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Cami wiped her forehead with the dry part of the back of her hand. She squinted, trying to get her bearings. “Yes .”
“It’s me. Samantha .”
Cami pushed off the floor and faced the woman who used to be her best friend. “Oh my God, Samantha . It’s so good to see you .”
She pulled her into a hug, assaulting Cami’s nose with a pungent expensive French perfume .
“I heard you were back in town, but I wanted to see it for myself. The famous Cami has returned .”
Cami’s eyes fell to the floor. The embarrassment flooded her. “Yeah. I’m back. I inherited all this from Aunt Sophie.” She waved her hands around the empty store .
“Aren’t you lucky ?”
Cami didn’t know whether to take the comment seriously or not. It seemed more like a ton of hard work, frustration, and financial risk. Not to mention, her homecoming meant she had accepted defeat. She wasn’t singing anymore .
She smiled weakly. “I sure am .”
“Are you going to be ready in time for Christmas? The store looks a little…” Samantha looked around. Her fur vest hanging off one shoulder .
“You can say it. It’s a disaster, isn’t it ?”
“Oh no. It’s not that bad. A few coats of paint. Maybe some new light fixtures. It will be like it used to be .”
Cami sighed. “That’s sweet of you, but I’m not sure any of this will ever be like it used to be .”
“But you’re home now. That’s what’s really important.” Samantha smiled .
Cami didn’t have the heart or the energy to explain home was a confusing word. Was she in Harpers Point because she wanted to be, or because she had to be ?
“Right.”
“You know I bought your first album. It was great. We were really proud of you .”
Cami nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate it .”
“My girls are big Cami fans. They’d love to meet you. I’d love to have you over for dinner. Nate wants to see you too, of course,” she added .
Cami hadn’t missed the rock on Samantha ’s finger. It was like a big piece of play jewelry. Would it be rude to ask how many carats it was ?
“Girls?”
Samantha held up her phone and scrolled through a few pictures. “Two and three. Nate didn’t want to wait. Plus, you know…baby sex is amazing .”
She had no idea about baby sex. She spent her sex life doing everything she could not to get pregnant .
“They’re beautiful. That’s great .”
“So what about dinner?” she prodded .
Cami looked around the dingy room. “That would be nice. Maybe when I get a few things done. I have to finish cleaning the shop so I can get some inventory in, and I’m still debating on whether or not to bring in candy .”
“Bring in candy?” Samantha ’s mouth hung open. “You’re not going to make it? Your aunt made everything from scratch. The Sweet Spot
was famous for that .”
Cami chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t know that I have time this year. It’s a lot. I don’t have any help. Plus, I need permits to get the kitchen operating. I stopped making candy years ago. I think I’ll have better luck getting the shop open .”
Samantha pouted. “What are you planning on selling? Oh, tell me it’s all Christmas .”
