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"That's right. I haven't been on social media. How's the Buddy stuff going?"
"It's good. I'm still working a lot."
"Is it growing?"
"Yeah, yeah, it's great."
I didn't want to elaborate since I could tell she had been having a hard time. I didn't tell her that I had gotten so busy that I hired Hope's brother, Eric, part-time. Or that Beau helps me constantly just so I could keep up with orders.
We mailed final holiday orders on the fifteenth of December, and we closed shop for a two-week Christmas break. I knew I would be extremely busy when I went back. Orders were piling up. Again, I was not proud of my own skill in the matter. I knew in my heart that I had it all because of God. That feeling of gratitude made my heart go out to Sophie.
"Do you live there forever now?" she asked.
"No, he is just working for his uncle temporarily. We'll end up moving back here when he's finished."
She stared at me, shaking her head with that same blank expression. "Wow. I'm still trying to take in everything. Beau Cameron. It is a relief, though, that you're not mad at me about the money. That's such a relief. When I first saw you, I almost didn't even say 'hi' to you because I didn't know if you'd want to talk to me. I thought you'd be mad."
I reached out and hugged her. "I'm definitely not mad."
Sophia and I spoke for another couple of minutes before we parted ways, with her headed into the bathroom and me leaving.
The place was packed, and the music became louder and louder as I walked through the venue. I had come with Beau, and a few other people, including AJ, who was home from school for Christmas.
I headed through the crowded room until I saw the group of familiar faces on the far side. I kept my eyes trained on Beau from the second I saw him. He said something to his brother, and they had an exchange where they leaned over to speak to each other. I watched the brothers as I approached. Beau living in Arkansas the last six months was the most time they'd spent apart their whole lives, and I was happy to see them together. I came all the way up to them before they noticed me.
"Hey, I’m going to get some food," AJ said, looking mostly at me. "Do you guys want anything?"
"No, but I can probably get a discount if I order it for you."
"It's all right," AJ said with a wink. "I'm really just trying to go talk to that bartender."
"I can help you with that, too!" I hollered. But he was already in motion, walking away.
The music was loud, and everyone was paying attention to the band or engaged in conversations in small groups. Beau and I both liked this band, so we had been watching for most of it. He smiled and reached for me, and I went to him.
"You'll never believe who I just ran into in the bathroom."
"Who?"
"Sophia Phillips."
"Really? What's she doing?"
"She's living in Milwaukee. She's here for Christmas. I think she's hoping to patch things up with her family."
"Patch things up?"
"Yeah, I don't know. She said things were strained. I'm sure it's over that guy and that money or whatever. I wasn't the only one she borrowed money from. I feel bad for her. She apologized to me."
"What'd you say?" he asked.
"I told her my life was beautiful. In so many words. I tried not to rub it in. But I told her not to feel sorry, and that it had all worked out great for me."
"I know a guy in Milwaukee," Beau said. "He's friends with my dad. He's got a business over there. I could probably hook her up with a job. I'll text her and see if she's interested."
"There you go again."
"What?" he asked, looking at me.
