Page 6 of Best of Me

A cheek-splitting smile lights up Jenny’s face as she wriggles her left hand out in front of her. “I’m getting married, and while this place was perfect for just me, my fiancé has a larger home, so I’m moving in with him.”

Ash squeals—the girl is a complete love-a-holic, hence her career as a wedding photographer. “Mally, move the phone closer to her ring!”

“Yeah, no, I’m not doing that.”

My best friend hisses. “Yes. Do it! Now!” Jenny takes mercy on her and brings her hand in closer. “Oh, a sapphire, I love it!”

I zone out while they chat about her upcoming nuptials, only tuning back in when Ashley offers to shoot a free engagement session for them before rushing off the chat due to another call coming in.

“When can I move in?”

“I’m moving out this weekend, so anytime the following week. Does that work for you?” I nod and she continues. “Perfect. Let’s meet one day this week, and I’ll bring the rental agreement for you to read over and sign.”

“Sounds good.” Excitement swirls through me as we firm up plans to meet at Oh, Sugar Friday morning.

Moving back to a place so full of bad memories might not have been my first choice, but things are falling into place and looking up—the only thing missing is Val.

When I walk into Oh, Sugar, Jenny is seated at a little table by the door. Only she’s not alone; there’s an absolutely adorable little girl sitting with her.

“Hey,” I call out as I approach their table.

Jenny looks up and grins my way. “Oh, hey. girl!”

“Is this your daughter? She’s precious.”

“Negative, that little monster would be mine,” comes a voice from my left. Turning, I see a gorgeous blonde with the kindest eyes.

The little girl huffs. “I’m not a monster, Mama, I’m a princess; Daddy says so.”

“That you are, Tater Tot.”

“Grab a chair, have a seat,” Jenny says.

“Sure, just let me order first.”

I quickly return with my iced Americano, setting it on the table so I can pull up a chair. I suck down two gulps of the creamy, caffeinated goodness and introduce myself to Jenny’s companions. “I’m Mallory—”

“Oh, Lord. I’m so rude!” Jenny exclaims, rushing to finish our introductions. Nodding my way, she says, “As she said, she’s Mallory, and she’s moving into my she-shed. Mallory, this is my best friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Natalie, and her daughter, Tatum.”

“It’s so nice to meet you,” I say, meaning it.

Making friends has never come easy to me. Aside from going to school, my parents did their best to keep me isolated—out of sight, out of mind and whatnot. Up until I escaped Orchard Grove, my twin was the closest thing I had to a friend, though mommy dearest made sure to chip away at our relationship every chance she could until finally it crumbled altogether.

Having Ash assigned as my dormmate was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me—fate, if you ask her. Much like Valorie, she was bright and bubbly, my polar opposite. At first, I wanted jack-all to do with her, but she was relentless in her pursuit to befriend me and draw me out of my shell.

If she was here right now, I guarantee she’d make some smartass comment about being a proud mama bird watching her hatchling fly the nest.

“It’s nice to meet you, too. What brings you to Bay Ridge?”

“Work. I’m a teacher, and the elementary school here offered me a job.”

The little girl—Tatum—looks up at me and squinches her nose. “You’re a teacher? You’re too pretty to be a teacher.”

“Tatum!” Natalie scolds, but it doesn’t bother me. Kids her age only know what they’ve seen in movies and whatnot.

“Well, thank you,” I say softly. “But I assure you, teachers—just like everyone else—come in all shapes and sizes. How a person looks doesn’t define who they are or what they do.” Tatum nods like I’ve just offered her sage advice. Natalie shoots me a grateful smile. Changing the subject, I ask both Jenny and Natalie what they do.

Natalie is the first to reply. “My husband, Alden, and I own Bayside Café.”

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