Cassidy Lane by Maria Murnane Page B

early.”
    She thought about it for a moment, then looked up at him and nodded. “Sure, why not? It’s not all that often I’m wearing a dress, much less on a Wednesday night, right?”
    “That’s the spirit.”
    They turned back on Seventy-Third toward the Amsterdam Ale House, the closest thing Cassidy had to a regular watering hole, which for her meant dropping by once or twice a month. Harper was in there all the time, but he was only twenty-nine. She still enjoyed going out for drinks on occasion, but most days she’d gladly take a coffeehouse over an alehouse.
    They sat down at the bar, and Harper ordered them each a hefeweizen . He lifted his glass to hers for a toast. “I have some news.”
    She clinked her glass against his and took a sip. “Good news, I hope?”
    “I think so. I’ve decided to apply to business school.”
    “No way. For next fall?”
    “Yes.”
    “Where are you applying? You realize that’s actually bad news if it means you’re leaving town, right?” Despite their age difference, she and Harper had been close friends since the day they’d met in the elevator nearly three years ago. She loved having a male friend, especially one who was still in his twenties. It secretly made her feel cool that he wanted to hang out with her so much, although she’d never admit that to him.
    “Well, NYU and Columbia are two of the schools I’m applying to, so if I get in to one of them, I may stick around. Will you help with my essays? I could use a professional opinion.”
    “Of course, although I’m not sure how much help I’ll be. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen a school essay of any kind.”
    He gave her a look. “Cassidy, you write books for a living. I stare at spreadsheets. Believe me, I need some assistance.”
    She laughed. “OK, I’ll help. Why do you want to go back to school anyway? Don’t you already make like a zillion dollars a year?” He also had an enormous trust fund.
    He shrugged. “I guess I’m a little bored.”
    “You’re bored by making a zillion dollars a year?”
    “When you put it that way…but seriously, I need a change, and going back to school seems like a good way to make that happen.”
    She held up her glass to his for another toast. “I’m all for change. I’m living proof of change.”
    “Cheers to that. So are you coming to my birthday party tomorrow? You didn’t respond.”
    She put a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, I totally forgot. When’s the party again?”
    “Tomorrow night in SoHo.”
    The thought of attending a thirtieth birthday party at all was scary enough, and of doing so alone was unbearable. “Can I invite my friend Danielle?”
    “Of course, the more the merrier. I rented out the upstairs at Novecento.”
    “Must be nice having money to burn.”
    He put a hand on her shoulder. “Does it bother you that I insist on paying for everything when we go out? If so, I can put a stop to that right now.”
    She patted his hand and smiled. “Let’s not be too hasty, Mr. Moneybags. I can’t believe you’re finally turning thirty. I never thought it would happen.”
    “You and me both. I’ve come to terms with it, though.”
    “You’ll make a good addition to the club. Is that girl you told me about going to be at the party? What was her name? Valerie?”
    “Vanessa. And yes, she’ll be there.”
    “Then I’m in. I want to meet any woman who can capture the interest of the elusive Harper Gold.”

    On their way home, Cassidy pulled her cell phone out of her purse to check the time. When she looked at the screen, she noticed a new text message.
    She caught her breath.
    It was from Brandon.
    Had a great time catching up, was sorry to see you get on that subway.
    She stopped walking. “Oh my God.”
    “Is everything OK?” Harper asked.
    She showed him the text. “What do you think?”
    He studied the screen. “This is from the guy you were with earlier tonight?”
    “Yes.”
    He handed her the phone back.