Page 10 of Below the Surface

“Oh?”

“Don’t let anything Kelsey says or does rain on your happiness,” Sheila says.

I nod.

“Big plans tonight?” Sheila asks.

“I’m not sure what Piper has planned.”

Sheila bites back a grin.

“Stop it.” I laugh. “I know we have dinner plans. That’s all she’s told me.”

“Nervous?”

Am I nervous? I am. “Is it obvious?”

“Cam, I don’t want to overstep. Piper is clearly crazy about you. I don’t think you need to worry.”

I sigh again.

“Is this about Piper’s past at the club?”

“Yes and no,” I reply.

“Don’t let anything Kelsey has told you get between you and Piper.”

“You sound like Piper.”

“Well, Piper strikes me as pretty smart. And, like I said, she’s crazy aboutyou. Listen toher, not to Kelsey.”

“Solid advice,” I say. “My turn.”

“Your turn?”

“To ask you something.”

“Go ahead,” Sheila says. “You know me. I’m an open book.”

“It’s just—I don’t think our night will end with soft kisses.”

Sheila nods and reaches over to squeeze my hand. “I think Piper might surprise you, Cam.”

“Piper surprises me constantly.”

“Do you trust her?”

“More than I’ve ever trusted anyone.”

Sheila smiles broadly. “Do you realize what you just said?”

I chuckle uncomfortably.

“It’s great,” Sheila says. “Let it be great. Don’t try to put it in order, Cameron. Let it happen.”

“I’m not sure she’ll give me much choice.”

Sheila’s howl of laughter takes me by surprise, and I giggle.

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