said Kelly as Anna walked into Kelly and J

ol together and both now teaching at that same school, but for the past few years,

did that just to keep Anna isolated, away from the positive influence of Kelly’s friendship. After the divorce, Anna and Kelly spent more time together, but as Kel

own in her friend’s living room, “and

can’t wait!” Kelly brushed her long, straight blonde hair away from her face. “But fi

get a few snacks first. I requ

boards as if they were her own as Kelly pulled out some dishes. Eventually, they had bowls of pretzels, pot

d, but who cares? It’s our ni

o, they’d hosted their first adults-only party. They had both planned it for months but realized only a couple days before the event that the menu of pizza, hot dogs, chips, and cookies sounded

said. “Let’s get to the dir

I was getting the

” Kelly said

dirt. Zero dirt. B

friend,” laughed Kelly. “What did he say? How d

thing. He sent flo

so romantic.” Kelly smiled b

ros

. Even better.” T

his number,”

he say when yo

I haven’

tzel she had just grabbed fr

if I’m ready,”

you’re not ready to date a gorgeous man who sends red roses? Did I

sn’t the only thi

also a big spend

I just don’t want to go jumping into something like a crazed

lopping her chin on her hand. “I mean, I love John and he looks

, shaking herself before she started on another daydream about

t ever want to see you hurt. But if you don’t take a risk and take a chance, you’ll hurt in the end because you missed out o

ght. I’m j

ming about him, have

u know that’s scary, right?” Anna said, fo

now you’re serious about a guy. And I know you’ve also been sitting in y

. You’re right. I’ve been thinking about Alan

I just have this feeling that he’s different, that he’s right for you. I really want you to

Green

oice. “Well, this Ethan Greenfield is about to g

just haven’t had the guts to

ish, “until you get on that phone and call that beautiful man.” Kelly smiled, knowi

of what she would say to Ethan. Then she took her cellphone out of her purse, found he