Page 85 of Road Trip to Forever
Mia stands and grins from ear to ear. She flips her hair over her shoulder. “You’re the one Bridget told me about.” She looks back at Lola. “He’s been working very hard to pull off this surprise. He’s definitely a keeper.”
“Ah.” I fix the bill of my hat to give my hands something to do. I don’t like all of this attention, the tips of my ears turning pink with bashfulness. It didn’t seem like I was going above and beyond when I came up with the idea. I knew it was something Lola would like, so I just did it. “I didn’t do anything special,” I say. “I just wanted to see if this was possible.”
“Still a keeper.” Mia winks and pulls out a black Sharpie, poised to sign. “Any special personalization?”
The women talk for a few minutes, exchanging stories as Mia pens her name on the title pages of each book. Lola asks what it’s like living in the even-smaller town up the road where everyone knows everyone’s business. Mia asks if UberEATS really delivers at one in the morning, and they joke about swapping lives for a week. I snap a picture of the two while Lola tilts her head back, her laugh echoing through the shop.
“Thank you,” Lola says as she closes the cover of the last book. “I hope you have a great rest of your night.”
“You too. Thanks for coming by,” Mia says.
“Thank you so much for having us,” Lola says. “It’s been a dream come true.”
Mia points at Lola’s shirt, the green crop top she stitched a couple summers back when it rained for a week straight. We were confined to our apartments and Lola went on a sewing rampage, creating a whole new wardrobe for herself—and me—in the span of a few days.
The top shows off half her stomach and her shoulders, so much distracting skin. Every piece of Lola’s clothing has become public enemy #1 on this trip.
“Where’d you get your top?” Mia asks. “It’s so cute.”
“I made it,” Lola answers.
“She’s a designer who’s going to be in the Florida Fashion Show,” I add, because I’m too damn proud of her to let the accomplishment slip under the rug.
“Noway. That’s incredible. Do you do commissions? Is that your full-time job?” Mia asks.
“Yeah. I travel and do some brand partnerships, and I also make YouTube videos. My biggest passion is helping people bring their clothing visions to life.”
“I’m starting a book tour next spring, I’d love your contact info for it. I’ve been wanting a few new dresses,” Mia says.
They swap social media handles and phone numbers. Lola drags me into a picture with the two of them, her arms around my waist and her head on my chest as we smile for the camera.
After a final parting hug, we step off to the side of the shop so the next reader can have our spot.
“Mia was so nice. And she liked my shirt.” Lola opens a book and taps the page with her pointer finger. “She signed my name. Do you see this? I’ve never had a signed book before.My name.”
“Yes.” I laugh, caught up in her excitement. “I was there.”
She sets the books down on a nearby table and throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you,” she says softly. “Thank you so much. This is the best day of my life.”
“My goal is to make sure you keep saying that for at least the next week.”
“I don’t care about mosquitos or alligators. Bury me here in the land of orange trees and sunshine. I’m going to die happy.”
“Are you ready for the next thing that’s going to make you want to buy some Florida license plates and eat dinner at four in the afternoon?”
“There’smore?”
“There’s always more,” I say. “And this time, it’s miniature pies.”
“God.” Lola sighs. “I love it here.”
* * *
“Stop stealing my food.”I nudge Lola’s arm away and cover my chocolate pie with a protective hand. “Eat your own.”
“I can’t help it. I want them all.”
“I bought us one of everything and you’re still not full?”
