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“Your daddy’s dying, and you came back home to take care of him?”
I chortled. “No.”
She nudged my arm. “C’mon, Liv, tell me. You used to tell me everything once upon a time.”
A pang of guilt resounded in my chest. When I’d left, I’d left everyone behind, including Beth. She’d been there for me for everything since kindergarten, and I’d just left her like she meant nothing to me.
God, I’m such a bitch.
“Piper contacted Lincoln. She wants to meet us.”
“What?” Beth squealed. “Are you serious?”
I nodded. “We’re meeting her this Saturday.”
Beth threw her arms around me, almost knocking her beer over in the process. “Oh my God, that’s amazing, Liv! You get to meet your baby girl.”
My throat tightened, my eyes burning with emotion. Only a few more days and I’d meet the daughter I’d let go. I patted Beth on the back, knowing that if I fully hugged her, I’d lose what little control I had.
Beth pulled back with a huge smile on her face. “Are you excited?”
“Yeah. More nervous than anything. I don’t know what to expect or how I’m supposed to act.”
“That’s totally understandable. I mean this isn’t something that happens every day. Plus, the adoption was rough on you, and you fought so hard to overcome it. Now you’re being thrown right back in it.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I’m sorry for leaving the way I did. I just had to get away. I couldn’t stand being here after what I’d lost.”
Beth rubbed my back. “I know. I’d be lying if I said you didn’t hurt me, but I know why you did what you did.”
I nodded, unable to speak for fear of my voice cracking. We sat in silence for a few minutes before Beth asked, “How was it to see Lincoln after so long?”
Like sunshine on a rainy day.
A small smile tugged at my lips at the mention of his name. “Good. Strange. He hasn’t changed a bit.” And he still makes my stomach flutter.
She chuckled. “Good ole Lincoln. We all had some good times.”
I sighed as thoughts of our high school days flooded me. Things were so much simpler back then, and I wished I could go back. I wanted to wrap myself in those memories and burrow in them like a warm blanket on a cold day, then never emerge. “Yeah, we did.”
After a few more drinks, it felt like Beth and I had still been in touch throughout the years I’d been gone. She was one of those friends where no matter how much time passed, we picked back up right where we left off like it was yesterday.
“Will we be seeing you at church on Sunday?”
I snorted. Drinking had loosened me up a bit, and I had a nice buzz going. “Yeah, right. Hell would probably freeze over first.”
Beth chuckled. “I figured. How long are you staying? I would love to get together again.”
I pursed my lips in thought for a few seconds before responding. “I’m not sure. My assignment is for eight weeks but could be extended depending on our progress and findings. And if everything goes well with Piper and seeing her becomes an ongoing thing, I might need a more long-term solution.”
My friend nodded. “Well, let’s meet for brunch on Sunday, and we can talk all about how your meeting with Piper went.” She glanced at her watch, and her eyebrows rose. “Wow, I didn’t realize how late it was. I have school tomorrow, so I need to get to bed.”
Beth stood, grabbing her purse before fishing out a twenty and setting it on the bar. She turned to me and threw her arms around me, squeezing me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re back. Even if it’s only temporary.”
Her words made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Or maybe it was the alcohol. I hugged her back. “Me too.”
She pulled back and grinned. “I’ll see you on Sunday. Text me, kay?”
“I will.”
