More than Exist(43)

We hadn’t mentioned the double date again, instead, I’d told Luke tales of our journey of fun each night after Matty went to bed, and he’d laughed at our escapades. Talking about it with him, make it almost seemed like a different life, like I was telling him made-up stories rather than recounting actual events.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried that Ginger wouldn’t like me as much now. I wasn’t as fun, or as crazy, as I was the last time she saw me, and I worried that without the drinking and hanging out in bars, our friendship wouldn’t be the same.

Luke assured me that I was still fun, and that Ginger and I were going to get along great, but I couldn’t deny the little twinge of fear I felt beneath the excitement as I waited for her down at the baggage claim.

As a crowd started to descend the escalators, I saw Ginger’s red hair and petite stature through the crowd. I wanted to jump up and down to see her better over the taller passengers, but I contained myself. Instead I began to weave through people, in her general direction, and finally there she was.

Still as pretty as a pixie, and wearing a grin as big as the state she was born in, she yelled out, “Belle!” Then we were in each other’s arms, hugging and laughing like loons in the middle of the airport.

“I’m so happy to see you! How was your flight?” I asked as we walked to the car.

Since she was only staying the weekend, Ginger hadn’t checked any bags, only bringing her carry-on.

“It was good,” she replied, linking her arm through mine. “I actually had a layover in Dallas, but it wasn’t long enough to see anyone.”

“How’s your mama doing?”

“Just as crazy as ever. I got her tickets to see Barbra Streisand for Christmas, and she about lost her mind.”

I laughed I imagined her mother’s face when she opened that gift.

“I’m sure she was beside herself.”

We loaded off and headed into the heart of the city.

“We’re going to meet Luke and his friend Jones for dinner in this place Jones likes by his work. He says they have a little bit of everything: steak, seafood, and great burgers, and it’s casual. Does that sound okay?”

“Perfect.”

“Cool. But first, I thought we’d go check out this outdoor market that I heard about. Vendors come in and sell their homemade crafts and jewelry. I thought it would be fun,” I said in a rush. “Unless you’re too tired from the trip…”

“Nope,” Ginger said with a grin. “I’m ready for all of it.”

We parked in an open lot, then took off on foot toward the market, catching up as we walked.

“So, what ended up happening with Bo?”

Ginger shrugged and said, “Nothing. I didn’t see him again before I left Dallas, and I haven’t heard from him since.”

“Have you tried contacting him?”

“No, what’s the point. He made his feelings pretty clear, and anyway, we’ve been over for a long time. I guess that was just the wake-up call that I needed … to accept the fact that we’re truly over.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You know what? It’s okay. I’m okay.” She smiled and pointed down and across the street. “Is that it?”

I looked at the beautifully painted brick structure and exclaimed, “Yes, I think so.”

We crossed at the light and joined the bustle of people entering the market.

“Oooh,” I cooed pointing to beautifully crafted baskets. “I love those.”

“Sweetgrass baskets,” Ginger read the sign aloud softly as we fingered the pretty baskets.

I chose one that I thought would look perfect on Luke’s island, maybe as a fruit basket, and we continued wandering down the aisle. There was handmade jewelry, leather products, pottery, photography, and anything else we could think of.

We ooed and aahed as we meandered, buying trinkets here and there.

“I can’t believe Luke ended up being the same guy from the strip club that night. What are the odds?” Ginger asked as she popped some candied almonds in her mouth.

“I think the universe has a sick sense of humor,” I joked.

Ginger looked at me out of the corner of her eye and countered, “Or maybe it’s fate.”

“Oh c’mon,” I said with a forced laugh, not wanting to betray the fact that her offhanded statement filled me with a terrifying sense of hope. “Fate? I think if anyone can attest to the fact that there is no fate, it’s the two of us.”

Ginger stopped and cocked her head, looking at me sadly.

“I believe there is someone out there that I’m fated to be with.”