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“Quite,” Grace said, flashing a glance at Caz.

“And we were wondering if you would both like to join us later? We’re just going to be enjoying the sunset around the firepit again. We’d love to share it with you both.”

“Oh, that would be—”

“We’d love to,” Caz cut in.

“Brilliant. No need to bring anything, Morgan never lets the supplies run low.” Alex smiled at them both. “Well, I will leave you to your lunch. Around eight?”

“We will be there,” Caz answered for them both, the look on Grace’s face saying there wouldn’t be any other answer that would be acceptable.

“Yes, definitely.” Grace’s grin widened as Alex made her way back to her own table. “Oh my God! We’re going to Sasha’s house to watch the sunset!”

Chapter Thirty

“What shall I wear?” Grace said, rummaging through the sparse clothing choices she’d brought with her. They were only going away for a break, mostly lounging on the beach, making use of the balmy weather. She hadn’t planned for a night at the home of a famous composer.

Caz grinned. “Considering my attire the other night was my vest and pants, I am pretty sure they won’t be judging you on anything you choose tonight.”

Grace considered that for a moment.

“Doesn’t matter, I’m not you.” She bent down and pulled another drawer open. “And you’ve told them about us, so they’re already judging me.”

“Wow, triggered much?” Caz chuckled and stood up.

Grace straightened and met her face to face. “No, I just…we’re unconventional, I know that, but literally, these people are the only ones who know that.”

“Right, and they invited us over to their place. I don’t think anyone is judging us except maybe…you?”

“I’m not, I just…” Grace sighed, “I’m just used to us playing a couple and being all lovey-dovey around everyone and it feels weird not having to do that tonight, and now I am panicking about how to act and—”

Caz gripped Grace by the shoulders. “Just be you. That’s all you ever have to do—just be you.”

Their eyes met, both a little wet with emotion. It didn’t go unnoticed by Caz when Grace’s stare dropped to her mouth before quickly rectifying.

Caz smiled. “Just be you, alright?”

Grace nodded.

“And we’ll just be us,” Caz continued, releasing her grip on Grace. “If that means we’re like a couple, then that’s okay—that’s who we are, okay?”

“Okay,” Grace said quietly. She turned back to the wardrobe and picked out a cute white summer dress. Holding it up against herself, she looked in the mirror and found Caz staring at her. “What about this?”

“I think you look beautiful in whatever you wear, but yeah, that’s nice. Shows off your tan.” Caz smiled and looked away, but not before the blush hit her cheeks. What did it mean when Grace said, “I’m just used to us playing a couple and being all lovey-dovey around everyone and it feels weird not having to do that tonight?”

“What are you wearing?” Grace asked, interrupting Caz’s thoughts from going any deeper.

Caz looked down at herself. Blue jeans and a T-shirt with a Mickey Mouse face on it. “This?” Grace frowned at her. “It’s nicer than vest and pants!”

“Yes,” Grace laughed, “maybe you’re right.” She turned back to the wardrobe. “We should pick up a bottle of wine or something.”

“Alex said we didn’t need to.”

“It’s still polite to take something, though,” Grace said as she pulled off the top she’d worn earlier. In just her bra and shorts, she grabbed a towel. “Just need a quick shower.”

As she walked away, Caz mumbled to herself, “So do I—a cold one.”

Chapter Thirty-One