Page 75 of Love Among Vines

“Really? That’s disappointing.”

“Tell me about it,” Cindy said.

Time to change the subject.

“Whoever Damian is, he sounds like a dick.” Jade took another shopping bag from Gemma and peeked inside. A half gallon of what appeared to be local apple cider was nestled inside with a bottle of top-shelf tequila.

“Oh, honey. You have no idea,” Gemma said.

“Are you a defense attorney?” Jade asked.

“She’s a public defender. Let’s stop standing in the foyer like a bunch of weirdos,” Cindy said. They side-stepped the dogs, who were currently playing tug, and followed her back to the kitchen.

“Public defense is such a noble calling,” Jade said.

Gemma paused. “My dad was wrongfully incarcerated for most of my childhood for a crime he didn’t commit. We couldn’t afford a great lawyer. I wanted to prevent that from happening to as many families as possible.”

A pang hit Jade’s heart as she unpacked the grocery bag.

“Cute tattoo,” Gemma said. Jade looked down. Her off-the-shoulder top had left her stupid ice skate tattoo completely exposed.

“Ah. Thanks. My ex has a matching one. His wedding this past weekend is what brought me to town.”

“Oof,” Gemma said. “Let me make a round of apple cider margaritas. I need to hear this story.”

“She might not be comfortable telling it,” Cindy said pointedly.

“Shit, sorry,” Gemma said. “I forget sometimes that not everyone copes by bitching.”

“It’s fine, I’m only like eighty-five percent still traumatized. I’m happy to tell the story. After a margarita.”

“You’re my kind of girl. I can tell.”

Warmth engulfed Jade as she watched Cindy rip open a bag of frozen garlic bread while Gemma pulled out a cutting board.

It had been so long since she had been surrounded by strong women supporting each other. It was like a comforting, feminine hug.

There was another knock at the front door.

“I’ll get it.” Jade hopped down from the barstool and walked back down the hallway.

She opened the door to find a woman with dark hair and strong eyebrows, clad in a pair of dark jeans and a bright yellow sweater.

“You must be Elena.” Jade extended her hand.

“Yes. And you are…?”

“Jade.”

Elena’s eyes swept over her. “You look like an artist.”

“Oh. Thank you, I think.”

“Trust me, it’s a compliment. So you’re the girl to finally nail down Everett Rhodes.”

Jade shook her head. “We’re just friends. With benefits. Sort of. But don’t tell his parents that. If they ask, we’re in love.”

Elena left her flip-flops by the door. “Another situationship. Hola, chicas,” she called out. “What’s on the menu tonight?”

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