Page 22 of Almost Always

After her divorce, she’d lost many of her friends. When she moved to Wildes to start over, she had a tough time meeting people. So when Monroe came into her life, she was nervous that she’d do something to chase her away. Twelve years in, Roe was the best part of her life and she hadn’t expected anybody else to work their way in.

Until Ginny and Clementine.

She’d met them through Frankie Willows years ago. She’d been enamored by Ginny, not only because she was a fellow Indian, but because of her big personality. Thanks to working together regularly at events, they had become pretty good friends.

Her first interaction with Clementine was when a brideinsistedthat her wedding cake have real flowers. So Daisy came by the bakery and they hashed it out, finding the right way to use the flowers without taking away from the cake itself. And, she was surprised when a friendship formed.

For all her talent with baked goods, Clementine was not a people person. So it took some effort to get her to agree to monthly visits where Ginny and Daisy could eat all the leftover wedding samplers. Even though they’d done that a few weeksago, the two of them showed up that evening armed with shopping bags and wide grins.

“What’s going on?” Clementine asked, looking very confused.

“Girl’s night.” Daisy beamed as she walked into the kitchen.

Ginny was right behind her, setting wine on the counter. “You didn’t reply on the group chat, but we still showed up.”

“Thought we deserved a fun night together,” Daisy added as she unloaded the cheese and crackers, and ingredients for pizza.

Clementine still hadn’t said anything, but watched them with her permanent scowl in place.

Ginny wasn’t deterred, the woman rarely was. “We know you’re not warm and cuddly and this is weird for you, but this is what friends do. And good news, Daisy’s cooking.”

Gasping loudly, she shook her head. “I don’t know how to make pizza!”

“Shit, Clem, looks like you’re still cooking.” Ginny flashed their friend a wide smile.

Clementine rolled her eyes and grumbled, “You are the worst.” She looked at their purchases and started to hand out instructions when the bell over the front door rang.

“We’ve talked about you and locking doors, babe!” a male voice called out.

Daisy looked over at Ginny who matched her amused grin as they both said “Babe?”

“Don’t…” Clementine warned, but they were already rushing out of the kitchen to find a handsome blond tattooed man with a bouquet of flowers and a paper bag in his hands.

“Oh, hi?” His eyes were wide as they stared him down.

“You look familiar,” Daisy said, head tilted to the side.

“Oakley. We um…we met at um… the Christmas party.”

Ginny snapped her fingers. “That’s right! I’m Ginny, this is Daisy.”

“Yeah, I remember.” The words came out shaky and his eyes darted past them. Looking over her shoulder, she found Clementine standing in the doorway watching the whole thing unfold. Clearly whoever this man was to their friend, he was important.

Turning back, Daisy put her hands on her hips to try and look more serious as she said, “What are your intentions with our friend?”

Nervously, he said, “Uh…only the good kind?”

“You’ll treat her well?” Ginny asked.

He nodded. “Like a queen.”

Daisy gestured to the flowers. “Are those from my shop?”

“Yes ma’am. Only the best for Clementine.”

She exchanged a grin with Ginny, but before either of them could say anything more, Clementine spoke up. “Okay, that’s enough. Stop scaring him.”

“Wanted to make sure he’s worthy.” Daisy narrowed her eyes.

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