“And how are things going with the cohabitation?”
“It’s actually pretty great for the most part. I thought we’d get in each other’s way, but we don’t. I mean, we have the usual getting used to each other stuff, but it’s minor. For some reason he can’t grasp the concept that dirty clothes go in the hamper, and it drives him crazy that I don’t eat breakfast right when I get up in the morning. He wakes up starving and wants to cook a six-course meal when all I want is tea. We’re learning all of each other’s weird idiosyncrasies. But I like knowing he’s here with me. I like sleeping with him when he’s in town. The sex is outstanding, he makes me laugh, and I love him like crazy.”
Carolina looked around the room. “He fills this space. I couldn’t imagine him not in it.”
Stella smiled at her best friend. “I love seeing you like this. You were always so driven, so focused only on work. Not that your work isn’t as important to you now as it ever was, but sharing your life with Drew has changed you.”
“It has. In ways even I can’t explain. And I want the same thing for you, Stell, because you’re just as driven and focused as I used to be—as I still am. But you don’t have that someone to share your world with.”
Stella felt a tug in the vicinity of her chest, but shrugged it off. “I don’t need that. I don’t want it. I told you, I’m a free agent, and I prefer it that way.”
“It’s a lonely way. I never realized how lonely I was until Drew came in and filled my world with all that love.”
“Now you’re starting to sound like one of those sappy greeting cards you buy at the store.”
Carolina laughed. “I am, aren’t I? Okay, enough love talk. I want to hear about this new show. Tell me all about it. What role you’re dancing, who the cast is, and all the juicy gossip.”
Stella spent the next hour filling Carolina in on the grueling rehearsals and the cast, and telling her all about the choreographer. She hadn’t realized so much time had passed until she heard a click at the front door. She looked up to see Drew walk through.
With Trick walking in behind him.
“Well, hi, you two.” Carolina got up and went to greet Drew, who wrapped his arms around her and gave her a warm kiss.
“Hey, babe,” Drew said, his gaze lingering on Carolina. “We were talking strategy, so I thought we’d continue it here with a beer. Unless you two are talking strategy of your own.”
Carolina laughed. “No, we had dinner, now we’re gossiping.” She moved to Trick and hugged him.
Stella got up and went over to give Drew a hug and peck on the cheek. “Hi, there, hot stuff. How’s it goin’?”
“It’s going great. And you?”
“Still dancing, as always.”
“Good to hear.”
She nodded at Trick after he hung up his coat. “Hey.”
“Hey. Did you and Carolina have fun tonight?”
“We did. I stopped off to see her after rehearsal and we ended up spending the evening together.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“How did your meeting go?”
“It went fine. We’re coming up on a game against Detroit and they’re tough. We’ve got a couple of our key players injured, so we needed to talk strategy and replacements.”
“You guys want a beer or wine?” Carolina asked from the bar.
“Beer for me, thanks,” Trick said as he followed Stella toward the living room.
“Obviously it’s a game you all really want to win.”
“They’ve kicked our asses the last few meetings,” Drew said, taking two beers from Carolina and handing one off to Trick. “Injuries or not, we intend to take them down this time.”
Stella grabbed her water from the coffee table and took a long swallow. “When’s the game?”
“Monday night.”
“Home game, right?”
Trick nodded. “Yeah.”
“I’ll definitely be there to cheer you on.”
“I can make it, too,” Carolina said.
“Are you sure?” Drew had taken up a spot on the arm of the sofa, and smoothed his hand over her hair. “I know you’re in crunch mode.”
Carolina tilted her head back to look up at Drew and smiled. “This is an important game for you. I wouldn’t miss it.”
Drew leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “Thanks, babe. That means a lot.”
“You two should get a room.”
“We have one. Or two. Right here, as a matter of fact,” Drew said with a wide grin.
Stella stood. “That’s my cue to leave.”
Carolina laughed. “It was not.”
“I’ve got to go anyway. I still need a hot bath or my muscles will cramp up on me.”
“I’ll go with you.” Trick took a few deep swallows of his beer.
“You do not have to leave. Drew was just kidding, you know,” Carolina said.
Drew slipped his arm around Carolina. “Was I?”
Carolina rolled her eyes. “You’re a terrible host.”
He laughed. “Hey, Lina’s right. I was just joking.”
“Oh, I know, but I’ll head out with Stella anyway.”