We all laugh and take a seat at the circular table. Sally beams at each of us. “I’m so excited to finally get this started. When I opened my boutique, I didn’t have a clue. Thankfully, Amanda’s Aunt Paula, who had also just opened her flower shop, and I became fast friends and helped each other grow our businesses.”
Amanda reaches down next to her, then sets a small gift box with a bright green bow in front of me. “A little something to celebrate your new business.”
I’m at a loss for words. Since I moved back, I’ve only interacted with Amanda a few times when I’ve popped into her shop for flowers or looking for a gift for my mother’s birthday. We chatted briefly about my new practice, but that was it.
I unwrap the box and lift the lid. A beautiful glass mango with metal leaves lies nestled in tissue paper. I lift it up for a better look. Sunlight from the nearby window reflects off the colored glass and gold flecks. “This is stunning. Thank you.”
Amanda beams a smile at me. “Marnie is the mastermind behind the glass, and Kade does the metal work.”
I glance at Marnie. “It’s breathtaking. And I know just the spot for it in my office.” The morning light through the window in front of my desk will hit the glass and look spectacular. “Thank you so much, Amanda.”
“You can call me Mandy.” She shrugs. “All my friends do.”
I give her a grateful smile. “That’s another gift right there.”
Callie taps Mandy’s hand. “I hung mine at Zane’s. Soon-to-be our place, already.”
Madi bounces in her seat. “Oh, that reminds me. After we’re done here, Callie, can you stay a few minutes to go over the menu for your reception?”
My best friend not only runs her inn but also helps Bill, the owner of the restaurant, plan events like Callie and Zane’s upcoming wedding.
Callie looks askance at her, but a smile dances on her lips. “Did you make more changes?”
Madi holds her thumb and forefinger up, slightly parted. “Just a small one.”
“Let me guess, Zane had another request.”
“Maybe?” Her voice squeaks as she says this. “He really wants some of those shrimp puffs like Bill did for Sally’s birthday party.”
Sally’s eyes round. “Oh, those were so yummy.”
Callie groans. “That man.” Then she grins. “He does have good ideas.”
They all laugh at that, and though I’m feeling a little out of touch since I haven’t been back in Sarabella that long, I’m enjoying the camaraderie of these women, who have a lot of history between them.
Sally helped raise Amanda, and she’s known Callie for years, from what I understand of her and Zane’s renewed romance and recent engagement. And Madi knows pretty much everyonein Sarabella. And though I went to the same high school as Amanda, we didn’t know each other back then.
Sally clasps her hands in front of her. “Okay, ladies, let’s talk business.”
The next two hours zip by as we eat lunch and discuss the challenges we’re each facing with our businesses. When Callie shares more about the youth lifeguard program, I’m fascinated by the details she describes, which gives me an even better understanding of Nick’s and my brother’s chosen professions.
And an idea.
Madi’s phone starts blowing up with texts. “Oh, no.” She closes her iPad and rises from her chair. “Sorry, ladies. I have to deal with a little complication.”
I got a glimpse of her assistant Wyatt’s panicked messages before she grabbed her phone. And there were a lot of them. “You sure it’s little?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing.” She gives me that look I know well that tells me she’ll fill me in on the latest drama at our next girls’ night.
As Madi dashes out the door to the room, the rest of us gather our things to leave. I thank Sally for including me.
“Of course! We’re stronger together. Call or text me anytime if you need input. Happy to help.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Mandy hands me an envelope. “Would you mind giving that to Liam? It’s the proof of the keychain he asked me to design.”
“Oh, can I peek?”
