Page 80 of Spindrift

“Youlook tired, honey.”

“I’vebeen on call.”

“Morgan.”Shannon put her hand on her shoulder. “Burning yourself out doesn’t proveanything to anyone.”

“Idon’t have anything to prove.”

Kate’sname hovered unspoken between them.

“Justtake care of yourself. That’s all we’re asking.”

Stevieshut the truck door harder than necessary when they left and made it all theway back to the house before she turned in her seat. “Still want a beer?”

“Oh,you’re speaking to me, now?”

“Youwere a jerk.”

“Stevie—”

“AlsoI’m sorry I ratted you out to your mom.”

Morganlaughed. This was one of the things she loved about Stevie: she didn’t holdgrudges. “And I’m sorry I snapped at you.”

Theystopped by the house. Angie wasn’t home, so they settled for cajoling Lillianout of her sweatpants and into jeans and made their way to Stormy’s.

“I’veseen more of you this last month than I have in ages,” Stormy said with agratified smile when they walked in.

“Forcedtime off,” said Morgan.

“AlsoMorgan was mean to me,” Stevie said.

“Boifriend.”

“Shedeserved it.”

“Lookat those baby blues.” Stormy leaned over the counter and squeezed Stevie’scheeks. “She’s the picture of innocence.”

“Orthe picture of Dorian Gray,” said Lillian.

“Who’sDorian Gray?” Morgan looked between the three of them.

“It’sa literary reference,” Stevie said airily. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”

“Here’sa reference for you,” Morgan began, but Stormy scooted their usual drinksacross the bar and Morgan had to concentrate on not letting the head of foamspill over. She had a suspicion Stormy had poured the beer badly on purpose.

“Gograb a table and I’ll join you in a minute,” Stormy said. “I’ve got customers.”

Barelyfive minutes had passed when Stevie perked up, looking like a golden retrieverwith a squirrel in its sights. Morgan had a premonition this didn’t bode wellfor her, and wished Angie had been able to join them to keep Stevie in check.

“Hey.”Stevie nudged Morgan with her elbow. “Your friend’s here with another woman.”

“What?”Confused, she followed Stevie’s meaningful gaze to the register, where Emiliaand a woman with a curvier figure surveyed the menu. “Oh. That’s her sister.”

“Weshould say hello,” said Lillian.

Steviehad already slid off her stool and sauntered over. Morgan experienced severaltemperature extremes as the blond ponytail bobbed away.

“Youokay?” Lillian asked.

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