Page 3 of Holding Her Heart

“Don’t expect that to be the case for much longer, okay?” With a perfectly quirked eyebrow, Eden turned and walked to the door. “It’s been lovely meeting you, Aster. I’ll see you at the end of the week.”

“Thanks. See you.”

2

Eden blew out a frustrated breath as she stopped in the middle of the walkway. She didn’t have time for this. Her usual photographer, Jay, was once again crying off from a gig she’d sent to him, and now she had to find another replacement. It wasn’t the end of the world, he’d given her more time to find someone else than he had last time, but it still didn’t make Eden’s life any easier. And this afternoon was supposed to be her own time. Time to spend with her supposedly neglected best friend.

That is his final chance.

She’d said that before today, but he was too unreliable. This was the final straw.

“I swear if you turn around and leave, I’m going to chase you and tackle you to the ground!”

Eden smiled, looking up from her phone to find her best friend standing with a hand on her hip. “I’m not leaving. But I do need a minute or two.”

“What does a best friend have to do to get your attention? I haven’t seen you for weeks.”

Eden frowned. “That’s not my fault. You’re living the life in lesbian land. You forgot about me.”

Blair huffed, shaking her head. “I could never forget about you. Come on, we’ll figure out your dilemma over a bottle of wine and some good food.”

Eden could get on board with that. Blair had a knack for fixing everything. “You’re right. I’ll sort this out once we’re sitting down.” Eden stepped towards her, linking their arms together. “Come on. I’m starving.”

“Me too. Busy morning.”

“Oh.” Eden’s eyebrow rose.

“With work. Not with Dom.” Blair had met her fiancée eighteen months ago, falling head over heels for the footballer unexpectedly. Eden wouldn’t have said they were suited to one another on first inspection, but they were. Plus, Dom was besotted with Blair. She worshipped the ground Eden’s best friend walked on. “I didn’t realise I’d be so busy when I got a job.”

“Jobs will do that to you, friend. That’s why it’s called work.”

“I know. But I’ve barely seen Dom this week, and tomorrow, she’s leaving early for a game with the team, so it’s another day without her.”

“Woman, you’re obsessed. Is the sex really so amazing that you can’t manage a day by yourself anymore?”

“It’s not about the sex,” Blair said, her long blonde hair falling over her shoulder. “Dom…gets me.”

“And that’s why you’re marrying her.” Eden hip-checked Blair. “But, speaking of marriage, one of my photographers has let me down for Saturday’s all day, all night event.”

“Ouch. I wondered why you had a face like a smacked arse when I met you.”

“It’s just…I don’t need this today. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since last week when we arranged. And I wanted no interruptions. We have neglected each other for too long lately.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

“Still. I miss you. And I know Dom is there and you’re living your life, but I’m starting to feel a bit left out.”

Blair stopped, turning to face Eden. “You know you’re welcome at ours anytime you want. Dom is always asking if we have plans. Come around, have dinner, stay over for a few days.”

“I’d love to, but I’m up the wall at the minute.”

“Then we’ll arrange something,” Blair said, leaning in and kissing Eden’s cheek. “Today, while we catch up.”

Eden nodded, following Blair into the bar and grill along the main road. It was the place they always met, and it was the place where they’d spent many a drunk afternoon, reverting back to their teenage years without a care in the world.

Eden stepped up behind Blair, smiling at the waiter. “And I can’t get drunk today.”

“When do we ever get drunk?” Blair grinned, glancing over her shoulder. “You’re a lightweight.”

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