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Cass grinned. “Good. Now, about that bending over an easel thing. Care to show me how that would work?”

A BLAST OF cool air hit Rebecca as she stepped into the gallery. She smiled at the collection of new “Cass Giles” that adorned the walls. Not even the passing of the months had diminished the interest in Cassidy’s work. It kept her fiancée busy, but Rebecca couldn’t complain. They were both happy. After the past couple of months, happiness was exactly what they needed.

“Hello, Rebecca.”

Rebecca smiled at Eve. “I was surprised to get your call. I thought you had gone back to New York with Lainey already.”

The mentioning of Lainey’s name provoked a sad smile from Eve. “She had family matters to attend to and I had a few things here I needed to take care of. How is Ellie doing?”

The sudden change of topic told Rebecca that Eve was not willing to speak of the subject any longer. Instead, Rebecca turned her thoughts to Hunter’s now wife. Not long after the gallery opening, Hunter was hit with a devastating blow when Ellie wound up in the hospital after being forced off the road. It was a scary time for the entire group who had become very close friends. Rebecca had spent countless girls’ nights with Ellie, Patty, Ellie’s daughter Jessie, and Ellie’s best friend and her daughter Blaise and Piper. Nearly losing Ellie had been devastating to everyone, but none more so than Hunter.

“She’s getting better every day. She’s using her legs more, which is fantastic. The trial has been brutal, but with Hunter and Jessie by her side, I think she’ll be okay.”

“Along with the rest of you. Such a tight-knit group.” Eve was interrupted briefly by her new curator.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry. Hello again, Ms. Cuinn.” Lauren smiled brightly at the woman who recommended her for the job. “Mr. Riley is on the phone.” Lauren’s subtle German accent was charming.

“Tell him I’ll call him back, please.”

Lauren dutifully nodded and left as quietly as she arrived. As she watched the young woman disappear, Rebecca pondered the hint of resentment she detected in Eve’s voice. They were as close as Eve could be with anyone (not named Lainey), but Rebecca was astute enough not to ask about it. She wished so badly that Eve could have everything she desired. The woman did so much for others and, yet, her own life—as perfect as it seemed—was a mess.

“You’re part of that group, you know,” Rebecca said softly.

There were many times when Eve was in town that she and Lainey were invited to hang out. Unfortunately, Eve wasn’t the type to be in the company of that many people in an intimate setting. Perhaps people thought she was snobbish, but with the past Eve had, Rebecca didn’t blame her for being an introvert. Hell, wasn’t Rebecca the same way? She didn’t have many friends. But those she had now have become some of the most important people in her life. Eve needed that support system in her life. If she would just allow it.

Eve eyed Rebecca with a smirk. “Out of curiosity, which group would I be in? As I understand it, couples are not allowed to be in the same group. Would I be with the women for girls’ night, or would I be playing poker with the boys?”

Rebecca tilted her head. “Are you admitting you and Lainey are a couple?” She took a very big chance and caught Eve’s arm before she could walk away. “I apologize, but you walked into that one. However, you do raise an interesting question. Ellie made the rule so we could talk about our significant others. But you don’t seem to fit in the poker scenario.”

“I assure you, I’m a very good poker player.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt that. You have the best poker face I have ever seen. I just don’t think the guys would be able to function around you.”

Eve surprised her by laughing. “What you’re saying is I wouldn’t fit anywhere. Sounds about right.”

“That’s not what I meant, Eve. Don’t anger the Mistress.”

Eve raised a brow. “You think you could get me to submit?”

Rebecca smiled at the challenge. She knew it was playful flirtation. She also knew there was only one person who could actually make Eve submit.

“I could. But…”

“Please don’t finish that,” Eve pleaded quietly.

“Eve, you deserve happiness.”

“I didn’t ask you here to discuss my problems. That’s what I have your aunt for.”

“Sometimes all you need is a friend to listen,” Rebecca countered.

Eve sighed. “My issues are far beyond anyone’s help, Rebecca. Perhaps even your aunt.”

“I’m going to say one thing, and then I’ll drop the subject.” Though Eve rolled her eyes, she nodded. “I understand the consequences, but I also know how fleeting life can be. I spent many years with someone I shouldn’t have been with and it nearly killed me.”

“That’s different. Adam doesn’t hurt me,” Eve clarified.

“Not physically. And I’m not saying this is Adam’s fault,” Rebecca said quickly before Eve could argue with her. “But not being with the person you’re truly in love with kills your soul with each passing day. I was away from Cassidy for two months and it was incredibly painful. I can’t imagine how you feel seeing Lainey every day, feeling as though you can’t be with her.”