Page 81 of Love Finds Home

“Couch,” we say at the same time.

“I say it every time I’m here, this is so comfy.” She sighs as she relaxes into the corner.

“Tiny’s never getting his furniture back.” I laugh before taking a big bite of pizza.

“Not even the bed?”

I shake my head, my mouth full, and can feel my cheeks heating. Ginny laughs, but doesn’t say anything else.

We catch up over our dinner. Ginny tells me about the plans for the remaining school year and I tell her about my idea of possibly opening up a storefront in town where I can offer pottery and painting classes. Maybe have one of those wine and paint nights once a month or something for the people of thecommunity. As we finish, I know our lighthearted conversation is over.

Ginny sets her plate on the coffee table and clears her throat.

“Time to spill it. What is going on with you and Ranger?”

“Oh my God, Gin.” I can’t help but laugh.

“Oh you’ve got that look on your face.” She smiles at me while she motions to said face.

“What look?”

“That lovesick look.”

I’m not even going to deny it. I am a little lovesick. “I think Cupid got me.”

“With his hot, long poker?”

We both crack up at the joke, but she grows serious again.

“Are you happy?”

“I really am. I think I’ve found home.”

“Were you missing it?”

“I didn’t think so.”

“Then all the better.” She reaches over and squeezes my arm. “I’m happy for you.”

“Your turn.” I tell her.

“Nope. Still yours. Did you talk to your mom?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes. I did. And more than once. She’s mad and upset. She’s disappointed.”

“Oh, that’s the worst, isn’t it? When they’re disappointed?” she commiserates with me.

“It really is. I’d rather her be mad at me, I swear. But she’ll get over it and we’ll get back to being good again. She just needs some time. And maybe Tiny can distract her with a grandbaby or something.”

We laugh again, and I realize I’ve missed this. I need friends in my life and the last few weeks have been great with Ranger, but there’re some things only friends can relate to you with.

“We both got really lucky in the mom department, didn’t we?”

“So much better than Lottie and what happened to Trish’s mom, that’s for sure.”

“Is your brother mad at you, too?”

“Tiny is upset he missed so much, and Bash is fine. Bash is always fine. He said Mom gave him a stern talking to about keeping secrets about family from family and he’s already ordered her a delivery of her favorite flowers and chocolate. He’ll be forgiven before the delivery driver is out of the driveway.”

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