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“Hey!” Ally objects.
“This is payment for thinking I wouldn’t show. And you can just get more at work.”
“Speaking of work, when do you start?” Ally asks me.
“I’m going in tomorrow morning to talk to Dr. Taylor about the job. Then I’ll know when I officially start. I’m loving the past few days I’ve had off, but I’m looking forward to starting something new.”
“How much have you been working back in Jersey? Ellie called and told us you’ve been burying yourself in work, and other than Ally’s wedding, she’s barely seen you in months.”
“Yeah, I, uh, took on a lot of extra shifts these past few months.”
“Years.”
“Huh?”
“Mel, you’ve been hiding behind your work for years now, and we’re here to pull you out.”
How did I get so lucky to have best friends who care so much about me?
“Okay.”
“Okay?” Ash asks, her eyes widening.
“Yes. I know I need to change, that’s why I’m here. Bring on that small-town living.” They have no idea how ready I am. I’m pretty sure I would have worked myself into an early grave if I kept going the way I was. “Oh, and to celebrate, Courtney said we’re having a girl’s night at The Rusty Anchor tomorrow.”
“Good. It’s tradition now,” Ally says. “I had one with Courtney when I first got here, then we had one when you guys visited, then with Ash when she moved here, and now you.”
“She said Dara is coming too since she’s legal now.”
“Ah, good! She’s a peach. And a good addition to our group.”
“Our group? You make it sound like we’re a girl band.”
“We are,” Ally says matter-of-factly. “A badass girl group who will do anything for each other. Including getting drunk fairly often and scheming to get men.”
“We sound amazing,” Ash adds.
“We do,” I agree, sipping my coffee. “But you can channel all that men chasing on Dara. I’m good.”
“No, no, no. You’re not escaping us, Mel.”
“Yeah, and don’t worry about Dara, I’ve got a plan for her. It’s just going to take a little while to flush out,” Ally says.
“Why? Why not just focus your attention on her now?”
“Just get over it and accept that you’re here with us now, and we’re going to meddle in your life. That’s what best friends do.”
“Yes, I know. I’ve known you guys for over a decade. I was just hoping maybe you changed since moving here and finding men to occupy your time.”
“We can multitask,” Ash mumbles around her cookie.
“Great. Good.” Sighing, I just sit back and drink my coffee. I should’ve known they’d be on my case. Especially after talking to Ellie.
The three of us sit out on the back porch until the sun goes down, and the sky lights up in hues of orange, yellow, and pink.
It’s so beautiful.
I’m definitely going to be spending most of my time out here with a good book and a glass of wine.
