Page 65 of A Brambleberry Summer

“It’s going to be tricky but I think I can handle it, especially now that she’s starting first grade. I can do the coursework at night after she’s in bed. It will take me a few years, but when I’m done, it will open up other career doors for me.”

“Oh, I am so happy for you.”

Jen beamed at her. “It’s all because of you. I never would have had the courage to even apply if you hadn’t been in my corner, pushing me out of my comfort zone.”

Rosa might not have a happily-ever-after with the man she was falling in love with. But she had good friends and wanted to think she was making a difference in their lives, a little bit at a time.

“We should celebrate tonight,” Rosa said.

“You don’t have a hot date?”

She made a face. “Not me. I have no date, hot or otherwise.”

“What about our sexy neighbor?” Jen teased.

That terse note of his flashed through her mind again and her chest gave a sharp spasm.

“He will not be our neighbor long. Wyatt and Logan are moving out in the morning.”

Jen’s smile slid away. “Oh, no! Addie will miss having them around. She has really enjoyed playing with Logan in the evenings. I thought they wouldn’t be moving for a few more weeks.”

“Apparently, their house is finished. Wyatt left me a note on the door when I went home for lunch and to bring back Fiona.”

Jen gave her a sharp look that Rosa pretended not to see.

“My evening is totally free,” she said, “and I would love nothing more than to celebrate with you. Do you want to go somewhere?”

Jen gazed out the window. “It looks like it’s going to be another beautiful night. I would be just as happy taking Fiona for a walk on the beach and then grabbing dinner at the taco truck. I think Addie would be all over that, too.”

Rosa was not sure she would ever be able to eat at the taco truck without remembering that delightful evening with Logan and Wyatt, but for the sake of her friend, she would do her best.

“Done.”

The store was busy with customers the rest of the afternoon. Rosa preferred it that way. Having something to do gave her less time to think.

Jen’s shift was supposed to end at five, but during a lull in the hectic pace about a half hour before that, Rosa pulled her aside. “Your shift is almost over and Paula and Juan will be here soon for the evening shift. Why don’t you go pick up Addie from her day care and I will meet you at home?”

“Sounds great.”

Jen took off her apron, then hung it on the hook in the back room and quickly left.

Rosa was going to miss having her around when school started, not just because she was a good worker, but Rosa enjoyed her company. They made a good team.

She finished ringing up two more customers, then spent a few more moments talking to the married older couple who helped her out a few nights a week during busy summer months.

Finally, she and Fiona walked out into a lovely July evening. The dog was eager for a walk and Rosa was, too. She was looking forward to the evening with Addie and Jen. Tacos and good friends. What was not to enjoy?

When she neared the house, she didn’t see Wyatt’s SUV. Rosa told herself she was glad.

Perhaps she wouldn’t have to see him at all before he moved out the next day.

Fiona went immediately to the backyard. When Rosa followed her, she found Jen and Addie on the tree swing. Addie’s legs were stretched out as she tried to pump and she looked so filled with joy, Rosa had to smile.

“Look at me!” Addie called. “I’m flying!”

“You are doing so well at swinging,” Rosa exclaimed.

“I know. I never went so high before.”

---