I waited at the bar, scrolling through emails and messages on my phone as I sipped my scotch, neat.

The plane ride had been blissfully quick and uneventful. I’d found Laurel’s excitement and childlike wonder of sitting in first class charming and refreshing. It had been nice to have a normal conversation with her without tales of our past, pranks, or bitter memories muddying the waters.

I found I was beginning to like present-day Laurel, and was looking forward to spending the evening with her.

“Hey,” I heard Laurel say timidly from behind me.

I turned with a smile, then faltered slightly at first glance.

Whereas before she’d stunned in a sexy, slinky black dress, tonight she was pure class in black slacks with a sheer, floral blouse. Her hair was long and loose, in stylish waves, and her makeup was tastefully done.

“You look beautiful,” I said, without any pretense. I always spoke the truth, and right then, the truth was that Laurel looked more beautiful than I’d ever seen her look. Although I had never said it out loud before, I’d always grudgingly admitted that she was one of the loveliest women I’d ever seen. Even when we were younger.

It was the summer of my twelfth year, right before eighth grade, and we were all hanging out at the springs.

It had been Gabe’s idea to play Truth or Dare, and as usual, we all went along with Gabe. He was our leader of sorts, and we usually ended up doing whatever he wanted. It helped that he always had cool ideas.

Although, now that we were getting older I was wishing we hung out with more girls that weren’t family. And Laurel. The last couple times I’d seen her, I’d noticed how long her hair was getting, and how much blonder it was in the sun.

And when we arrived at the springs, I couldn’t help but notice the way she was beginning to fill out her bathing suit, as she shimmied out of her jean shorts and t-shirt.

For the first time ever, I found myself hoping someone would dare us to kiss. Lord knew I could never kiss her on my own, but if it was a dare, then I could do it without getting a charley horse from my sister.

But of course, when I chose Dare, Gabe dared Jazzy and me to a swim race, and by the time we got back, with me as the winner, it was time to go home.

Laurel’s cheeks reddened slightly, and her lips turned up with pleasure at my compliment.

“Thanks. Are you ready, or would you like to finish your drink? I can order something…” she trailed off when I shook my head and stood.

“I’m ready,” I assured her, then placed my hand at the small of her back and led her out of the bar, through the lobby, and out of the hotel. “I hope you’re hungry, I was able to get us in to Alinea, in the Salon.”

“Oh, I haven’t heard of Alinea, is it good?” she asked as I helped her into the waiting Uber.

Once I settled in next to her and confirmed our destination with the driver, I turned to her and explained, “I’ve only been there one other time, and we were in The Gallery, not the Salon, but it was an experience unlike any other I’ve ever had. You have to see it to believe it, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

“Well, in that case, I can’t wait,” Laurel said, pulling out her compact to check her makeup.

I watched her face as we walked inside and were seated. She was so expressive, so full of wonder at everything around her, that I found myself anticipating her reaction to each of the fourteen courses we’d be experiencing that evening.

“We’ll take the wine pairing,” I said, looking to Laurel for agreement, then smiling when she nodded.

After the first course, the Trout Roe, was delivered, Laurel brought her bright eyes to mine and exclaimed, “That’s the most gorgeous dish of food I’ve ever seen. I’m almost afraid to eat it.”

“Just wait,” I assured her, “Each dish is more amazing than the last.”

In between magnificent dishes, I asked her about herself mostly, the time when she did not live in Cherry Springs, noting that she skirted over the issues with her ex.

I knew that what Jasmine had told me had been in confidence, and could tell that Laurel wasn’t ready to tell me about her asshole ex herself. So, I allowed her assumption that I knew nothing about Travis to stand, and decided to keep the evening light and enjoyable for her. We could always get into the details of her relationship later, when Laurel was ready to discuss it.

“I took a job working as an assistant to one of the largest wedding coordinators in Houston, and although I learned a ton from her, I knew I wanted to open a business of my own. So, I saved my money and sucked everything I could from that job. I have at least a dozen notebooks filled with ideas and notes about what did and didn’t work.”

“Well, from what I’ve seen, you have a solid plan, and, like I said, I think Cherry Springs will love taking advantage of what you’re going to offer.”

“Thanks, I can’t tell you how much I value your opinion,” she said, and I could tell that she meant it.

And for some reason, not only did her words warm me deep inside, but I realized that I was beginning to like everything about this night. About Laurel. The way she dressed, the way she enjoyed the moment, and especially the way she looked at me.

Had she always looked at me like that?