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“And she always asked about you,” Pete added casually. “Even years after graduation. Not constantly, but enough that it stuck.”

Kiera blinked. “She did?”

“Oh yeah,” Pete said. “Any time we caught up. ‘How’s Kiera?’ ‘Is Kiera still teaching?’ Super chill, very casual, obviously loaded.”

Danica leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “You two have been orbiting each other forever. It all makes so much sense now.”

Kiera groaned, slumping back in her chair. “You’re both deeply annoying.”

Pete leaned over and stole a sip of Danica’s coffee. “Also, you’re totally glowing.”

“I amnotglowing.”

Danica grinned. “See, I told you.”

Kiera shook her head, but she couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at the corner of her mouth.

Gladys let out a heavy sigh and dropped her head onto Kiera’s lap like she was bored of all the drama.

Kiera scratched behind the dog’s ears. “Even the dog thinks you’re being ridiculous.”

Danica set her mug down and clapped her hands together. “Alright. First date. That means we’re dressing you.”

Kiera groaned. “Oh, I don’t?—”

“Oh,yes,” Danica said, already standing. “Upstairs. Now.”

Pete grinned. “I’ll get the accessories.”

Kiera buried her face in her hands. “This was a mistake.”

Danica dragged her off the stool, already leading her toward the stairs. “No take-backs, sweetheart.”

Kiera huffed, but when she caught Pete’s delighted grin and Danica’s excited energy, she felt something settle in her chest — something light, something good.

Kiera fastened her earrings,smoothing a hand over her dress as she took one last glance in the mirror.

She stared at her reflection.It’s just dinner. With Izzy. Who you kissed. Twice. And who talked you through a very satisfying orgasm over the phone. As friends do.

She was being cringey. She had been on dates before. She had been in serious relationships. She had gotten married, had kids, gotten divorced. And yet, somehow, meeting Izzy at a small Italian restaurant in Sloan’s Lake felt more intimidating than any of those things.

Tonight was supposed to be a step forward — to explore her connection with Izzy, and to do something out of her comfort zone. But before she could grab her purse, a small sniffle from the hallway stopped her.

"Mama?" Quinn’s voice was thick with tears as she shuffled toward her, clutching at her ear. "It hurts."

Kiera’s heart sank. She knelt down, brushing damp curls from Quinn’s flushed face. "Your ear, baby?"

Quinn nodded miserably, her lower lip trembling. She'd always been prone to ear infections, just like Eliza, so at least Kiera was in familiar territory. Any thought of going out vanished instantly. Kiera scooped her daughter up, holding her close as she grabbed her phone from the dresser.

"Hey," Kiera said when Izzy picked up. "I have to reschedule. Quinn’s not feeling great."

There was no hesitation in Izzy's voice. "Do you need anything? Medicine, soup..."

"No, no, we’re okay. I just don’t want to leave her. I'm sorry."

"Don't you dare apologize. Would it be okay if I brought dinner to you?"

Kiera’s voice caught and she cleared her throat. "Izzy, you don’t have to do that."