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"Come on, Cassandra," Brian whined. "You have to come. Everyone is going to be there."

Cassandra sighed and put down her pen. "Brian, I have so much work to do tonight. Tomorrow is the first day of school, and I have to be prepared for my classes. I can't show up tomorrow and have nothing to present to my students. What is it that you don't understand about this?"


Brian sat down in the chair next to her and grabbed her arm. "Please, come to Baylee's birthday party. You're his godmother. It would mean so much to us if you'd come."

Cassandra looked into the eyes of her best friend and smiled. "Okay, I'll go. I'll just finish up what I can before I leave, then come back home and finish up everything else. Does that suit you?"


"Absolutely!" Brian said as he stood up. "It's nothing formal, just wear something comfortable. We're meeting at Fassnight Park at 4:00."

"Okay, I'll be there," Cassandra said as she got up and followed Brian to the door.


"Thanks, Cass," Brian said with a smile.

Cassandra smiled back. "You're welcome. I'll see you at four," she said the watched Brian get into his car and leave.


Later that afternoon, Cassandra arrived at the park and nervously stepped up to everyone. She wasn't nervous to see her friends, but nervous to meet new people. It was not her idea of the perfect way to spend her afternoon. Cassandra checked her makeup one more time in the rearview mirror and sighed. She knew there was no way around this. She put on her brave face, grabbed Baylee's present and got out of the car.

Everyone was gathered around the pavilion talking among themselves. Cassandra spotted Brian and Leighanne standing next to the table with Baylee sitting in a high chair. She walked up to them with a smile on her face.


"Cassandra!" Leighanne said as she hugged her. "I'm so glad you came. I haven't seen you in forever!"

"I know, I've been really busy with summer school."


"Yeah, Brian said you got a job at a new school."

"Yeah, I've been driving myself crazy with all the new lesson plans I have to come up with."


"Well, I'm sure you'll do fine."

"Thanks," Cassandra said as she handed Leighanne Baylee's gift. "Here you go. I got him that toy truck he was playing with in the toy store last week."


"The one that lights up and makes a honking noise?" Brian asked.

"Yup, that's the one," Cassandra replied.


"Cool!" Brian said in excitement.

Cassandra laughed. "I think Brian's going to have more fun with the toy than Baylee."


Leighanne laughed along with her. "That's the way it always seems to go. So, what else have you been up to?" she asked as she sat down on the bench in front of the table. "Have a seat, we'll chat a while?"

Cassandra sat next to Leighanne and crossed her legs. "Well, not much really. I haven't time to do anything that doesn't involve my career."


Leighanne raised up her right eyebrow. "So, no new men in your life?"

"Leigh, you know I don't date much."


"But you should. I swear, for as long as I've known you, no man has been able to get into your heart. Girl, you need to get with the program. Life's too short to just sit around and be lonely."

"You sound like my mother," Cassandra said bluntly.


"I'm not trying to be your mother, I'm trying to be your friend. Brian and I worry about you being alone so much. You can't spend your life being a workaholic. It's not healthy."

"I know...it's just so hard for me to meet any decent men around here. Not only for a relationship, but friendship too. I mean, you, Brian, Nick, A.J. and Kevin are great, but I need someone in my life that I can actually spend time with, you know?"


"I understand. Let me think of some guys I could introduce you to..."

"Leighanne, don't. I hate setups."


"I've got it!" Leighanne exclaimed.

"Oh, Lord, here we go," Cassandra said as she rolled her eyes.


"Howie!"

"Leighanne, please don't do this."


"No, I'm serious. Howie's a sweetheart. You've never met him before. He's a bit of a flirt, but I bet you could tame him down. He'll be here later."

"Leigh, did you not here me when I said I hate setups? God, what is it with you and Brian? You two don't seem to understand the concept of no."


Leighanne sighed loudly. "Cass, I just want to introduce you two. Not set up on a date. Howie's a nice guy, trust me. You just have to meet him. Whatever you decide to do after that is all on you. No pressure."

Cassandra shook her head and threw her hands up in surrender. "Fine, I'll meet him. But don't get mad at me if I don't like him."


"Don't worry I won't."

"I swear, the things I do for my friends."


Leighanne laughed and stood up. "Come on, help me with the cake and the rest of the food."

"Alright," Cassandra said, followed her to the other side of the table.