Page 203 of Murder

I laugh. I do know. That’s why I keep my alarm in arms’ reach—so I can reach the snooze button.

“Anyway.” She rinses her mouth out and sets her toothbrush in the little pewter holder. “Yeah, Nic’s parents kinda have a hard Christmas, you know, so we thought that would be better.”

“Will he be sneaking in your window like last year?”

She smiles. “No. We’re an old couple now.”

“I didn’t say it.”

“Pshh. Not lately. You’re too busy with your own man.”

I can’t even help it. I start beaming like a kid with candy.

“He’s nice looking, G. I mean, nice looking.”

Cue more beaming.

“It’s too soon to say, but I think my girl might have gotten lucky.”

I’m giggling, even as I roll my eyes and throw my head back. Which reminds me I should pull my hair up. Which I do.

Jamie starts to wash her face, so I can talk without her omniscient eyes on me.

“I think so too,” I say to her bent shoulders. “He’s pretty wonderful.”

“Your mother sculpted for him. That’s a sign.”

I nod. “She never did like Elvie.”

“No. I don’t think anybody did.”

“Except me.” I arch a brow at myself in the mirror. “Young, dumb Gwen.”

She pats her face with a towel. “We’ve all been young and dumb, G.”

“Yeah. You’re right.” I yawn. “I should go join Prince Charming in bed.”

“I think it’s kind of funny that he has a headache.”

“Bitch!” I swipe at her. She laughs. “Not funny. But isn’t he like Mr. Secret Agent Man. They go to mountains sometimes, right?”

“He has a brain injury, Jamie.” I give her a for-shame look and shake my head.

“Well go take care of him,” she says, giving me a little glare. “These men, wrecking our girl time.”

“I know, right?”

“I think you kind of love it, though.”

I hug her. “I so do.”

“I love you, Gwennie.”

“You more, Jam.”

“I’ll think of something for you for tomorrow.”

“Yeah—you better.”

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