Loving Cousin

After paying for our coffee and a few pastries to share, I made my way back to our table. I didn't have a lot of money, but I felt like I owed them for keeping me occupied and away from home.

"Oh, Kate, thank you," Steph said as she took the coffee from me and sipped it carefully.

"My pleasure, I really appreciate you both hanging out with me today."

"Missing Jules?" asked Holly over the top of her coffee.

"Yes." And I realized I really was. I could always count on her to give me a pep talk and she'd be able to put the situation with John into perspective. She had always managed to steer me away from the rocks where relationships were concerned. God knows she ended up on the rocks often enough herself to know what to avoid.

"Can I ask you a personal question?" Holly had a glint in her eye that made me feel uncomfortable.

"Sure, I guess."

"Were you and Jules ever ... involved?" My mind flashed to a summer day in her pool, the scent of chlorine and coconut suntan lotion.

"What?" I asked