Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Randi had her back to Eden as she walked into the kitchen. “That went well, don’t you think?”
“Do you not like Gabi?” Eden asked.
Randi put the bowl she’d just rinsed into the dishwasher and reached for a towel to wipe her hands. She slowly turned around and stared at Eden. “Why would you ask that? Was I not friendly?”
“No, you were friendly enough,” Eden said. “Except for that last comment about Cari’s book.”
Randi winced. “Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t realize how it sounded until I’d said it. Do we give away books at these events?”
Eden smiled. “Sometimes. It builds a connection.”
“Ah, okay.” Randi nodded.
“I saw you looking at Gabi a few times and…” Eden shrugged.
Randi sighed and decided to be honest with Eden. “She seemed a little, ugh, I don’t know how to say this. Handsy.”
Eden’s eyes widened and Randi thought she was about to be in trouble.
“I know,” Eden said. “I noticed it, too.”
“I knew you didn’t like it!” Randi exclaimed.
“It wasn’t that.” Eden sighed. She leaned against the counter and crossed her arms. “I’ve tried to feel some kind of connection with her, but it’s just not happening.”
“Did you feel anything when you were dancing with her on that first date?”
“Not really.”
“She’s obviously feeling something for you,” Randi muttered.
“Yeah, maybe,” Eden said.
“Isn’t Tennie coming to the event tomorrow?” Randi asked. “This might get interesting.”
“Yes, she’s coming. And you’ll be there to help me navigate it,” Eden said with a smile.
“Um, I’ll be busy with Cari,” Randi said.
Eden chuckled. “Nice try,” she said. “You won’t leave me in the lurch if Tennie and Gabi are there at the same time.”
Randi grinned. “Of course I won’t, but why is it a big deal? They know about each other, right? I mean they met you at the same event at the same time.”
“Yeah, you know, it might be awkward if I felt sparks for either one of them.”
“Or it might be fun.” Randi chuckled. “I thought you liked Tennie.”
“I do, but it’s more like friends than—well—more.”
Randi went over and stood next to Eden. “Maybe you’re trying too hard.
” She put her arm around Eden and squeezed.
Her head gently fell onto Randi’s shoulder.
They stayed like that for a moment and Randi felt her heart begin to race.
Why couldn’t their connection be the one? Why wasn’t she enough for Eden?
“That was an amazing clue,” Eden said quietly.
“It was pretty good, wasn’t it.” Randi chuckled. “I was searching for a connection and it came to me when I saw beach and horse. Then train and Tokyo were next. When I spotted telescope on the bottom row I couldn’t believe it.”
“That’s why you looked so confident when you gave me the clue.”
Randi nodded. “I knew you would get it.”
“I think the game is trying to tell us something.”
“Yeah, we are really good players.”
Eden chuckled. “Not just that. It made me wonder why we haven’t taken any of those vacations. Then it came to me.”
Eden raised her head and bumped her shoulder against Randi’s. “Someone keeps changing jobs before they have enough personal time off to go on vacation.”
“Oh yeah? Well, someone thinks she’s too valuable to the company to even take a long weekend to go away,” Randi countered.
Eden stepped in front of Randi and put her hands on her shoulders. “Okay! Right now, let’s make a deal that when you have enough time accumulated we’re going on a vacation.”
Randi looked down into Eden’s eyes and could see she was serious.
“Wait!” Eden exclaimed. “We could talk Analise into letting you have time off if we sell a certain number of Cari’s books this month.”
“She might go for that,” Randi said. “Okay.” She held up her hand and extended her little finger. “Pinkie promise.”
Eden chuckled. “When did we start doing this?”
“When it’s important,” Randi said.
Eden smirked and curled her little finger around Randi’s. “Yes, this is important. I promise to go on vacation with you.”
“When?” Randi’s breath caught in her throat when she saw the delight in Eden’s eyes.
Eden’s face softened with a smile. “As soon as we get you time off.”
Randi nodded. “I promise.”
Later that night, after Eden had gone home, Randi went through her checklist for Cari’s author event one more time.
She and Eden had agreed to meet at the restaurant down the street for breakfast to go over any last minute details.
Randi knew that wasn’t the only reason Eden insisted on meeting.
She probably wanted to soothe any nerves Randi may be feeling since this was her first author event.
Randi had done events similar to this hundreds of times in her career.
Yes, this was her first author event, but it was still a product they were bringing to customers.
The reason this was different was because she was doing it with Eden.
They were on the same team, working together for the first time in their careers.
There had been times when Randi needed volunteers for presentations or events and Eden had always been by her side. Somehow this time was different because they were both invested in Hook, Line Randi was just looking out for her best friend.
What did surprise Randi was the longing she felt in her heart when Eden rested her head on her shoulder.
Eden had never said Randi wasn’t good enough for her; that was Randi’s conclusion.
She’d always felt she wasn’t steady enough for Eden because Randi’s interests could change on a whim.
However, Eden was the one who Randi usually convinced to come with her when trying something new.
Maybe Eden’s structured, analytical life needed Randi’s random, spontaneous adventures.
Randi smiled. “In your dreams,” she muttered.
Eden stood off to the side of the line that had formed in front of Cari’s table. She was smiling, interacting with each fan, and signing books. But Eden’s eyes were on Randi.
