Page 47 of Tell Me Again
“That doesn’t work,” Kendall murmured at the same time Jenny said, “Nice plan, Cover Girl.”
The boutique owner peeked out from the dressing room curtain and cleared her throat.
“Go,” Sam said, shooing Kendall away.
“Yeah,” Jenny agreed, “before Madame Sphincter blows a gasket.”
Kendall closed her eyes as the older woman gave a horrified sniff.
“We’re here for you,” Kendall said, giving Sam a quick hug. Chloe joined in and looped an arm around Jenny’s shoulders to bring her into the group.
“Whatever you need,” Chloe whispered.
Sam nodded and swallowed back her emotions because... damn it... no more crying. “I’ve got a meeting with the Bryce Hollow board,” she said, checking her watch. “You are beautiful, Ken, and I can’t wait for your big day.”
“I’ve got to go, too,” Jenny said. “Cooper has a basketball game after school so I want to finish up some paperwork on a new account.”
“I’ll wait,” Chloe said, and Kendall grabbed her hand.
“Come back with me,” Kendall said, her voice pitched low. “Madame Sphincter is kind of intense.”
Another French-sounding sniff.
Chloe linked her arm with Kendall’s and they turned for the dressing area as Sam and Jenny walked out into the morning sun. Although there was still snowpack up at camp, the city streets and sidewalks were clear and the distinct smell of spring freshened the air.
Sam loved the unpredictability of Denver weather and the bustle of an urban city that still held on to much of its cowboy heritage. Colorado had been the first place where she’d felt the intrinsic tug of connection that brought her back again and again, finally staying for good to build a new life in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.
The mountains west of the city were a constant reminder that she was small and insignificant in the face of such massive natural splendor—a strange comfort after leaving the artificial world of modeling.
She’d liked the way Denver, with its casual vibe, made her feel grounded. Made her feel real. So many people were transplants to the city that it felt like the right place to set down her own roots. But now she was at loose ends again. The breeze caught her hair and, while it was gentle, she felt as though the slightest pressure could blow her over.
“You don’t have to do it,” Jenny said.
“Go to the meeting?” Sam took her sunglasses out of her purse and put them on, lifting her head to enjoy the warmth of the spring day and the bluebird-colored sky that hovered over Denver. “I want to expand the camp and increase our funding base. It’s important for the future of Bryce Hollow.”
Jenny stepped closer, using one finger to pull the sunglasses down Sam’s nose. “I mean screw it up with Trevor.”
“There’s nothing to screw up,” Sam said, brushing away her friend’s hand.
“He makes you feel special.” Jenny studied her. “He makes you feel. Period. That’s scary as hell.”
“How do you know?”
“Nine months ago I deliberately hurt Owen. I’ve spent every night since polishing my sabotage-queen crown, and it sucks. Don’t make my mistake, Sam. You deserve some happiness.”
“Iamhappy.”
“Liar,” Jenny whispered. “When I look at you, I see me.” She waved a hand up and down in front of Sam. “Well, me if I was six inches taller with bigger boobs, a better butt, and all the other business you’ve got going on. But I see me in your eyes. The fear and loneliness. The desperation.”
“What does that say about you?”
“Nothing I don’t already know.”
Sam bit down on her bottom lip. “I like you better sarcastic.”
“Yeah, the truth’s a bummer. It still needs to be said.”
“Goes both ways,” Sam told her. “You’re going to the wedding and we know Owen will be there. If you regret how things ended with him, change it.”
