CH.THIRTY- INCHES CLOSER

RACHEL’S POV

“You startled me!” Cecilia exclaimed, dropping her purse on the sofa. I was already seated, watching her as she joined me.

“Well, I went to the bar for a birthday party,” she answered, playing with her hair. There was something about her demeanor—she seemed happy, but at the same time, there was a trace of mixed emotions lingering on her face.

“And you didn’t care to invite me?” I teased, though I knew exactly how she would respond.

“Oh, come on, Rachel. The business nerd who barely leaves her desk going to a birthday party?” she shot back, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Just as I expected.

“So, did you meet someone there?” I asked, my instincts telling me something was off. There was a certain energy about her that made it clear she had met someone. I could tell—probably a guy.

Cecilia and I had both been through our fair share of fleeting relationships. Well, to be fair, hers lasted longer than mine. Still, every time she met someone, there was this unmistakable ex