Page 57 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

“Yeah, you, me, and Cat.”

Elena sat down on the love seat and chuckled. “I guess that’s true.”

“I built these exquisite bookcases and you and Cat are filling them,” he said, sitting in one of the chairs across from her. “I never thought I’d love sitting around a bunch of books, but this room is beautiful.”

“Yeah, it is,” Elena said, gazing around the room. She was glad Nicolas was here, but it seemed empty without Cat.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Elena said, trying to perk up. She told Nicolas about CeCe’s proposal and then the party.

“What fun! Alexis must have been surprised.” Nicolas chuckled.

“They are so happy,” Elena said wistfully.

“Why do you seem sad then?”

Elena looked into his eyes and sighed.

“Come on, Ms. E,” Nicolas said with a kind smile. “Talk to me. I was once your student, but I’ve been your friend for a long time.”

Elena smiled. “You are my friend.”

“What happened?”

“I don’t know,” Elena began. “CeCe and Alexis are so happy and so in love…”

“Yeah?”

“I want that for Cat.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?” Elena furrowed her brow.

“You both should be happy and so in love, as you put it.” Nicolas gave her a knowing smile. “Are you going to make me say it or are you going to admit it?”

“Admit what?”

There was that kind smile again. Elena imagined Nicolas’s smile charmed many men. She could see he was waiting on her. “Have you ever had a friend who you developed feelings for?” she asked.

“I think you mean more than just friendly feelings,” Nicolas said.

Elena nodded. “Something has changed inside me. These images flash through my head.”

“Like what?”

“I overheard Cat’s mother explaining to Alexis that she won an exclusive wedding for the girls. But they all have to get married at the same time.”

“Oh damn,” Nicolas exclaimed, placing his hand over his chest. “That would be some wedding!”

“Wouldn’t it?” Elena replied. “I overheard Cat tell CeCe she was sorry because it would never happen. She’s never getting married.”

Nicolas nodded. “Her ex really did a number on her.”

“Exactly! If Hattie Tucker had been standing in front of me I would’ve throat punched her.”

Nicolas’s eyes widened. “You go, Ms. E!”

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