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Susan had thought that way, too. Now, though, seven meant she could finally sit down and relax. “Hey, want to come over for a minute?”
    â€œOf course. Let me get a pair of Buds and I’ll be right there.”
    Minutes later, Betsy arrived, her hands full of Bud Lights and a spunky sashay in her walk. “Hot enough for you?” she asked as she flopped down on Susan’s extra lawn chair. As she did so, the hem of her cotton sundress fluttered around her thighs.
    â€œMore than enough. I don’t know when I’m ever going to get used to it being ninety in September.”
    â€œGive it a few dozen years. Then it will seem as normal as dust storms in July.”
    â€œIn the meantime, I’ll just pray for good air-conditioning.” As they shared a chuckle, Susan sipped her beer, then looked her girlfriend over. Betsy was an office manager for a cellular-phone company and one of five siblings whoall lived around the area. She always had something going on, either with work or with her family. “So, how are you? How was your day?”
    â€œIrritating. Too many people were wanting things I can’t give them.” Running a hand through her short, spiky hair, she sighed. “But that’s okay. It’s Labor Day weekend and I’ve managed to get two out of the next three days off. Hey, want to come to a party with me tonight?”
    â€œThanks, but I can’t. I’ve got Hank.”
    â€œWe need to find you a sitter, Susan. You can’t spend every Friday night home.”
    Until the doctors got Hank’s body under control, Susan didn’t want to risk Hank being in a sitter’s care more than she had to. And right now, he was already going to have to be with a sitter for most of Monday.
    And, well, being home on a Friday night wasn’t that much of a tragedy for her. She liked the peace and quiet.
    For the most part. “Where’s the party?” she asked, mainly to get Betsy’s focus off her.
    â€œAt Buffalo Bob’s. Do you know it?”
    â€œNope. But it’s got a catchy name.”
    â€œIt’s a play on Buffalo Bill, you know,” Betsy said earnestly. “Anyway, Bob’s is a honky-tonk down the way.” Betsy’s eyes lit up as if it was her birthday. “Every Labor Day, they put on a big ol’ party. A real celebration. I’m telling you what, it’s a good time. Susan, there’s even gonna be fireworks!”
    â€œSounds like fun.”
    â€œIt’s a hoot, that’s what it is. Lots of people will be there. You’re missing out.”
    â€œI know.” It did sound fun. She used to look forward to Friday nights like no other. There was something to be said for kicking up her heels and letting off steam, and she’d done her fair share of that.
    Well, she had until she’d become a mother. Now, sipping a glass of wine with her feet up and a good book sounded like heaven. With maybe a man rubbing her shoulders, too. Maybe even rubbing other places, too, she mused, her mouth going dry.
    Gosh, how long had it been since she’d been on the receiving end of a man’s tender touch?
    Still chatting about the bar, Betsy threw back the rest of her beer, then added, “Susan, it’s gonna be such a party. I heard even Cal Riddell might show up.”
    Susan almost choked on her beer. “You’re kidding.”
    â€œI’m not.” Betsy set down her Bud. “Wait a minute. You’re acting like you know something I don’t. Do you actually know Cal Riddell?”
    â€œYes.” Though she sure wished she didn’t.
    Betsy’s golden eyes lit up. “Oh, honey. That’s awesome! Isn’t he gorgeous?”
    He…was. But that didn’t really matter.
    â€œAre you friends with him?”
    â€œNot so much.”
    Lowering her voice, Betsy leaned forward. “To tell you the truth, I tried to be more than friends with his brother