Page 70 of Unbreakable Love

“The news with Ava kind of rocked a lot of people this week. Her ex-husband is at her house with their kids. It’s safe to say she’s sick of him, but he’s refusing to leave.”

“She should come over here then.”

“You sure?”

“And risk meeting your new friends? I’ll try not to be a hindrance,” she deadpanned.

“Fine.”

Need a break? Maize and I are chilling but you can come here.

Her response was instantaneous.

I’ll be there in ten. With liquor and Dolly. Her in-laws are in town and she can’t stand them.

“She’s bringing a friend and liquor.”

“Sweet.” Maize threw off her blanket. “Girls’ night. Ask her to pick up more wine? I need to change.”

She was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt and looked cozy enough to me, but far be it from me to tell my all-grown sister what to do anymore.

So I was a little bitter and having a hard time with the letting go bit. I’d get there.

I texted Faye back our request, threw in one for me, received a thumbs-up emoji in response, and twelve minutes later, my doorbell was ringing.

“I’ll get it,” Maize called out from the living room. She’d come out wearing flannel pajama pants and an old sweatshirt with the neckline cut off, making it hang off one shoulder. I was in my room, doing the same thing.

“Thank you!”

Squeals and introductions echoed through my small house and by the time I got out to the kitchen, Faye had commandeered it, was mixing drinks, and had somehow managed to find a blender.

“This is mine.” She slapped her hand on the top. “You wanted margarita mix and I like them frozen. Seemed like a better idea than straight tequila tonight.”

Faye, I was learning, was a whirlwind storm. I’d already learned that once she started on a path, it was best not to disturb her.

“And don’t worry,” she continued. “I’m making yours first.”

“In this,” my sister said and threw her arm around my shoulder, “my sister and I are nothing alike. I want all the good stuff in mine.”

“You’ve got it.” Faye went back to mixing and it was then I noticed a newcomer to the girls’ night.

“Hi,” I said.

“We grabbed her on the way,” Dolly said. “Lydia Haven, this is Penelope Pesco.”

Lydia. I’d heard that name before but couldn’t quite place it. “Thanks for letting me come.”

“Lydia needed to get out of her home,” Dolly said and hugged her tight to her side. “She’s friends with Ava.”

“Of course.” I shook my head and kicked my bad manners to the curb. “Of course. I’m glad you could come and you’re welcome. Anytime.”

“And you’re the new teacher? And the girl who has Gavin all twisted up?”

“I’m the new teacher, at any rate.”

She chuckled, and I caught a glimpse of who she probably was, really was, before this week. “I was at the Kelleys’ on Monday night. Before... anyway. I was there and heard Josie talking about you. She likes you a whole lot.”

“I like her too.”

---