‘Jenn,’ Willow hissed. ‘I’m sure Lucas doesn’t need a lecture.’
Lucas shrugged. ‘Anyway, we were just kids then.’
‘So, what happened?’ Jenn turned to them both. ‘Friendship is important. You shouldn’t let a good thing like that go.’
Willow wasn’t sure how to answer; she still didn’t even really know the answer! She watched as Lucas walked back behind the counter. He seemed casual, almost uncaring.
‘We grew up. I guess people change,’ he said finally.
Willow was just about to ask him what he meant by that, when the door jingled and Greg strode in. He had his hands in his pockets and was clearly attempting to look like he was unbothered about the situation, but Willow could tell he had styled his hair and was wearing smart clothes.
Jenn smiled loosely in his direction. ‘Hey Greg! Come to give me some abuse before I go?’
Greg pulled a face. ‘I wouldn’t even dream of demeaning myself,’ he said, pulling himself up on one of the stools. ‘I just wanted a coffee, that’s all. No big deal.’
‘I’ll miss you, Greggy,’ Jenn replied sweetly. ‘Your sunny disposition keeps me going every day. Hey! I think you two should set up a band or something – you could be the new Blues Brothers.’
‘Very funny!’ Lucas shot back at her, clearly looking a bit put out.
‘Well, as lovely as this is, I really need to go now!’ Jenn declared. ‘The bus out of here is notoriously late as we know.’
Greg coughed. ‘I could give you a ride – I mean, if you’re desperate?’
‘You’ll give me a ride? In Billy? Are you sure you trust me?’
Greg sighed. ‘Yeah, I can trust you to be a passenger. And I guess this way at least I can really make sure you are leaving.’
Jenn took Willow to one side to say a final goodbye. They hugged briefly. Her heart felt heavy.
‘You will be OK,’ Jenn whispered. ‘I promise.’
‘It’s crazy, but I suddenly feel so lonely.’
Jenn chuckled softly. ‘You’re never alone in Honey Springs and that guy over there.’ She flapped her hand in Lucas’s direction. ‘He adores you. It’s clear to anyone. Just give him time.’
Willow followed her gaze. All she could see was Lucas glaring in her direction. She wasn’t quite sure how Jenn could be so confident, but this didn’t feel like the right time to challenge her.
Jenn shouted another loud goodbye and Lucas waved at her and Greg walked out. Greg was clearly muttering under his breath; he had been saddled with all her bags.
Willow stood alone for a moment in the middle of the room, watching them go. Then she moved slowly towards the counter. Her smile felt shy, her body awkward.
‘That was nice of Greg to offer to take her.’
Lucas shrugged. ‘Despite appearances, Greg is a nice guy. He wouldn’t want her to miss her flight or anything.’
Willow nodded. She chewed on the side of her lip.
‘Hey, do you want a drink or something?’ Lucas asked a little more gently.
‘No. I should get back to the van. Make some plans for tomorrow.’ She paused. ‘I guess I should post something on social media soon. I’ve been kind of avoiding that.’
‘Really?’ Lucas replied, sounding surprised. ‘I thought that was your thing?’
‘It was for a bit, but I guess I got burnt out by it.’ She chuckled dryly. ‘This is meant to be my escape from it all – something a bit more wholesome and I dunno, real … but even this is going to need marketing and promotion.’
‘What about Jake then?’ he asked carefully. ‘Is he staying in the city?’
‘Oh yeah. He’s doing so well. I’m really proud of him,’ she said, attempting to sound confident.
