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Gia exhaled in relief, doing her best to mask the reaction andplay it casual. “I was worried…about you.” She put her hand on her hip and thendropped it, not sure how to stand. Why did she suck so hard at sentimentality?

“Then come sit by me.” The look in Elle’s eye sent a fluttertraveling through Gia’s system. She really had missed her. She took a seat nextto Elle and pulled Elle’s legs across her lap. They couldn’t seem to sit inclose proximity without touching. It seemed to be an Elle and Gia rule.

“Hi,” Elle said quietly.

Gia smiled. “Hi.”

“There are no designers in LA,” Hadley announced, breezing intothe apartment in her upscale work clothes. “You would think I’m exaggerating.I’m not, I just—hey, there,” she said, her eyes landing on Elle. A pause as asmile blossomed. “You’re here.”

“Hi,” Elle said, standing. She certainly did know how to turn onthe high-wattage smile, which seemed to make Hadley happy. Had liked friendly.She embodied it. “I’m Elle Britton, we haven’t officially met.”

“Not officially,” Hadley said, beaming. “But I know all about you.I’m Hadley.”

“I’ve heard of you, too,” Elle said. “Want to sit?”

“Definitely,” Hadley said, planting herself on the chair acrossfrom them. “I hear you did well at the tournament.”

“Not the finals, but I’ll take it. What were you saying about thedesigners in LA?”

“Oh, that they’re ruining my life pretty much. I need new ones.Lesser-knowns to bring into the boutique I work at, and they’re just not outthere. At least the caliber I need.”

“Hadley’s looking for high end but edgy.”

“Still classy,” Hadley filled in.

“I have a friend,” Elle offered, looking thoughtful. “She’s reallyquite good. I should have her look you up. She’s gone viral on social media andlooks to be the next big thing.”

“Oh, my goodness, I would welcome that. I’m at Silhouette on RodeoDrive. Tell her to ask for Hadley Cooper. I’d love to take a look.”

Elle laughed at the sincerity of emotion. “Done. Her name isSpencer Adair, and I know she’s got a lot on her plate. But I’ll let her knowyou’re looking.”

“Spencer, okay. Great!” Hadley pointed at Elle. “I like her.”

“I like her, too,” Elle said, pointing back at Hadley. The two ofthem laughed and continued chatting away on a myriad of topics.

“I love your shoes.”

“Tell me the best part about surfing.”

“How many years have you and Gia been friends?”

It went on, and on.

There was never a lull, a gap, where one of them had to forceconversation. Gia watched in awe. It was like two long-lost best friendssitting on her couch. They practically forgot she was in the room, and shewondered distantly if she should figure out something else to do.

“So, and stop me if I’m getting all up your business, but the kissphoto?” Hadley asked.

“Right. Not my most-thought-out moment, but sometimes you justhave to follow your heart.” Elle’s cheeks colored and Gia felt warm all overhearing that it was Elle’sheartthat had compelled her to kiss Gia that day.

Hadley clearly liked that answer as well. “Yes! You completelyhave to.” She furrowed her brow. “How are you handling it? Do you needanything? Baked goods?”

“You’re so awesome to offer, but I’m actually hanging in there.” Sheglanced over at Gia and smiled. “While it’s scary to announce something sopublicly without even thinking, this has been a really happy time in my life,and that beats all the side effects.”

“So, no brownies, then?” Hadley asked.

“Unless you just want to be nice.”

“Brownies it is!” Hadley’s eyes lit up with a new project. Shestood, energized now. “I’ll let you two get back to making out or whatever itwas you were doing on that couch when I barged in.” She bowed. “As you were.”