I momentarily stepped back in time when we walked into The Cove Bar and Grill. My stomach clenched, my heart flip-flopped,and my breath caught in my throat when my eyes landed on the barstool where I’d first seen Chris. His face flashed in my mind, and I couldn’t help but smile.

It was odd to think how one moment—one night—changed my life forever.

“God,” I said as Cassie and I slid into our chairs, “it’s crazy how different things are now.”

The great thing about having a connection with your best friend, like I did with Cassie, was that I didn’t have to explain my thought process. She knew what I was talking about without me having to say a word.

After ordering two glasses of wine from the bartender, Micky, Cassie placed her hand on top of mine and said, “What’s really crazy is that none of this would’ve happened without my expert intervening.”

“True,” I said. “I guess I owe you a huge thank you.”

“No thanks needed,” she said. “But if you feel so inclined, drinks are on you tonight.”

I laughed but nodded my head. “I could never repay you.”

“Even though I had to practically strong-arm you into going over to talk to him.”

“I guess I should thank you for that too.”

Cassie tipped her glass toward mine in salute.

“I needed this,” I said, taking my first sip.

“I’ve gotta hand it to Chris. Not many people can read someone else after knowing them for such a short amount of time. That man of yours cares about you. But it’s not just you. He cares about your friends, too. Cares about our relationship. I can’t tell you how much it means that he made an effort to ensure you’re taken care of and that we get to spend time together.”

A twinge of guilt hit me. “I’m sorry if I’ve neglected you recently.”

Cassie shook her head. “No, that’s not what I mean,” she said. “I’m pointing out how lucky you are. And how happy I am for you.”

“I don’t want to let a man come between us.”

“He won’t. We both know that things change when you’re in a relationship. I understand that your focus is on him and Hudson right now. And it should be. It will be the same for me . . . someday.”

“I know you’ve been taking a hiatus from guys,” I said.

“No, I’m just having a dry spell. Don’t you worry about me,” she said, pivoting in her chair to peruse the sea of men. A quick glance, and she turned back around. “Eh,” she muttered.

“Guess who’s been asking about you?” I asked.

“Who?”

“Mike.”

“Huh,” she muttered.

“He’s cute. He’s single.”

“Divorced.”

I ignored the mention of something that could potentially be a red flag. “He’s nice,” I added. “And you two seemed to hit it off at dinner.”

“I don’t know, Em. He’s got a kid.”

“Uh, so does Chris.”

“Yeah, but I—what would I do with him?”

I snorted. “Gee, I don’t know. Maybe you can get to know him. Go on a date. See if there’s something there like there seemed to be when I watched the two of you together.”