Page 18 of Back Up Plan

Cass nodded and pointed to herself, “And that’s where I come in.”

Ari waved to her, “Correct.”

The waiter returned with two wine glasses and an unopened bottle, “The chef recommended this 2012 from the Napa Valley which will pair beautifully with the fish you’ve both ordered.”

He popped the cork and poured a gorgeous, velvety white wine into the cups.

As they raised their glasses to cheers, the waiter disappeared into the restaurant which had become quite full since they sat down.

“To a convenient arrangement,” Ari said with a smirk.

Cass laughed, “And many more.”

Their glasses clinked and before they knew it, their meals were being placed in front of them

They dug in, occasionally pausing to ask any number of first-date questions.

What Cass had learned was that Ari came from a very creative family but had never felt like she stacked up to their talent; she was funnier when she was tipsy; she knew how to tie a knot in a cherry stem and promised to show Cass sometime.

The waiter delicately set the bill between them as he took away their plates.

“Thank you, ladies. Enjoy your evening,” he said before leaving.

Ari grabbed the bill and looked to Cass, “Good to split?”

Cass paused, believing her for a second. Ari had offered to pay since the restaurant was more out of Cass’s way. She giggled, “So, now you have jokes?”

Ari shrugged and put her card on the tray, “Only if I like you.”

Cass raised her eyebrows, “Is that so?”

Ari laughed and stood from her chair, “Ready for part two?”

She was walking away before Cass could answer. Something about this woman made her more intrigued than ever, even though she knew she wasn’t ready for whoever Ari really was.

7

ARI

Ari hadn’t stopped beingnervous from the second she saw Cass outside of Bottino. But, she had enjoyed getting to know the mysterious sound engineer.

“What’re your parents like?” Cass asked her, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Oh, they’re… pretty good honestly. We’ve had our rough patches but we’ve always been able to smooth it over,” Ari said. It was entirely true. Even though they were still together, her parents really should have gotten a divorce years ago.

“Like what?” Cass questioned.

Luckily for Ari, they were walking up to Pier 59.

“Kind of a long story,” she said as she pulled the door open for her… date? Friend?

Cass rolled her eyes at Ari dodging the question, but ducked inside anyway, “Okay, then what are we doing here?”

Ari nodded, “Any guesses?”

Cass thought for a moment, racking her brain for what exactly the Chelsea Piers were evenfor.

“Oh god…” she said as Ari guided them toward the “Golf Club”.

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