Abby’s brow furrowed. “Pardon?”
“Blythe isn’t my given name. It’s Kris, but that’s boring, so I chose something that would stand out.”
“It’s a play on blithe,” Ricki said.
Abby stifled a grin, wondering if Blythe knew the definition of blithe.
“Yeah, and some stupid play she loves,” Blythe added.
“Oh, god.Blithe Spirit? Noël Coward? I love that play.”
“No way?” Ricki said.
“Seriously. Farces crack me up.”
“Me too.”
“Noises Off,” Ricki and Abby said together and then laughed.
Blythe slapped her hand against her forehead. “The geek vibes in the air are about to choke me.”
“Ah, shut up,” Ricki said. “You’ve finally brought someone home that I like.” Ricki’s face froze, telling Blythe she’d not meant to bring up other women.
“Well, you two can talk about books and plays all you want,” Blythe said, saving Ricki from her faux pas. “I’m a movie buff myself.”
“It’s true.” Ricki gave Blythe a relieved look before she continued. “I swear she can recite every line fromThe Matrixmovies.”
“Just the first three,” Blythe said. “Perfection shouldn’t be resurrected. Don’t you agree?”
Abby looked down at her hands. “I’ve never watched them.”
Blythe groaned and put her hands over her heart. “You’re killing me, Smalls.” When Blythe noticed the expression on Abby’s face, she said. “You know where that comes from, don’t you?”
“Um, I remember some guys in college saying it.”
Ricki burst out laughing.
Blythe scrunched up her face and pointed at Ricki. “Now it’s your turn to shut up. Looks like we’ll be doing aMatrixandSandlotfilm festival this weekend.” Blythe rubbed her chin. “Shit. I doubt if we’ll have time. Looks like Abby is going to have homework once she leaves here.”
Abby sat up in her seat. “I like homework.”
Of course she did.
CHAPTER 12
Abby was tired bythe time they’d arrived in Berwyn. It was nearly ten o’clock, and traveling had worn her out. Her stomach started growling when they got into Ricki’s car, and it hadn’t stopped. She didn’t want to be a burden and mention she was hungry, so she’d kept it to herself. She had protein bars in her bag, so she’d sneak a few bites later.
“We’re almost there.” Blythe raised her arm out the open window. “Welcome to our neighborhood.”
The quaint street lined with bungalows pleasantly surprised Abby. The quiet street made her feel more at home.
“Have you lived here long?” Abby asked.
“I moved in with Ricki, what?” Blythe turned to Ricki. “Three years ago?”
“Four,” Ricki answered. “After Granny died.”
“I’m so sorry,” Abby said.
