Nicky and Tommie seemed to agree.
“I know, but… This is the second time we’ve argued, and he just pushes me away. Is this what being in a relationship with him will be like? When it’s good, it’s great, but when it’s bad, we don’t exist?”
Nicky shrugged. “That’s a good question. Personally, when my guy and I argue, we yell a lot until we’re through. Then we have makeup sex.”
“I’ve been with the cold-shoulder types,” Tommie said. “It sucks. I’m not into passive-aggressive.”
“Me neither.” Stella and Tommie high-fived. “Which is why my guy is such a catch.”
“That and he’s gorgeous,” Tommie said dryly.
“Well, that doesn’t hurt.” Stella grinned.
“Ahem. We were talking aboutmyproblems?” Rena cut in.
Stella coughed. “Sorry. Go on.”
“So Axel’s nonsense on top of the fire at the salon makes me feel like I’m spinning my wheels and not going anywhere.” Rena sighed. “That’s it. All of the rest of what I had to say. And I’m sorry for dumping on you guys.”
“We’re friends. That’s what we’re here for.” Tommie and the others nodded.
Someone banged on the door.
Her heart raced. Axel. She stumbled to her feet and nearly tripped in her haste to reach it. But when she pulled it open, she found Del, Colin, her mom, Uncle Liam, and Sophie standing there.
“Here, Aunt Rena.” Colin handed her a little red bag with hearts all over it. “This was on your doormat.”
She took it and let them all in. And did her best not to burst into tears all over again when Colin gave her a big hug and said, “Mom said you needed this. But don’t worry. I brought you some gum too. And I’m going to find out who burned your hair place and beat them up for you.”
Del chuckled. “He heard a lot from Mike and the gang last night. We had dinner together and were talking about what we could do for you. We came up with a plan.”
Her mother kissed her cheek. “I see we aren’t the only ones planning. You all have Chinese?”
“Yep. The gang and I have been moving around appointments.”
Stella waved. “Hi, Liam, Del. Hey Colin! And everyone else.”
Caroline waved back. “I’m Rena’s mom, Caroline.” She made introductions while Rena tried to disentangle herself from Colin, who was still clinging. “I brought pie and cookies. Now let’s see what you’ve all come up with.”
Colin put a piece of gum in her hand and shot a glance at his mom, who was talking with Tommie and Nicky. “Don’t tell. It’s the sugar kind.”
“I won’t. Thanks, sweetie.”
That he let her kiss him told her just how much Colin worried. He held her hand and wouldn’t leave her side.
Sophie smiled at him and looked around at everyone. “I love your family, Liam.”
He smiled back then yanked Colin away so he could hug his niece.
“Hey,” Colin scowled.
“Go get pie.”
That scowl disappeared in a heartbeat, and Sophie followed the boy into the kitchen.
“Now, Rena, you tell me exactly what happened. Starting from the graffiti,” Liam ordered. “But first, what’s in the bag?”
She glanced down. “You didn’t bring it?”
