Page 22 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

She realized when she got home that Cat might have gotten the wrong idea from their conversation the previous night at Cory’s bar. She’d asked Cat several rather personal questions then told her about her experience in college. Elena knew Cat was a private person and wasn’t sure why she’d been so intrusive. Was it eagerness to know more about her friend or about herself? Whatever it was, she owed Cat an apology and didn’t want to have that discussion at the bookstore.

She peeked out the front window several times and felt her heart speed up in her chest when she saw Cat pull into her driveway.

Elena opened the front door before Cat could knock and smiled shyly. “Hey, you found me.”

Cat grinned and tilted her head. “Of course I did. You gave me your address, remember?”

Elena nodded.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, come in. I’m happy you’re here,” Elena said, stepping out of the doorway so Cat could come inside.

“I love your home. It’s so welcoming. The flowers are beautiful. Do you garden?”

“Thanks. I thought it needed a pop of color and decided to give it a try.”

“I think you have a green thumb.”

Elena shrugged. “Maybe.”

Cat walked into the open living area and Elena noticed the bag in her hand. “What do you have there?”

“Oh,” Cat said, opening the bag and pulling out a book. “You were going to get your friend a book today and when you didn’t come in…”

Elena smiled but didn’t say anything.

“Anyway, I got this in today and thought he might like it.” Cat handed her the book.

Elena looked at it and smiled. How thoughtful. Maybe Cat wasn’t upset with her. “He will love this. It’s by one of his favorite authors.”

“Oh, good. I took a chance.” Cat leaned in and added, “I don’t read gay romance.”

Elena chuckled. “I haven’t yet either.”

“Yet? Does that mean maybe someday?”

Elena shrugged. “We’ll see. How about a glass of wine?”

“I’d love one.”

“How was your day?” Elena asked as she walked around the island that separated the kitchen from the living area.

“It was busy. I realized on the way over here that I’m looking forward to this glass of wine.”

Elena handed her a glass. “I hope you like it.”

Cat took a sip and nodded. “Mmm, just right.”

Elena chuckled. “Let’s have a seat before the big reveal. I owe you an apology.”

Cat sat down on the couch and furrowed her brow. “An apology?”

“Yes,” Elena replied, sitting next to Cat but leaving plenty of room between them. “I want to apologize for asking you such personal questions last night and then telling you about my…” Elena hesitated.

“About your library fling,” Cat said with a smile.

“I’m not sure it was a fling, but yes. I wasn’t coming on to you. I know your ex hurt you and you must have thought—well, I don’t know what you thought,” Elena said, waving her hand. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship just as it’s getting started.”

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