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“That’s no real answer and you’re not doing all that much to sell me on your agreement. I’m not standing out here in the rain because I have some game up my sleeve either.”
“Well, what do you want? Me to break out into the River dance and sing Hallelujah? I don’t need friends.”
Juniper cranked a brow up. “A handshake. Being friends is up to you.” Juniper stuck her hand out and at first, Stacey looked as though she wouldn’t take it.
All the newly minted bravado that propelled her out of the car and across the street to face Stacey head-on wilted a fraction.
To her surprise, Stacey slipped her hand into hers just as she was about to give up and gave a firm shake then let go.
Okay then. She buried her hands in her pockets. “We’re throwing a party for my gran at Ivy’ tomorrow. Why don’t you come out? Everyone will be there. Plenty of food and music.”
“Maybe.” Stacey turned on her heel and marched in the opposite direction.
Back in the car, Callie turned in her seat the second Juniper had the door closed.
“What just happened? Did hell freeze over?”
“I think so!” Juniper gave Callie a side-eye. “Okay. Okay.” She shrugged. “I might have gotten fed up with looking across the street every morning and waiting for something to explode between us, ya know.”
“Okay, I know you’re a silver lining kind of girl, but seriously. Who are you and where’s my best friend? What happened to you in Houston? You got laid, didn’t you?”
“Callie!”
Both she and her mom gaped at Callie.
“Sorry, but I’m just worried.”
Callie pulled out into the traffic. “Ivy is expecting us. I told her we would be over to help finish the decorations. She offered us a few rooms so we could stay over.”
Juniper nodded. “Sounds perfect.”
“Ya know, I think I hear angel wings because no one other than a saint would want to make friends with Stacey Banners.” Callie took a couple of lights before heading down a quiet road that led toward the coast.
“Maybe it’s time someone did.”
That earned her another odd look from her mother who gave a soft laugh in the back but didn’t offer her take on the exchange. She often didn’t. Age hadn’t dulled the woman’s mind in the least. In fact, as the years went on Juniper came to understand the wisdom and point of view her mother offered. And what the silence meant. She was gearing up for a session which meant Juniper would be pelted with question after question until her mother was satisfied.
The longer they drove the more spread out everything became. They bypassed a gas station and grocery store and twenty minutes later, Callie slowed as the sign for Ivy’s Sweet Dreams came into view and she looked forward to seeing her client turn friend.
“I think the world has fallen off its axis. I need more details. And a drink.” Callie slowed and flipped her a quick smile.
“Soon, but first let’s get inside out of the rain.”
“I’ll ply you with wine as your mom, Gran and Ivy hit you with their questions.”
“Sounds fair.”
Twinkle lights lit up the whole front of the house and twined around tall palm trees lining a narrow gravel driveway.
“Juniper!”
As soon as the car rolled to a stop, Gran was out of the front door greeting them, Ivy at her side.
Juniper pulled from the warm hug. “I’m so sorry about your party dress. I have a few backup dresses at the shop. I’m sure Callie and I will find something for you to wear.”
Gran waved her hand. “Oh, never mind that. I’m just as comfortable in one of my dresses. It’s just family and friends anyway. Nothing too fancy. Let’s get inside now that the rain has stopped this humidity will ruin our hair.”
Her gran had a way of making the largest of problems seem like tiny anthills.
