Page 26 of This Is Who I Am

“No, dinner on Monday evening sounds perfect.” I turn toward her. “I had an impromptu private lesson with both Sadie Ireland and her wife this morning.”

“Both Sadie and Devon?” Cass grins. “You must be a pro by now.”

“Close enough.” I slant toward Cass and kiss her softly on the cheek. “Good night. See you soon.”

I slip out the door before I can create any more confusion.

CHAPTER15

CASS

There it is again. I lean closer to the mirror, tilting my chin to the light, my fingers searching for the offending strand—a single hair sprouting defiantly from a spot it has no business being. I pluck it quickly, wincing more out of frustration than pain. It’s not the first time I’ve found one there, but this morning, it feels like a personal attack. Because I can’t help but wonder whether Estelle noticed it last night—when she kissed me.

Luckily, I have no time to reminisce further—I’ve done enough of that already during the night, my body blowing hot and cold like never before—because Suzy’s coming over for lunch.

I wait for her in Savor’s kitchen, laying out the ingredients I will need for this simple but most delicious dish.

Suzy doesn’t knock. She just waltzes in, kisses me on the cheek, gives me a once-over, and says, “Hm.”

“Good day to you too, Miss Ireland.”

“There’s no better vibe reader in this town thanmoi, and I’m getting vibes.” She settles on a stool on the right side of the stove.

I pour her some coffee and slide it over to her.

She waits, patient as ever, sipping her coffee.

“Something happened last night,” I admit readily. I run my fingers along my jaw, brushing the spot where that damn rogue hair was earlier. “I’ll tell you all about it, but first: grilled cheese sandwiches.”

“Oh my god. Yes and yes, please,” Suzy groans. “I’m starving.”

My ingredients are ready: crusty slices of sourdough; extra-sharp, aged cheddar; a bit of Gruyère for depth; and butter, because a perfect grilled cheese lives and dies by how well you butter the bread.

The pan clicks softly against the burner as it heats. I cut a slab of butter and press it into the bread, feeling the resistance before it softens into something pliant.

I’m glad for the time it buys me because while I’m dying to tell my best friend about that kiss, it’s not justthatI will be telling her about. I have to give her the whole story—and Suzy happens to be the perfect conversation partner for that.

The butter sizzles as I lay the bread down in the pan. The scent warms the air. I sprinkle a touch of flaky salt over the slices, then layer the cheese, allowing the heat to work its magic.

With my back half turned to her, my voice barely audible over the sizzle, I say, “Estelle kissed me last night.”

“Say what now?”

I turn around and look into her flabbergasted face.

“Context please,” Suzy says.

“Hold on.” I flip the sandwiches, watching as the bread turns perfectly golden, the cheese melting into something lush and inviting. I take a few breaths, then plate the sandwiches, slicing them diagonally so the cheese oozes at the edges. I give one to Suzy.

She picks up the plate, inspecting the sandwich with the reverence it deserves. “You’re such a queen in the kitchen.” Suzy takes a bite, closes her eyes for a second, then sighs. “Okay, I’m ready. Tell me everything.”

I lean against the counter, cradling my own sandwich in my hands. “It’s not so much the kiss that has thrown me,” I say. “The kiss was amazing.”

“I sense a but.” Suzy glances at me.

“It’s hard to get a handle on what it means, because…”

Suzy studies me in silence, then takes another bite.

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