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When I was a kid, I was positive she was made of steel, like Super Grams. But even steel can be dented. Weakened. “The nurse told me you’ll be here for at least a week.”
Grams snorts with more sass than you’d expect for someone her age. “I’ll be running around the track before you know it.”
A soft laugh rumbles in my chest. “I don’t doubt it.”
“And jumping hurdles.” She flashes me an impish grin that adds a glow to her wrinkled face. Then her smile fades. “You didn’t need to come here, Gumdrop. I know you’re not a fan of the town.”
“Yes, I did. It shouldn’t have taken me this long to visit you. But I’m here now.” She knows how returning to Maple Ridge pains me. She just doesn’t know the full reason for it. No one does, other than Avery.
“How long are you here for?”
“Until you’re better and walking again.”
“But what about your job?”
“I was up for a promotion, but they gave it to someone else. And that wasn’t the first time they’d passed me over for a promotion. I decided it was time for me to move on and re-establish my priorities. I’ve been working on something for the past few months that can easily be done in Maple Ridge while I’m here.” And now that I’m no longer working at the ad agency, I have more time to focus on my subscription box business. “And I figured this is the perfect time to spend it with you and catch up with my friends.” Whom I haven’t visited in forever.
“You won’t get any complaints from me, Gumdrop. I’ve missed having you around.”
The smile that spreads across my face feels brighter than the midafternoon sun. “I’ve missed you, too, Grams.”
“These are gorgeous.” I point at the half-dozen framed photos on Zara’s living room wall. “This has to be my favorite.”
Each photo looks as though it came straight from an issue of National Geographic. Or Vogue.
Zara’s wearing a black string bikini in a couple of the photos. Her long braids cascade over her bare shoulders. But the bikini and braids are not what make the images breathtaking. The majority of her hair, face, and body have been painted with streaks of shimmering gold. The lake in the background is dark, the images either taken early morning or late in the day, further emphasizing the smears of paint on her copper-brown skin. “Did Kim shoot these?”
Zara nods. “That one has won numerous prestigious awards. And she’s also won awards for several of her other pieces, including one from National Geographic. Most of the photos are from around here, but she and Jerome visited her grandparents and extended family in South Korea last summer, and she shot a number of photos there.”
“Wow.” I knew some of this, but a twisting in my gut reminds me of just how much I didn’t know about Kim’s photos. Once Lucas moved back here after completing his physical therapy degree, I’d avoided Maple Ridge. The pain of seeing him was too much.
“I’m not surprised she’s done so well. Kim was super talented in high school. And that was before she studied photojournalism.” I turn away from the pictures.
Zara’s apartment looks the same as it did the last time I was here: neutral tones livened up with the scattering of bright-colored pillows. The only difference is, she has a few more carved wooden elephants and gazelles in the living room compared to the last time I was here.
“Is Samuel joining us?” I ask, referring to the oldest of her two brothers.
“No, he’s on call at the hospital.”
As Zara pours me a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, the buzzer to her building alerts her of the new arrivals.
The apartment door opens a few minutes later, and a flash from my past strolls into the living room. I place my glass on the coffee table and jump to my feet.
Kim is as beautiful as she was in high school, with the same slim, athletic build that won her numerous track and field trophies. Her long black hair accentuates her high cheekbones. “I was beginning to think we’d never see you again.” She hugs me like she hasn’t seen me in twenty years and has to make up for every missed hug.
I hug her back equally enthusiastically. “I was beginning to think that, too.”
I hug Jerome, her husband. His black hair is shaved short, and he has the same golden copper skin as his sister, Zara. He releases me and settles his hand protectively on the curve of Kim’s spine.
Before I can say anything, Emily bounces over to me and flings her arms around me. “I can’t believe you’re finally back.” The petite, curvy blonde squeezes me as if she never plans to let me go. If I had any doubts about joining them tonight, the doubts have since left the building.
“I’ve missed you.” I release her and look at the three women who were my best friends all through school, when Aiden and I moved in with Grams. “I’m sorry I’ve been a crappy friend and haven’t kept in touch like I should have.”
“Well, you’re back now, so you’re more than forgiven.” Zara lifts her wineglass as if to toast me.
The apartment door opens a heartbeat later, and the four Carson brothers stroll in. And my insides warm at seeing the men who were like brothers to me. Well, all except for Lucas.
“Hey, Golden Girl.” Garrett hugs Zara, making her laugh. He releases her and steps toward me.
