Page 44 of Beautiful Dreamer

Devyn squinted. “Thursdays are specific.”

“It’s…our day, okay? Well, it was before the accident.”

“You can still get your Thursday sex groove on, Jilly.” Devynsmiled at Jill’s across-the-street neighbor as they passed. “Hi, Mrs. Rousch.”The elderly woman nodded with a knowing smile.

Jill shaded her eyes and grimaced. “Perfect. Now Mrs. Rouschknows.”

“Mrs. Rousch has sex, Jill. Everyone does.”

“That’s true,” an elderly voice said behind them. Devyn turnedaround in victory and smiled at her new teammate.

“You go, Mrs. Rousch,” Devyn said, and tipped her imaginary cap.She was really enjoying this particular afternoon. In response, Mrs. Rouschtipped hers right back.

Jill wilted further. “We’re not talking about this anymore.”

“Fine by me. What’s next on the list?”

Jill paused in mortification. “Eggplant.”

“Perfect.” Devyn pushed the cart with a playful skip in her step.

“But I’m not the only one getting her groove on,” Jill said. “I’mon to you and Elizabeth. The whole town is. Grab a jar of spaghetti sauce. Thekind with the mustache guy.”

Devyn obliged. “It’s not a secret that we’re friends and hung outat cornhole the other night.”

“Charlie said you were making eyes at her.”

“I have no idea what that even means, you weirdo. How does oneeven make eyes? We need wine.” A thought occurred and she brightened. “Maybe wecan stop at the liquor store later.”

“Stop diverting,” Jill said. “Are you setting your sights onElizabeth Draper?”

“What a great question.” Devyn knew that voice well. This time itwas her turn to close her eyes. Elizabeth. Of course, it was, right there inFestive Foods, behind them.

“Elizabeth,” Jill said, lighting up. Oh, how the tables hadturned. “We were just talking about you.”

Devyn flipped around to see Elizabeth not only beaming but lookingamazing in jeans, white Converse tennis shoes without socks, and a cream-coloredblazer that looked better on her than probably anyone on the planet. Her hairwas down and around her shoulders. She tossed it back from her eye and regardedDevyn. “I heard. I was waiting on the answer to the question.” This girl didn’tmess around, but then she never had. There was no playing coy around her. Shewas a call ’em as you see ’em type, which only kept Devyn on her toes all themore.

“I abstain,” Devyn said simply and pretended to shop for animportant item on the shelf.Wouldyou look at that. They sell pasta in the shape of shells at this supermarket.

“Well, that’s disappointing,” Elizabeth said, zinging her.

She bit the inside of her lip at the double meaning, just as Jilltook over.

“She’s a handful, Liz. Always has been.”

“I’m learning.” Elizabeth took in Jill on her scooter. “You’relooking great. All out and about.”

Jill posed, fluffing her hair. “Grocery store chic. At least,that’s what I’m telling myself. If they ever come out with a women and scooterscalendar, I’m submitting.”

“You’d land that job in a heartbeat,” Elizabeth said, with a handon her hip. “Well. I’ll let you to get back to shopping. See you tomorrownight.” She squeezed Devyn’s arm as she passed, which pulled a wide-eyed lookfrom Jill.

Tomorrownight?Jill mouthed.

Devyn smiled and glanced at the ceiling. “It’s not a Thursday, butit will have to do.”

“Stop it already.”

“You first,” Devyn said, and messed up her sister’s hair and theywalked on. The next hour consisted of teasing, bickering, and having the besttime together. For Devyn, grocery shopping had never been more interesting orfun. She wondered now why she had hers delivered to her back home.

---