Eden smiled as she watched Randi walk down the line stopping to talk with waiting fans. She passed out stickers and bookmarks, but what really got Eden’s attention was when she overheard Randi asking questions.
She engaged the readers and fans in conversation about Cari’s books.
They talked about her current release and the things they loved in it.
Randi asked thoughtful questions about the characters and listened to their answers.
Then she followed it up with insightful comments adding to the conversation.
Eden had taken Randi out to breakfast this morning in hopes of easing any anxiety or nerves she was feeling about her first author event. After Eden explained what to expect Randi seemed to relax. Once they got to the bookstore Eden helped Randi set things up just the way she wanted them.
Now she looked on as the Randi she knew, loved, and had seen thrive in these situations came alive. Eden couldn’t keep her eyes off her and the smile never left her lips.
Every so often Randi circled back to Cari to make sure she had everything she needed even though Analise was assisting at the table. Eden was helping here and there when needed. The turnout was better than they expected and the event was running smoothly.
Eden had taken a moment to talk to a few fans at the back of the line and thank them for their patience as well as being at the event.
She stopped to watch Randi because she was really good at this and Eden loved to see her shine.
It was almost like watching her favorite player have a great game and make the winning shot.
Randi looked her way occasionally and smiled that special smile or gave her a wink. The delight in her eyes was contagious. Eden suddenly thought how lucky the woman who was Randi’s girlfriend would be. Her heart skipped a beat when Randi smiled her way again.
“I don’t know if these fans are swooning for Cari or Randi,” Analise said.
Eden had been so focused on Randi she hadn’t noticed Analise walk up beside her. She took a breath, calming her pounding heart. “Cari seems to have worked through her nerves,” she said.
“With your and Randi’s help,” Analise replied. “I think she’s actually enjoying herself.”
“I know Randi is.” Eden chuckled. “She is such a people person.”
“I saw her smiling your way,” Analise said. “You can’t take your eyes off her.”
Eden scoffed then shrugged. “I love to see her like this.”
“Uh huh.” Analise stared at Eden.
“What?”
Analise shook her head. “I can’t believe you and Randi have never dated. Why is that?”
Eden had been asked that question several times over the years and she was usually quick to answer, but not today. “There was a time when we thought about it for a minute, but we were afraid to screw up our friendship. At the time, we were all we had.”
“Aren’t you still?” Analise asked.
Eden swallowed and took a deep breath.
“I mean, you’re always there for each other. Is there anyone you are more comfortable with than Randi?”
Eden couldn’t keep from thinking back to the end of last night. When they were standing in Randi’s kitchen and she put her arm around Eden, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to lie her head on Randi’s shoulder.
“You know Randi best,” Analise continued. “What would the right woman for her be like?”
“Hmm,” Eden murmured. “Let’s see. Randi is a free spirit so you’d think she’d need someone like that.
Honestly, she needs someone who is grounded but will let her spirit soar.
” She paused. “Her girlfriend would have to be open to adventure, but she doesn’t go along easily.
Randi loves to encourage and coax.” She smiled and couldn’t help but think back to several times when Randi talked her into various activities.
“She needs to be tolerant. Someone who is by the book or a rule follower would get frustrated with Randi. If she likes to laugh and likes to be surprised then Randi is her girl because Randi likes to make people happy. That’s when she’s happy. ”
“Isn’t that interesting,” Analise said. “I think I remember you telling me that you wanted to find a woman who is like Randi.”
Eden nodded and smiled as she continued to watch Randi. “Yep, I’ve said that.”
“Well, the woman you just described sounds a lot like you.”
Eden whipped her head around to stare at Analise. Before she could say anything Tennie walked up.
“Hi, what have I missed?” Tennie asked. “I wanted to get here sooner.”
“Hey there,” Analise said with a bright smile.
Eden saw how Analise’s face lit up at Tennie and hoped she’d forget about their conversation. Had she really just described herself as the perfect girlfriend for Randi? She’d have to think about that later.
“Hi, Tennie. You’re right on time,” Eden said with a smile. “I’m sure we can get you a few freebies. Randi’s been passing them out all afternoon.”
“It looks like a good turnout,” Tennie commented.
“It’s been great,” Analise said.
“Let’s go say hi to Cari and I’ll introduce you to her sister,” Eden said.
Randi nodded at Tennie as they walked up to the table.
“Hey!” Cari said. “It’s nice to see you. Thanks for coming.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Tennie grinned. “Don’t let me stop you. I’ll be here until you're finished.”
“Tennie, this is Cari’s sister, Paige,” Eden said.
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” Tennie said, shaking her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Paige replied. “Cari has spoken of you.”
“Oh!” Tennie said, surprised.
“Something about coffee dates?” Paige asked.
“That’s right. Tennie and I meet before work sometimes at our favorite coffee shop. I think Cari has been there with Randi several times and ran into you.”
Tennie chuckled. “The coffee shop is the place to be.”
“Hey, Cari and I want to go out for a drink when she gets finished here,” Paige said. “Can y’all join us?”
“Of course,” Analise said. “We have to celebrate.”
“Tennie?” Paige asked. “Do you drink more than coffee?”
“Yes, I’d love to come along.”
“I’ll tell Randi,” Eden said. “She’ll know where we should go.”