Catching Fireflies(52)

Cal gave him a long look. “How about you? Are you lucky to have her in your life these days?”

J.C. thought about denying that she was in his life, but he doubted Cal—or anyone else in town—would believe him. “Yeah, I’m pretty darn lucky, too.”

And more aware of it by the day.





11

Laura was completely drained by the time she got home. She’d never been more grateful to have an entire evening stretching out ahead of her with absolutely nothing to do. She’d finished grading tests before leaving school. Her lesson plan for tomorrow was in place. She could soak in a bubble bath, have a glass of wine and a slice of leftover pizza, then crawl into bed with a book.

However, before she’d even glanced through the day’s mail, there was a knock on her door. She opened it to find Annie, Raylene and Sarah on her doorstep, laden with bags that seemed to be overflowing with chips and who knew what else.

“Did we have plans?” she asked, knowing perfectly well that they didn’t.

“Nope, but I heard from my mom that you’d had a really lousy day,” Annie said, “so we’re here to offer moral support. It’s what Sweet Magnolias do. Mom, Maddie, Jeanette and Helen couldn’t make it, but we’ve pretty well nailed the routine by now. Raylene can almost make Helen’s lethal margaritas.”

“What do you mean, almost?” Raylene said indignantly. “The last ones I made knocked you on your butt.”

Annie grinned. “But I’m a lightweight. And I’m not sure knocking us on our butts is supposed to be the purpose. I think they’re just intended to create a relaxing buzz.”

“Well, I can do that, too,” Raylene said, then turned to Laura. “Do you have a blender?”

“Sure.”

“Plenty of ice?”

“Yes, but no lime juice or tequila,” Laura said.

“Oh, we have the necessary ingredients,” Raylene said. “We never go anywhere without being prepared.”

“Then let’s get this party started,” Annie said exuberantly.

Sarah grinned at Laura. “You look a little shell-shocked. Maybe you should just have a seat in the living room and let us do the work. We’ll find whatever we need.”

Though she didn’t doubt for a second that they could easily handle the preparations, Laura couldn’t seem to stop herself from following along as they pulled together what looked like an entire meal, plus margaritas, in less than fifteen minutes.

“I cheated,” Annie admitted. “Mom made the guacamole. It takes her maybe two minutes. It would take me forever, and it wouldn’t be half as good.”

“I just bought stuff,” Sarah confessed. “Any actual cooking was done by Raylene, so it’s guaranteed to be edible. She might not be a chef, and I would never say this in front of Dana Sue, but I swear Raylene’s every bit as good as she is.”

“Believe me, Mom already knows that,” Annie said. “I caught her asking Raylene for a recipe the other day.”

Sarah’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

Raylene nodded. “She did,” she confirmed, her expression smug. “I’m not allowed to tell which one, because she intends to put it on the menu at Sullivan’s. I gave her permission to take total credit for it.”

“How is that fair?” Annie protested.

Raylene shrugged. “I’ll know. That’s what counts. I think it’s amazing that your mom, the most celebrated chef in this region, wanted my recipe.”

Laura allowed the chatter to surround her, feeling herself relax without even the first tiny sip of a margarita. It was enough that these three women had heard something about her lousy day and shown up here to bolster her spirits.

Raylene poured the margaritas into the glasses they’d also brought along, handed them around, then held hers up. “To margarita nights and friends,” she toasted.

Laura joined in, took a sip of the drink and nearly choked. “It’s a little strong, don’t you think?”

“I used Helen’s recipe and dialed it back a notch,” Raylene argued.

Annie grinned. “Then we have a new lightweight!” she said triumphantly. “I am so glad it’s no longer just me.”

“Okay, everybody, get some food, then let’s have a seat before we fall down,” Sarah said, and turned to Laura. “Then you can fill us in on what happened at school today.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Laura protested.

“It’s okay,” Annie said. “I think I already know most of the details. I’ll talk. Laura, you can correct me if I get it wrong. That way you won’t be telling tales out of school, so to speak.”