Free A Celtic Knot by Ana Corman

witty. I’m drawn to her warmth, charm, and sense of humor. I do want her as a friend.”
    Zoë leaned closer and touched her arm. “Will you promise us one thing?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “Be good to her. Her last relationship ended terribly and we don’t want to see her hurt again. We want to see her happy.”
    Echo and Zoë didn’t seem ready to accept this was only a friendship. “I can’t promise you that I won’t hurt her. I already have. What I will promise is that I would never hurt her intentionally.”
    Echo set her cup down on the table. “I guess we can’t ask for more than that.”
    “And as her friend, I’d love the opportunity to get to know the women she treasures as her sisters.”
    Zoë rubbed her tummy. “Well, have you eaten yet?”
    “As a matter of fact I haven’t, and I’m starving.”
    “How does Chinese food sound?”
    “Sounds wonderful.”
    “Great then. Let’s go.”
    Zoë and Catherine stood. Echo stayed seated. “Wait a minute. I’d like some time to browse.”
    Zoë cupped Echo’s chin in the palm of her hand. “I’m very pregnant, very hungry, and about to get very crabby if you delay feeding me and your daughter another minute. Therefore, I highly recommend you rise from that chair and we’ll make plans to come here another evening.”
    Echo slowly rose from her chair. “Is there any chance that my daughter is going to be just as bossy as you?”
    Zoë stepped away and slung her purse over her shoulder. “Count on it.”

    Olivia lit the last candle on the edge of her bathtub. The soulful melody of II Divo’s song “Unbreak My Heart” filtered around her. She slipped her legs into the hot water and sat on the towel on the edge of her Jacuzzi as she typed in a text message. Is this a good time for a friend to call?
    Olivia set the phone on the edge of the tub and slipped into the steamy bath. She let the bubbles enfold her as she leaned her head back against the tub pillow and closed her eyes. The light scent of vanilla wafted from the candles surrounding her as she completely let herself go and luxuriated in this simple pleasure.
    Olivia’s phone chimed for an incoming text message. She sat up, dried her hands on the towel, and checked the screen.
    Absolutely.
    She smiled and entered Catherine’s number.
    “I understand you had an eventful evening breaking egg rolls with the crazy roommates.”
    “I certainly did. They’re wonderful, Olivia. I can certainly understand why you love them so much.”
    “They really enjoyed you, too. I’m jealous I couldn’t be there as well. Who the hell do they think they are going to dinner with you before I do?”
    “They had more than just breaking egg rolls on their minds. They wanted to know what my intentions are with you, which surprised me a little since I’m sure you must have told them we’re just friends.”
    “I’ve hardly seen them, Catherine. Were they really that bad?”
    “They were on a mission. They grilled me for the first hour on my education, upbringing, religion, morals, beliefs, goals, and aspirations. I was just waiting for them to ask me to produce copies of my bank statements and last tax return.”
    Olivia closed her eyes. “Now I’m really going to kill them.”
    Catherine laughed. “I’m exaggerating, Olivia. They weren’t nearly that bad. At least they tried not to be so overt in their quest for information. Mainly we talked about our careers and the imminent arrival of your niece. I loved hearing how they decorated the nursery with angels and teddy bears. You’re blessed with true friends.”
    “That I am.”
    “Where are you right now?”
    “I’m submerged in my wonderful Jacuzzi. I love my tub. It’s the one place I can completely let go and relax after a busy day. You should be getting some bubbles coming through your phone any minute now.”
    Catherine swallowed at the thought of Olivia naked in her tub. “Tell me about your home, Olivia.”
    “It’s quite an