Page 45 of A Little Light

“I do regret it. Leaving that night.” Rachel cast her gaze on the sliver of space between them, shaking her head. “I lost my head a little bit.”

“Never have any regrets,” Andi said, relaxing back on her stool again. “There is a reason for everything we do in life.”

Either Andi was saying what she thought Rachel wanted to hear, or she was over the idea of them dating. Perhaps this evening would give Rachel a feel for what was going on in Andi’s head. If not, she’d have to confront it all and hope Andi didn’t blow her off in return. “Maybe, yeah.”

“Okay, well, I don’t want to bring the mood down or frighten you off, so…tell me how your week has been.”

“Quiet. I’m just getting used to life at the loft. Which, by the way, is still dreamy.”

“Mmhmm. It is. I did mean to let you in on a small secret, though. Since the potential of you meeting someone tonight is in the cards.” Andi lowered one leg and shifted her stool closer. Their thighs touched, but Rachel brushed it from her mind. Well, she tried to. “If you ever have…company, make sure you don’t have anyone staying over in the spare room. The mezzanine is open plan, so it can…be a little noisy, you know?”

Rachel burst out laughing. “You have first-hand knowledge of that, don’t you?”

“Yes. And it’s humiliating when you wake up the next morning to your guest looking at you funny. You know, because they’ve heard you having mind-blowing sex the night before.”

Oh, my. Rachel was now imagining things she shouldn’t be imagining. Had the thought of her and Andi together crossed her mind? On more than one occasion, yes. Stop! She cleared her throat. “Yes. I kinda got that from the moment you started talking about it. But hey, at least your guests would have known you were having good sex.”

“You make a good point.” Andi nodded and smiled.

“I don’t think it’s anything I have to worry about for the time being. The chances of me having someone over while my best friend is there are slim to none.”

“I think tonight could be your lucky night and not mine, as you assume.”

Rachel narrowed her eyes over her wine glass, staring intently at Andi. She caught a hint of flirtation in her voice, but where exactly was it directed? Was Andi simply humouring Rachel and the idea that she could be leaving with someone tonight? Or was she thinking what Rachel was…and hoping they were leaving together. “Anyone in particular I should look out for?” She chanced her luck, asking a question she wasn’t sure she’d like the answer to.

“Well, since I’m not your cup of tea…anyone else in the room, really. Except for Sally or Claire. I think most of the guests are single if my memory serves me right.”

Since I’m not your cup of tea… Was that Andi’s way of saying she was still disappointed? God, Rachel didn’t know what to do or say for the best. This wasn’t usually how she responded to women. Juliet had shattered her confidence in some ways, so now, Rachel found herself completely unsure of herself or what she was capable of. “I’ll see how the night plays out.”

“I hope you know that when you do meet someone, I’m going to live vicariously through you.” Andi patted Rachel’s knee and winked. “Right. Finish your drink, and let’s get a cab.”

* * *

Why the hell had she avoided social situations for so long? Tonight, Andi was having the time of her life. Her friends had always known how to throw a party—Andi and Jane could match them back in the day—but being here tonight had only reminded her of the fun she could have been having. Jane never would have wanted Andi to spend Christmas alone last year, let alone the run-up to the big day. Andi may have told Rachel earlier to never regret anything, but right now, Andi was regretting becoming a hermit for so long.

“How you feeling, love?” Sally sidled up beside Andi, where she stood out on the terrace close to a patio heater.

“You know what? I’m feeling really good. Tonight is just what I’ve been needing.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” Sally nudged Andi with her shoulder. “I forgot how gorgeous Rachel was, by the way. I know we only briefly met at the market that night, but yes…very well done.”

“Oh, don’t. I’m trying not to think about it. I’m actually glad she’s found some people to chat to because I’m struggling to be around her tonight.”

“I’ve…caught her watching you once or twice. She may be making new friends, but she’s not hearing a damn word they’re saying. Trust me.”

Andi turned and took Sally’s hand. “I know you want me to find someone, but Rachel isn’t interested, Sal. Do yourself a favour, and don’t get your hopes up.”

“Okay.” Sally held up her free hand. She had an unusual look in her eyes, but Andi wasn’t dissecting it tonight. She just wanted to enjoy herself…and then pine after Rachel when nobody was around. “But if things change, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Sal? You out here, love?” Claire called out from the back door.

“Coming in now, my love.” Sally embraced Andi, holding her close. “I’m really happy you came tonight. Come on, let’s get back inside.”

“You go on. I’ll be in soon. I just wanted some air.”

Sally pulled back. “You’re sure everything is okay?”

She nodded. “I promise. Everything is okay.”

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