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“Wow, that must have been some date.”

Cat nodded. “Oh and they did the salsa on the beach.”

“Come again?”

“Cory knows how to dance and found out that Vi does, too. They were doing the salsa on the beach. Cory’s found her dance partner and more.”

“What do you think about that?”

Cat tilted her head. “I’m happy for them. The more I get to know Vi, she’s perfect for Cory.”

“Just like Alexis is perfect for CeCe?”

“Yes,” Cat replied hesitantly. “Why does it sound like you’re asking something else?”

Elena shrugged. “I overheard you telling CeCe there was no way you were getting married. I wondered if you’re feeling pressure now that Cory is head-over-heels in love, too.”

“Oh,” Cat said, then sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know what to think anymore. I have so many thoughts swirling around my head that I feel confused most of the time.”

Elena furrowed her brow. “About what?”

Before Cat could answer, the bell over the door rang. “I’m the only one here.” Cat started to walk towards the customer, but turned to Elena. “I have a new book for you, so don’t run off.”

Cat helped the customer find the books they requested then left them to peruse another section of the bookstore. She took a book from under the counter at the register and brought it over to Elena.

Before she handed it to her, she looked at Elena and smiled. “Hey, why did you leave the party so early Saturday night? I didn’t get to introduce you to my Lovers Landing friends.”

“It wasn’t that early.” Elena shrugged. “I talked to the people I knew and you were busy.”

Cat tilted her head. “I wasn’t busy. I’ll never be too busy for you.”

Elena smiled. “What did I miss?”

Cat stood on her tiptoes and looked over the top shelf of the bookcase nearest her to make sure the customer was okay. Then she sat on the ottoman in front of Elena. “You missed me thanking you.”

Elena’s brows knit in confusion. “Thanking me?”

Cat nodded. “When I made that statement about never getting married and Alexis told me to open my heart… Well, it made me tear up.”

Elena reached for Cat’s hand and squeezed it.

“When I turned around and saw you, I realized that I wasn’t scared of the idea of love anymore.”

Elena’s eyes narrowed and Cat could still see confusion.

“You have helped me to trust myself again. Before, if anyone mentioned my heart or love or—God forbid—marriage, my heart would race and it scared me. But not anymore.”

“That’s a good thing.”

“It is and I have you to thank,” Cat said with a smile.

“Me?”

Cat nodded. “Yes, you’re the one who encouraged me to trust my heart. It’s beginning to heal. I trust you and look what I have. A best friend.”

“You’re my best friend, too,” Elena said. “Don’t ever be confused about that.”

If only Cat could tell Elena what had really gone through her mind the night of the party. Elena made her believe she could love again because it was her. Once again thoughts swirled through her head, but she shut them down and gave Elena a sweet smile. “Next time, you’re coming to the party with me so you can’t slip out early.”