Page 109 of Until Then

“I love that we can spend time together like this,” Via says, swiping her coffee from the pickup counter.

“Me, too.”

Our age difference means that, as kids, we rarely had things in common, and by the time that began to change, she was with Chase, and he took up all her time.

“Are you coming to book club tonight? You’ve missed the last couple of weeks, and they’ve all been desperate to know where you are.”

When the barista sets my matcha on the counter, I give her a smile and step away. “That’s because now they know I’m with Derrick and they want all the tea.”

Via groans. “You know what Glenda did last week? She got out a measuring tape and made everyone guess how long his dick is.”

“What?” Laughter bubbles out of me. “Only Glenda. She’s a hoot.”

“She’s something, that’s for sure.” Via sips her coffee. “I refused to participate, especially after she said that my guess would probably be most accurate, since I’m with Reid and all. She was not happy with me. I thought she might take her shoe off and smack me with it.”

Tears prick my eyes as I toss my head back and guffaw. “Oh, wow. I love that woman.”

Via shakes her head. “She’s entertaining. Don’t tell her, but I think she’s one of my favorite parts of Parkerville.”

“I won’t say a thing.” I mime zipping my lips. “It would go straight to her head.”

“What do you think about heading to the beach?”

I scan the sky outside the window. “Sounds good. The weather is perfect for it.”

“Do you know what they’re up to today?” she asks, holding the shop’s door open for me.

Pressing my lips together, I nod. “I’m sure Reid will fill you in.”

“Or”—she bumps her shoulder against mine—“you could just tell me.”

I shake my head. “It’s not my thing.”

With a sigh, she nods. “All right, I’ll leave it there, but only because I get it. I wouldn’t spill Reid’s secrets either.”

“We’re so down bad,” I groan.

Laughing, she loops her arm through mine. “Those Crawford men are special.”

My mind is consumed with images of Derrick. The way he totes Wonton around the house. His willingness to eat popcorn on the couch and wear facemasks with me. The feel of his hands on my skin. “They definitely are.”

“But let’s forget about them for a while. I want to collect seashells for a piece I’m working on.”

I give her a sharp nod. “No more Crawford talk. Got it.”

At the beach, we wander and scoop up shells, giggling like little girls. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more grateful for my sister than I am as I share this perfect day with her.

30

IZZY

After spending hours collecting seashells,building sandcastles, and talking about anything and everything, we head for book club.

Choruses of hellos greet us when we step inside, since we’re the last to arrive.

“Grab a plate and drink,” Glenda hollers from her usual seat. “And Izzy, I do hope you’ll spill some juicy details about your man. I heard you two went to the lighthouse.”

My face flames at the images that pummel me.Are my cheeks as red as I think they are?

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