Danny folded the paper and put it in his pocket. “When do I leave?”
“As soon as possible.”
“I’ll phone Bonnie the minute I get home.” He looked at Yoko. “This is better than lemonade.”
Yoko gave him an odd look.
“When life hands you lemons …”
“Ah. You make lemonade.” She nudged him with her elbow. “Come on. Let’s get back. We both have jobs we have to quit.”
Later That Day
Izzie waved at Regina as she arrived at the pub. Once Regina took a sip of her wine, Izzie told her what was in store for her. Regina blinked. And blinked. And blinked some more.
“Wait. Tell me again.”
Izzie ran through the plan again.
“You’re telling me that I have to move to St. Augustine?”
“I am strongly urging you to move. Sunnydale is in a lot of trouble, and we don’t want you around for the fallout.”
“Who’s we?”
“That part isn’t really important. You will hear about it in the news in a matter of a week or so. It’s in your own best interest, believe me. The doo-doo is going to hit the fan.”
Regina stared into her glass. “Wow. I have to admit, the place was getting stranger by the day.” She turned to Izzie. “What about Jeremy? He didn’t do anything wrong.”
“He’s fine.” She checked her watch. “In about an hour, he will be heading toward St. Augustine.”
“Him, too?”
“We thought it would be good for both of you to have someone you knew. An emotional support pal.” Izzie grinned.
“And I am going to be working as an apprentice for a landscaping company?”
“If you want to.”
“Wow. For sure. Wow.” She kept blinking.
“What you have to do now is go home, grab whatever you need for a week. We’ll send someone over to pack and ship your things. You’ll have temporary housing, so the sooner you can find a place to live, the sooner you’ll get all your belongings.”
“Wow. And Jeremy is going, too?”
“Correct. Maybe you guys can share a place.”
“Well, I am his pretend girlfriend,” she said, and giggled.
Izzie handed Regina a piece of paper with all the information she needed. “Now skedaddle.” Izzie got up, paid the check, and gave Regina a big hug. “Let me know when you arrive in St. Augustine.”
“Who are you people?” Regina asked one last time.
“Good people. Let’s leave it at that!” Izzie gave her an open smile.
Arizona
5:30 PM
