Chapter 23

Cassandra sat at the edge of her friend’s guest room bed, laser-focused on the notes she’d been typing. The dim light of her laptop screen illuminated her determined expression as she reread each line, editing and polishing in her mind while she waited for Zoe to finish her drink. Across the room, an empty tequila bottle lay on its side, proof that Zoe had stopped at just one—thankfully. Ever since the night began, Cassandra had kept a close eye on her friend’s glass, refusing to let it refill. Now, with Zoe swaying slightly as she rose from the bathroom, Cassandra rose, slipping her laptop aside.

“Not driving tonight,” Cassandra said firmly, stepping toward Zoe and placing a steadying hand on her friend’s shoulder.

Zoe blinked up at her, words slurring into a grateful smile. Cassandra guided her gently to the guest bed and helped her lie down, tucking her under the soft blankets. With the last of the tequila behind them and Zoe safely asleep, Cassandra closed the guest