“Just think of all the things we know now that we didn’t know the first time around,” Maddie said.
“Like no polyurethane in an enclosed space,” Deirdre said.
“No working for bananas or dancing to the organ grinder’s tune,” Avery added.
“No shutting down more than one bathroom at a time,” Kyra said. “Especially when pregnant women are present.”
“No early bird specials or senior citizen discounts,” Nicole interjected, looking at Maddie. “No matter how great the savings!”
“And absolutely, positively no renovating on a barrier island during hurricane season,” Maddie added with absolute certainty. “I say we aim to start work after the holidays. Maybe my grandson or granddaughter can have a cameo.”
The breeze was soft and warm on their skin, the moon’s glow gentle as they talked late into the night, laying their plans, buoyed by a friendship they’d never expected on a journey they hadn’t meant to take.