Page 85 of One Sweet Day I Found You

“Wow. Who’s the hottie?” Gia asked.

Courtney hesitated, trying not to stare. “Oh, his name’s Tom.”

She was about to say more when the crowd in front of Tom and Angela cleared.

Courtney sucked in a breath.

Nick.

He clutched a bottle of beer and sported a white shirt with blue Bermudas. He looked stunning. She grinned. Too cool for all three colors, eh?

He hadn’t spotted Courtney yet.

Courtney turned around quickly and took hold of Gia’s arm. She pulled Gia with her so she could face the other direction.

“What’s wrong?” Gia searched Courtney’s face.

“Oh, my gosh. Gia, that’s my boyfriend—I mean, sort of. The guy I’ve been dating all month—until last week. We’re not speaking right now. He’s kind of mad at me.”

Gia’s expression changed. “Really? Where?” She glanced back discreetly in the direction they’d been facing. “You never told me you were seeing someone.”

“I know. Sorry. It’s kind of a soft spot for me right now.” Courtney stared at the grass.

“Oh, no problem.” Gia waved it off.

Courtney lowered her voice. “He’s standing next to his roommate, Tom, the guy that Angela just mauled. Do you see him? Oh, my gosh, what am I gonna do? Is he looking over here?”

Gia looked over at Nick, whose back was now to them. “White shirt? Brown hair?”

“Yeah.”

“Heavens, girl. You better make up with that one! He’s a sight for sore eyes.”

Courtney whined. “I know. Easier said than done, though.”

“That’s too bad, but youhaveto say hello, before he sees you avoiding him. Try to stay calm and don’t be obvious.”

Courtney’s back was now to Nick.

Gia kept an eye on him across the yard. “All right, follow my lead and he’ll never know you just freaked out like a schoolgirl over here. But take off your sunglasses first so that he can see your eyes.”

Courtney let out a nervous giggle and removed the sunglasses. “Okay.”

“What’s his name?”

Courtney told her then grabbed Gia’s arm once more. “Wait. How do I look?”

Gia sized her up, pushed a few stray hairs from Courtney’s face, and yanked on one of the straps of her cami top to even it out with the other one. She looked at Courtney’s denim shorts and sandals, and Courtney straightened her shoulders. “Gorgeous.”

“Thanks,” Courtney said, flattered.

“Now turn back to the way you were standing before. Don’t be obvious. Very casual now…” Gia drew out the words slowly.

Courtney turned back and the next moment, Nick looked over and met Courtney’s gaze. She took in another breath and narrowed her eyes, searching his face. Quietly, she mouthed it. “Hi.”

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