Having a home to call my own was the most important thing. I didn’t fool myself into thinking Dani would stay forever. Someday, she’d fall in love with someone else and brighten their home, but she had changed mine for the better.
Long strides ate up the distance to the kitchen where I found her pouring fresh coffee into a travel mug for me.
“The way you like it,” she said with a brittle smile.
“Sure is.”
I meant her, not the coffee.
“Sorry I ran out.” I paused to take a sip. “When you screamed, I was getting out of the shower and thought something bad happened. I’m glad I got to be here to congratulate you, but it was weird sitting around in a towel.”
She shrugged off my apology, but her smile turned mischievous. I recognized that smile. My heart rate settled into a normal rhythm because it meant we’d be past the weirdness once she eviscerated me with a brutal takedown.
“Feel free to walk around in a towel any time you want. I’ll sell tickets, and we’ll get your mortgage paid off in no time.”
I tossed a potholder at her with a glower. Her peal of laughter filled the kitchen, and her eyes sparkled with mirth. This was why I had to get over my attraction to her. I needed her laughter and light the way I needed air. After a dozen long years without it, I was starved.
“Brat,” I grumbled.
I watched her over the rim of my cup. That wicked light was back in her eyes, so we were on solid ground again.
“I’ve got to run,” I said. “Thanks for the coffee, and be ready to celebrate tonight. Is your buddy Neil working?”
“Yes. We’re the dynamic duo.”
“Good.”
As I glanced around the living room and dining nook, an idea took shape. Vanessa and I exchanged numbers in case either of us needed to get a hold of Dani. I called her on my way to Dusty’s Garage and left a message.
“I want to run some thoughts by you. Call me this afternoon if you can.”
A few hours into my shift, Vanessa called me back. Dani gave her the good news, so I wasn’t breaking any confidences. She listened to my idea, made useful suggestions, and offered to help with the staging before meeting at the Tavern.
“Are you sure you don’t mind celebrating at the Tavern even though you can’t drink?” I asked. “Maybe we should wait until the weekend.”
“No, she deserves this. With the Arts Fest coming up soon, weekends are gonna be busy. Besides, Dani worked with the owner and added a mocktail menu to the bar as soon as I told her I was pregnant.”
Of course she did.
Patricia agreed to help. too.
“I’m glad I get to take you shopping after all,” she gushed.
After work, we explored an estate sale. She helped me see the potential in unconventional pieces, which kept the costs low so Dani wouldn’t feel guilty.
Vanessa arrived a few minutes after I set everything up, carrying wrapped frames. I rushed to relieve her of her burden.
“They’re not heavy,” she assured me, “but now you’ll have some for the big reveal.”
She followed me into the house, exclaiming at how different it was since she’d been here a few days ago.
“That’s Dani for you,” I replied. “She leaves her mark on everything.”
Her stare burned into my shoulder blades. Maybe I shouldn’t have called Dani’s best friend to help me with this. Her gasp when we reached the dining area confirmed that I gave myself away, but it was too late now.
“This is amazing. You must have put a lot of thought into it.”
I strove for nonchalance.
