside Courtney and she reached out and wrapped her hand around his generous bicep.

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