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“Thanks.”
“But you weren’t calling to tell me about her, were you?”
“No. But I think I was calling because of her.”
“How so?”
“It’s just that I want her to make friends here – she’s only been in town since school started in the fall and she doesn’t really know anyone yet. I know if she’s going to be happy here, she’s going to need friends. That made me realize that, if I’m going to be happy, I need friends, too.”
“At the risk of getting all sappy on you, I’m glad you’ve realized it. I’m here for you. Always have been, always will be. I know it’s been different for you since … since your folks. You didn’t need anyone. Didn’t want anyone. But … you’ve got me.”
“Thanks.”
Bentley cleared his throat. “So, are we going to get together soon?”
“I’d like that.”
Bentley laughed. “Okay. I’ll have my people call your people or something.”
Jacob laughed with him. “Sounds good. Either that or you could come over here this weekend. I could get a barbecue set up, have some of the old gang over.”
“I’d like that.”
“I’ll make it happen, then.”
“Great.”
“I’ll let you know when.”
“I’ll be there. And Jacob?”
“What?”
“Thanks for calling.”
He chuckled. “Thanks for answering.”
~ ~ ~
Piper looked around at the other girls. “This has been great, ladies. But I’m flying tomorrow, and I need to get my rest. I hate to be a party pooper, but I need to go home.”
Becca checked her watch and was surprised to see that it was after eleven already. “It’s late for me on a school night. I should go as well.”
Chelsea grinned at her. “You mean you want to get home to Jacob.”
Becca had to laugh. She’d been wary of Chelsea at first; she was the kind to say it like she saw it. But over the course of the evening, she’d relaxed with her. She was a joker, but she loved her people fiercely, and she’d made it clear that she now considered Becca to be one of her people.
“I’m not going to deny it.”
“Good,” said Molly. “You own it, girly. So many women have tried to get their claws into that man. I’m so glad that you’re the one who managed it.”
“Molly!” Hannah scowled at her.
“Shoot! I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“It’s okay. I know.” Becca tried to laugh it off, but it didn’t feel great. It made her think about Selena, and who knew how many other women Jacob had been with in the past. She didn’t want these girls thinking that she was anything like them.
Piper put her hand on Becca’s arm. “Don’t worry about it, Becs. These guys don’t get it, but I do.”
