“Kelly, I don’t know if I can—”
“Promise me,” she says strongly. “Costa is family.”
“I’ll try,” I say with more resolve than I expected.
She sits back in her chair and folds her hands together. “Whatever garbage is going on now, it’s meaningless in the scheme of things. They got through losing Toby. This summer has been the best either of them has had in years. A lot of that is because of you, but it’s also because they’re back together. Costa has earned a lot of slack, so Sam needs to give it to him. And vice versa.”
“Sam’s done a lot for him,” I point out.
“He has. But Sam has advantages that Costa doesn’t. We all need to do what we can. I’ve tried calling him, and he won’t pick up. Maybe he’ll talk to you.”
“I can’t call him.”
Kelly studies me. “Something happen with you two also?”
I don’t say anything.
She reaches across the table and puts her hand in mine. “I don’t care what it is. Fix it. You’re the only person who can.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’ll do everything I can. I swear.”
“Good. Now, let’s order more food.” She takes a sip of her beer. “And why are you smiling?”
“I was just thinking about how truly horrified my mother would be that I’m holding hands with a lesbian.”
“Yeah? Well, we could take a selfie of me tongue-kissing you, if you’d like. Just don’t tell April.”
I laugh. “It’s a good thought, but I don’t talk to my mother.”
“At all?”
“At all.”
“Is that permanent?”
“Yes.”
She studies me. “You get Costa, don’t you?”
“Unfortunately, in many ways, I do. And I want the zucchini noodles with seared shrimp.”
“I’m sorry about your mother. And I want the pork chop with the red-wine glaze and wilted spinach.”
I smile at her. “I’m glad we got together tonight.”
“Me, too. Now, let’s dish before my brother gets here.” She leans over the table. “Did I tell you what April and I did the other night?”
Her eyes gleam, and I can tell there’s a good story here.
“You didnot,” I say, my interest piqued. “Shoot.”
We talk and eat over dinner, and we trade stories that must be whispered. I wish I could tell Kelly about the death tripping because she’s become such a good friend, but I obviously can’t. It has to be contained.
The sun has set by the time Sam shows up to drive me home. “Aw, you got me dinner to go? You girls are the best.” He gives Kelly a noisy, long sloppy kiss on the cheek until she screams and pushes him away.
“You’re disgusting.Boysare disgusting. I don’t know how Stella tolerates you.”
Sam kisses her again anyway. “My penis and I are repugnant. I get it. But I love you anyway.”
