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“Tracy, this is absolutely beautiful,” Dawn said, caressing the large agate stone with her fingertip. The vintage sterling silver bangle surrounded her wrist with elegance and class. “You’re too good to me.”

“I’m glad you like it. There were so many to choose from. They make them right there on the island.”

Dawn stood and leaned over the cafe table to give her best friend a hug. “I more than like it. I love it.” She returned to her seat.

“You have to plan to accompany me next year, Dawn. You’re a workaholic. So far you’ve missed Jamaica, Costa Rica, and now Mexico. You’re in the prime of your life. Enjoy it while you can.”

“I know, I know. You’re right on all points, but I want to hear about your trip. Were there any good-looking guys in Baja?”

Tracy picked up a napkin and fanned herself. “Honey, my eyeballs are sore from ogling. I feel like Stella. I’m ready to get my groove back.”

Dawn admired her friend’s crazy sense of humor, but her heavy-laden heart wouldn’t allow her the luxury of laughing. If Tracy ever found out who she was getting her groove on with, things could get ugly. Giving Tracy a weak smile, Dawn took a sip of cranberry iced tea.

“Next month, I’m going to have a pool party. I want to meet this mystery friend of yours,” Tracy said, eyeing her intently.  ”He sounds interesting.”

“I…I wouldn’t exactly call him a mystery. We both have busy schedules.”

Tracy took her wallet from her purse. “Well, mark your calendar. No excuses. I want to meet him.”

“Put that away. I’ll take care of the tab.” Thankful for the distraction, Dawn placed several bills on the table. She had to find a way to tell Tracy the truth. The dishonesty tore her apart, and Tracy didn’t deserve it.

Tracy leaned forward, her hazel eyes full of mischief. “I’m not letting you off the hook. Are you going to bring this mysterious David to the party?”

“Maybe, but don’t expect me to wear a bathing suit. I have to lose a few pounds.”

“Dawn, please. Men are all over you everywhere we go.  Your beautiful face and voluptuous body are to die for.  Besides, wearing a size fourteen is average these days.”

“Humph, if you say so. Why are you a size six, if fourteen is so popular?”

Tracy laughed. “Talk to God about that. I wish I had a bigger rear to strut. Seriously, I think you’re gorgeous. I also think you need to take more time out to enjoy yourself.”

If she only knew how much fun I’ve had lately. “I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Good, I’d better get going. I’m picking Ashley up early from the sitter. I promised to take her for ice cream. Would you like to join us? She hasn’t seen her godmother in almost two weeks.”

“No, I can’t.  I have to finish up at the office.  Would it be okay if I picked her up on Saturday for a couple of hours?”

Tracy stood, smoothing her tight black dress over her soft curves. “Of course, that’ll give me time to run a few errands.”

Dawn’s insides flip-flopped.  She couldn’t let this go any farther. “Um, Tracy, can we talk a few minutes before you leave?”

Tracy slid back into her chair. “Sure. What’s up?”

A hush fell over the small cafe, as if anticipating her words.  Dawn played with the edges of a napkin before lifting her gaze to Tracy’s.  She took a trembling breath.  ”The mystery guy I’m seeing isn’t someone I just met. I’ve known him for years.  We work together, and I introduced the two of you ten years ago.”

The light in Tracy’s eyes dimmed to a haunted, fearful look. “Wha…what?” She shook her head. “Please, Dawn, don’t say what I think you’re about to say. Please don’t.”

“We both fought it as long as we could because of the love we have for you.”

“Are you telling me you’re messing around with my Kevin? With Ashley’s father?”

“I didn’t know you still referred to him as your Kevin. You’ve been divorced eighteen months. We started dating six months ago.”

A lone tear slid down Tracy’s cheek. She laughed harshly. “Six months, and you never said a word. Not one word.”

“I wanted to, but I didn’t know how you’d react.”

“How did you think I would react? I loved Kevin. Although we grew apart during our marriage, I still loved him. We have a daughter. You know how painful the divorce was for me.  Even now, I still care deeply for him. How could you do this?”
“I’m sorry, Tracy. I wish it was anyone but Kevin. Although he and I have been good friends for many years, we never expected to fall in love.”

“In … love? You’re in love?” Tracy stumbled to her feet. “You were my best friend.  I trusted you with my life.  I’ve told you precious secrets.  We’ve cried together and what did it all mean?  I would have given you the shirt off my back.”  Crying, she snatched the tablecloth from the table and all the dishes along with it.  ”The two of you deserve each other. You’re nothing but a fat, trifling hussy.”  She ran from the restaurant.

The restaurant manager rushed to the table, stepping over the broken dishes. “Ma’am, someone is going to have to pay for this.”

Through blinding tears, Dawn handed him a wad of bills and her business card before making her way to the parking lot.  She slumped over the steering wheel and cried until her eyes were dry.

*****

Dawn tightened the belt on her robe as she sprinted across the room to answer the door. Please let it be Tracy. She’d tried calling earlier but Tracy had already activated the call block service. Breathless from emotions and the short run, she pulled the door open. Her heart split down the middle.  Kevin stood on the other side.  His dark good looks held her captivated, and all he’d become in her life enveloped her. She wanted to throw herself in his strong arms, while also wishing he would disappear.

He smiled.  ”Are you going to invite me in?”

“Yes.”

As soon as the door closed, he drew her into his arms.  ”I thought you were coming back to the office.”

“Something came up.”  She gently pushed away from the comfort of his arms and walked into the living room.

“I hope nothing serious.”

“Serious enough.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Kevin, listen, this isn’t going to work. I think we need to cool it for awhile.”

He frowned. “What do you mean cool it?”

“I mean we shouldn’t see each other right now. I need to sort a few things in my mind.”  She turned her back to him. Her mouth and heart were going in different directions. No man had ever made her feel as special as he did. She had fallen hard and needed him just to breathe, but she also wanted her friendship with Tracy.

Kevin circled and stood in front her.  He took her hands in his. “A few hours ago you were fine. What is this really about?”

“It’s just best for all concerned.”

He released her hands.  ”For all concerned? You’ve given me the best six months of my life. I can’t imagine living without you. And this is all you have to say?”

She pressed her fingers against her swollen eyes. “Tracy knows.”

Her eyes flew open when he let out a loud expulsion of breath. She watched as he ran his hand over his head and walked to the window overlooking the courtyard. Silence vibrated through the room. Finally, he turned and strode back to where she stood.

“Is this the reason you don’t want to see me?”

“Yes, for the most part.”

“Dawn, I love you. You’re the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I want us to marry as soon as possible.”  His lips tilted in a smile. “I want you to have my babies.”

Butterflies swarmed her stomach. The thought of being his wife left her dizzy and elated, but the ugly reality wouldn’t allow it to sink in.  “It won’t work. Think about the effect this will have on Ashley.  Although she’s only seven, she’s much smarter than you think. Her mom now hates me.  I can never forgive myself for hurting Tracy.”

His brows drew together. “We’re not doing anything wrong. Tracy and I fell out of love, and we’re entitled to find happiness and love again. I’ve found that happiness with you. Surely she can’t hold that against us.” He reached out and held Dawn’s shoulders. “Please, don’t give up what we have.”

Dawn pursed her lips. “I’m sorry, but we can’t be more than friends. It’s best that you leave.”

Kevin’s hands dropped to his sides, emotions stirring in the depths of his eyes. He turned and walked out.

Dawn held the wall for support as her world turned upside down.

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