Page 38 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

“No. I remember feeling…contentment. I was happy and belonged with her.”

Elena smiled. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“I think so. I tried to see who the woman was and even went back to sleep in hopes the dream would continue.”

“No luck?”

Cat shook her head. “The more I think about it, I probably dreamed about the lake because you mentioned it. But I also think it means it’s time for me to lose the anger and hurt Hattie caused me. I mean, come on! I’m not the only one whose girlfriend broke up with her.”

“No, but still, you have to work through that pain in your own way. Everyone is different.”

“How long has it been since you lost Dean? I don’t think you’ve ever told me.”

Elena smiled. “It's been almost a year.”

Cat nodded. “Hmm.”

“That’s about when Hattie left, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. I was just thinking we were both hurt around the same time.”

“I’m sorry we share that pain, but at least we’re not going through it alone.”

Cat smiled compassionately at Elena. “That’s probably why we became such fast friends. Our heads might not have seen it, but our hearts did.”

“You know, at this point, I don’t care so much how it happened. I’m just glad it did.”

“Me too.” Cat grinned. “Do you have plans tomorrow night?”

Elena leveled her gaze at Cat. “Really? Do I ever have plans?”

Cat chuckled. “I have some things for your sapphic study.”

Elena giggled. She couldn’t believe she’d come up with that name, but Cat latched onto it and that’s how the bookcase room would be known going forward.

“I’ll bring dinner,” Cat added.

“I have wine. You know I’m a regular customer of Cory’s, too.”

Cat laughed. “You may become a Sloan sister.”

“CeCe is doing my hair this afternoon, too.”

“It looks beautiful,” Cat stated.

Elena grinned and felt her heart jump. For Cat to notice and give her a compliment made Elena feel beautiful. She hadn’t felt like that in a long time.

“It does,” Cat said. “What are you having done?”

Elena gave Cat a radiant smile. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Cat laughed. “Can’t wait.”

The bell above the door echoed around the bookstore. “It’s time to make someone’s book dreams come true,” Cat said.

Elena watched her walk away and couldn’t keep from smiling. She’d been afraid things might be awkward after their conversation last night, but if anything, she felt closer to Cat. This friendship was becoming more and more important in Elena’s life.

I don't know what I’d do without her, Elena thought.

---