Page 64 of Take Two

Caitlin drew the glass to her lips and stared at the rim, lost in thought.

“I’m not sure that it matters what I want, though,” she admitted. “I really messed up, and I don’t think Gemma’s going to give me another chance.”

Caitlin looked up at Maddie just in time to see her eyes focus on something, or someone, over her shoulder.

“I know that look.” Caitlin gave her friend a coy smile.

“God, look at those curves. Whew, she’s stunning.” Maddie’s eyes widened as she stared toward the bar. “Short black hair, gray pencil skirt, on your six o’clock.” Maddie directed Caitlin.

Caitlin shifted to see the woman in question, abruptly whipping back around to Maddie, her heart racing.

“Do you know her?” Maddie asked, reading the expression on Caitlin’s face.

“That’s Hayley, Gemma’s best friend,” Caitlin whispered. “And—shit.”

“What’s wrong?” Nervous, Maddie leaned forward.

“And that’s Gemma.”

Maddie looked again, squinting. “How can you tell from behind?”

Caitlin gave her friend a flat look.

“Okay, okay. I will not question your knowledge of Gemma’s ass again.” Maddie held up her hands in defense. “Should we ask them to join us?”

“No,” Caitlin snapped.

There were over two thousand bars in New York City, yet Caitlin couldn’t seem to muster any shock at the fact that Gemma had chosen the same one on the same night.

“Well, I don’t know if you have a choice because they’re headed this way.”

Before Caitlin could respond, Maddie mouthedSorry, rose, and approached the two women.

“Hey,” Maddie said from a few feet away, pulling her signature move. “My friend and I are having drinks right over there. Would you two like to join us?”

Caitlin tried to hide her face as she listened to the interaction.

Within moments, Maddie was back in her seat, and Caitlin could tell that they were no longer alone. She looked up to find Gemma and Hayley now occupying the plush forest green chairs on the other side of the square table.

Gemma’s gaze landed on her, her whole face softening into a surprised, genuine smile.

“Hey,” Caitlin and Gemma breathed in unison, as if they were the only two in the room.

The sound of Maddie clearing her throat brought Caitlin back to her surroundings.

“Hey Gemma. I’m Maddie. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Caitlin kicked her best friend in the shin under the table.

“I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but it’s nice to meet you.” Gemma laughed softly, reaching out to shakeMaddie’s hand.

“Hi Hayley,” Caitlin managed, smiling tightly. She wondered whether Gemma knew that Hayley had hunted her down that morning.

“Caitlin.”

Well, that was better than their last few interactions.

“Hayley, this is Maddie,” Caitlin hesitantly made the introduction, waiting for something to go terribly wrong.