Holding Her Heart by Melissa Tereze

2

Eden blewout a frustrated breath as she stopped in the middle of the walkway. She didn’t have time for this. Her usual photographer, Jay, was once again crying off from a gig she’d sent to him, and now she had to find another replacement. It wasn’t the end of the world, he’d given her more time to find someone else than he had last time, but it still didn’t make Eden’s life any easier. And this afternoon was supposed to be her own time. Time to spend with her supposedly neglected best friend.

That is his final chance.

She’d said that before today, but he was too unreliable. This was the final straw.

“I swear if you turn around and leave, I’m going to chase you and tackle you to the ground!”

Eden smiled, looking up from her phone to find her best friend standing with a hand on her hip. “I’m not leaving. But I do need a minute or two.”

“What does a best friend have to do to get your attention? I haven’t seen you for weeks.”

Eden frowned. “That’s not my fault. You’re living the life in lesbian land. You forgot about me.”

Blair huffed, shaking her head. “I could never forget about you. Come on, we’ll figure out your dilemma over a bottle of wine and some good food.”

Eden could get on board with that. Blair had a knack for fixing everything. “You’re right. I’ll sort this out once we’re sitting down.” Eden stepped towards her, linking their arms together. “Come on. I’m starving.”

“Me too. Busy morning.”

“Oh.” Eden’s eyebrow rose.

“With work. Not with Dom.” Blair had met her fiancée eighteen months ago, falling head over heels for the footballer unexpectedly. Eden wouldn’t have said they were suited to one another on first inspection, but they were. Plus, Dom was besotted with Blair. She worshipped the ground Eden’s best friend walked on. “I didn’t realise I’d be so busy when I got a job.”

“Jobs will do that to you, friend. That’s why it’s called work.”

“I know. But I’ve barely seen Dom this week, and tomorrow, she’s leaving early for a game with the team, so it’s another day without her.”

“Woman, you’re obsessed. Is the sex really so amazing that you can’t manage a day by yourself anymore?”

“It’s not about the sex,” Blair said, her long blonde hair falling over her shoulder. “Dom…gets me.”

“And that’s why you’re marrying her.” Eden hip-checked Blair. “But, speaking of marriage, one of my photographers has let me down for Saturday’s all day, all night event.”

“Ouch. I wondered why you had a face like a smacked arse when I met you.”

“It’s just…I don’t need this today. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since last week when we arranged. And I wanted no interruptions. We have neglected each other for too long lately.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

“Still. I miss you. And I know Dom is there and you’re living your life, but I’m starting to feel a bit left out.”

Blair stopped, turning to face Eden. “You know you’re welcome at ours anytime you want. Dom is always asking if we have plans. Come around, have dinner, stay over for a few days.”

“I’d love to, but I’m up the wall at the minute.”

“Then we’ll arrange something,” Blair said, leaning in and kissing Eden’s cheek. “Today, while we catch up.”

Eden nodded, following Blair into the bar and grill along the main road. It was the place they always met, and it was the place where they’d spent many a drunk afternoon, reverting back to their teenage years without a care in the world.

Eden stepped up behind Blair, smiling at the waiter. “And I can’t get drunk today.”

“When do we ever get drunk?” Blair grinned, glancing over her shoulder. “You’re a lightweight.”

“I’m serious. I have to oversee everything on Saturday. I have to be at the hotel for 8 a.m. The last thing I need is a hangover tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry. This is a catch up. No alcohol will be consumed.”

“Oh, no. I need a glass of wine. But I don’t want a bottle.” Eden shoved Blair towards their table, laughing as they slid into their booth. “Now, tell me how my beautiful Harold is doing…”

“He’d kill you if he heard you calling him Harold.”

Eden knew he would. But she still called Blair’s son by his birth name when Harry wasn’t around. “How’s he getting on?”

“Really well. He’s rehearsing for some major production they’re putting on. He’s settled this year. It’s lovely knowing he’s okay. And he has Jack, of course.”

“Have you thought that maybe he doesn’t worry about you anymore?”

Blair lowered her eyes to the menu. “I wish he’d never had to worry about me. But he’s my son, and he loves me. I guess I would be worried if he didn’t show some concern.”

“But he loves Dom now. And I know he had a bit of a wobble about it, but he wanted what was best for you, Blair. You can’t complain about that.”

“No, I know. He was on FaceTime with Dom this morning. I was in the shower. I don’t know what the hell they were talking about, but I came into the bedroom to find Dom rolling around the bed, laughing.”

“I love how much they get on,” Eden said, glancing at her phone to the side of her. “And I want to continue this, but I need to sort out Saturday. Would you give me five minutes?”

“Who are you going to bring in instead?” Blair eyed the handset cradled by Eden’s fingers.

Eden smiled. “Aster. Hopefully.”

“So, it worked out well when you asked her to step in the other week?”

“It did. She’s so good, Blair. I don’t know why Dom didn’t mention her sooner. She was at the office on Monday, and it was lovely meeting her.”

“I don’t suppose Dom thought you were looking for more staff.”

“I’m meeting with her tomorrow. I didn’t say what it was about, but she’s freelance, and I was considering asking her to join my team. Full time.”

“Oh?” Blair quirked an eyebrow.

Eden focused on her phone, smiling when she brought Aster’s contact details up. They’d spoken briefly on the phone on Tuesday evening, and Aster seemed willing to jump on board this weekend for a wedding Eden had booked in. Eden loved the enthusiasm Aster appeared to have. It was refreshing to hear. “She opted for the afternoon when I put this one to her, so I stuck Jay on the morning. Should have known he’d let me down; he usually does.”

“Well, if Jay doesn’t know a good job when he sees it, maybe it’s time he looks for something else. You don’t have the time to piss around with no-shows, Ede’s. You have enough to contend with without all of this.”

“I know. And Aster is very talented.”

Eden looked up at Blair. Why was her best friend wearing a strange look on her face?

“I’ll send her a quick message and then I’m all yours.”

E: Hi. Do you have plans Saturday morning?

As much as Eden wanted Aster on board for the entire day, she wouldn’t disrupt any plans Aster had. After all, it wasn’t her fault Jay had disappeared again.

A: Hi. No plans. What’s up?

E: Are you sure?

A: I’m sure. I don’t make plans when I have to work the same day. Did you need something?

E: Could I interest you in some extra work? Same wedding but all day?

A: Absolutely.

Eden breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing back into her seat as her crisis was averted.

E: Fab. I have the day off, but I’ll be home in the next few hours if you wanted to drop by and pick up the schedule. Or I can just email it over to you.

A: I can come by if you want me to. I’m not busy. Send over the address and I’ll be there.

E: Great. I’ll see you this evening.

With Aster saving the day for the second time this month, Eden slipped her phone into her bag and gave her full attention to Blair. “All sorted.” She picked up the menu. “Remind me to thank Dom for contacting Grace. It’s helped me out a lot.”

“You know Dom. She’d do anything for anyone.”

Eden lifted her gaze. “I know. It’s why she’s perfect for you.”