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Over the next couple of hours, in between serving customers, Jo and Lucy reignited their friendship. An hour ago, she’d closed up the café, and they’d continued talking. It hadn’t taken long to remember why Jo called Lucy her best friend in high school.
Lucy was the girlfriend who would listen to listen, not listen to fix. She didn’t take sides unless it was called for, like in Jo and Craig’s case. Lucy still held Jo somewhat accountable for what happened, but it wasn’t fifty-fifty, more like seventy-thirty.
Jo learned that Lucy decided to follow her heart and her passion for food during her first year of college. She’d dropped out, attended culinary school, and went on to running a catering business in Phoenix. Then she’d received word that her dad’s health was declining. She’d sold her business, packed her things, and returned home to take care of him. Six months later, when his health had recovered, she’d decided to buy the café and stay in Wishing Well.
Before Jo knew it, they were laughing like no time had passed, and they’d never lost touch. As the evening and conversation went on,Jo felt like a weight was slowly lifting from her soul and made her realize just how much she’d missed Lucy’s friendship.
“Principle Gardner was livid when that beach ball began soaring across the auditorium.” Lucy snickered.
Jo barked with laughter. “His face was so red, I thought he’d pop.”
They laughed a little harder, and then it slowly died.
“I’m so glad you came home. I didn’t realize just how much I miss you, Jo. I’m sorry I didn’t keep in touch better.”
She waved her off. “We’re both guilty. I don’t want to lose touch again, though. It’s been so much fun tonight. Catching up and talking to you. I never felt like I had to pretend with you. I could be myself, and you were my friend despite my weirdness.” She grinned.
Lucy rolled her eyes. “I could say the same about you.”
“Oh, no. You were definitely the cool one.”
“I was not. I was a complete and total dork.”
“You were beautiful in high school, and there wasn’t a guy who didn’t want to date you.”
“Which brings us back to Jack Turner.”
Jo sagged against the table. “I like him, I do, but…”
“You more than like him.”
Groaning, she hung her head.
Lucy stretched her hand across the table, taking Jo’s hand in hers. “It’s okay to be confused and lost for a little bit. To not know what you want.”
Jo sighed as she looked up. “Good thing because I am so lost and confused. I’ve been here two weeks, and I like him so much.”
“Then let yourself like him. See where it goes. It doesn’t have to turn into anything.”
“That’s the thing, Lucy. I can see it turning into something, and if I’m honest, I want it to. But I’ve got commitments and a life in New York City.” Commitments to a woman who never kept hers. A life that with even a little introspection, isn’t fulfilling. When was the last time she could truly say she was happy? But did she want to risk what she had, what she knew, for the unknown? What if she moved back to Wishing Well, and things fell apart?
Lucy held her gaze and then patted her hand. “I hear you, and I’ve been there. I never thought I’d leave Phoenix. I loved it there, but I got back home, and I can’t imagine ever leaving again. Just don’t close doors that should be left cracked.”
“Thank you.” Jo heaved a heavy sigh. “I guess I need to get going.”
They stood and Lucy pulled Jo into a hug. “I love you, Jo. I want all the good things for you. All of them.”
Jo leaned back, smiling. “I want the same for you.”
She held out her pinky, and Jo hooked her finger with Lucy’s. “Pinky power.”
“Pinky power.”
Leaving the café, Jo smiled to herself. She’d dreaded returning to Wishing Well, and now she was never happier she’d come back. Maybe she would keep the doors cracked. Maybe… maybe she wanted more…
CHAPTER 16
Well, the dime hadn’t worked. In fact, things had blown up. Maybe Jo was right, and he’d angered something that called that well home.
