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“I think people will always have an opinion whatever you do.”

“True.” Eden relaxed against the couch, feeling entirely different knowing she had Blair’s support.

“Do you want me to speak to Aster?”

Eden had to find the courage to do this herself; Blair couldn’t hold her hand on this one. “No. I’ll do it in my own time.”

“Sure?”

“Yes. I’m not rushing this. When the time comes, I’ll know.”

Blair snuggled closer to Eden, sighing. “Yes, you will. Now…tell me all about how she makes you feel.”

Eden’s heart thundered. “God, I don’t even know where to begin.”

“It’s intense, isn’t it?”

“Very,” Eden said. “I, uh…I made the foolish decision to invite her to share my room with me at Pride.” Eden still couldn’t believe she’d done that. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, but she’s agreed, so what do I do about that?”

“Share the room with her. Couples are made or broken based on a first holiday together.”

“We’re not a couple,” Eden deadpanned.

“But you could be…in time.” Blair smiled, sighing. “God, I hope it does come to something and works out for you.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m tired of seeing you alone or unhappy in a relationship. You deserve so much more than that, Ede’s. I want you to be as happy as I am, and if Aster is the woman to do that for you, I’m thrilled.”

“I thought you were going to tell me I was being ridiculous.”

“I can’t believe you were worried about telling me. I’m the most open person you know.” Blair punched Eden in the arm, laughing. “Some best friend I am, huh?”

“It wasn’t about that. I’m just dealing with a lot of feelings, and I didn’t know how to even say the words. But I have to admit, I’m feeling better for it already.”

“I’m going to invite Aster over tomorrow night. Does that work for you?”

Eden sat confused.

“Obviously, I’m going to invite you over too. I’ll have Dom text Aster…”

“Oh, I don’t know. She probably isn’t interested anymore.”

“She is.” Blair held up her hands. “Don’t, for one second, think that she’s not.”

“Blair…”

“I’ll cook. Aster won’t know that the team isn’t invited. And then you will show up. Perfect.”

“You can’t lure her in like that. I’d kill you if you did that to me.”

“Would I ever lure someone in?” Blair feigned offence, splaying her hand across her chest. “I’m disappointed you think that of me.”

“I’ve known you since I was four. I think I know exactly what you’re capable of by now. You can’t pull the wool over my eyes.”

Blair got to her feet and motioned for Eden to join her in the kitchen, resting back against the counter after she’d disposed of her coffee cup. “If nothing else, it’ll give you a feel for what’s what. You two are only ever together when the team is around or at work. But this will be just the four of us. Some adult conversation and good food. Please say you’ll come?”

“Of course I will. I wouldn’t miss out on a home-cooked meal.”