Page 20 of Until We Weren't

“Okay.” Destiny smiled. “We have excellent reputations. I think if we worked together on a project this size they would take us seriously.”

“Hmm. I don’t know. I’d have to think about it.”

Destiny nodded. “I know. It’s just an idea.”

“I didn’t say no,” Faith said. “Can I see your notes?”

Destiny smiled and handed her notebook to Faith. “I did a quick sketch of the walkway between the buildings and where it connects with the side entrance.”

“I like this,” Faith said, staring at the page. “Let’s talk about plants.”

Destiny scooted over next to Faith so they could both see the drawings and notes from their notebooks. They talked about trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, irrigation, and soil. Destiny sketched as they brainstormed ideas for the front of the building.

“I still don’t understand how you’re able to sketch better than I can,” Faith said, shaking her head. “I’ve been sketching and drawing flowers and plants since I started college twenty years ago. You worked with numbers before you started landscaping.”

Destiny laughed. “I don’t sketch better than you do. It’s easier for me to put what’s in my head down on paper.”

Faith smiled. They’d had this same discussion several times over the years and Destiny would never laud her talents over Faith. She always claimed they both had their strengths and that’s why they were such a force when they worked together.

“See what you think of this,” Destiny said, handing the notebook to Faith. “It’s so fucking hot in here.” She got up and stuck her head in front of the window. “Oh, that’s better. There’s a breeze.”

Faith got up and placed her face in front of the other window. “Oh wow,” she said. “Look, Des. The sun is putting on a show.”

Destiny stepped over and gazed out the back window. “Damn! That’s gorgeous,” she exclaimed.

“Yeah,” Faith said, getting out of the way so Destiny could get a better look. “It’s too bad we’re stuck in here and can’t really enjoy it.”

Destiny turned around and glanced at Faith. “Do you still stop and watch the sunsets when you can?”

Faith nodded. She could see the affection in Destiny’s eyes and had no doubt it was love. She turned toward the other window and let the breeze cool her face. Her stomach had done a flip when her eyes met Destiny’s and for a moment she couldn’t look away. She closed her eyes and tried to find the anger that usually accompanied her thoughts of Destiny, but it wasn’t there.

Faith pulled the hair tie out of her ponytail and let her hair fall for a moment. She ran her fingers through the sweaty strands then pulled it back up. She took a deep breath, willing her emotions to calm down. What was she feeling? Familiarity? Loss? Love? Betrayal? You can’t forget what she did, Faith said silently to herself.

“Are they still there?” Destiny asked.

“Who?” Faith replied, turning towards her.

“The dogs? Who else?”

“Oh.” Faith sighed. “Yeah, one is lying in front of the door. The other is sitting and staring at me.” She had no doubt the animal would tear into her if given the chance.

“You’d think they’d get bored with us and go patrol or something,” Destiny said.

Faith sat back down and leaned against the wall. She watched Destiny take her phone out and walk around the small space trying to get a signal.

“Are you sure your parents aren’t expecting you to drop by or something?” Faith asked.

“Nope,” Destiny said gloomily. “Mom did say she ran into you the other day.”

“Yeah, it was nice to see her.” Faith smiled. “Your mom is the best.”

“You could go by and see my parents anytime.”

Faith nodded and changed the subject. “You know, Mrs. Baker tells me every time you go by the retirement home to work in the beds.”

Destiny chuckled. “Just this week she told me that she has decided our trips to see her are twofold.”

“Oh yeah?” Faith said, amused. “How so?”

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