“A shame,” Bibi said. “What is she waiting for?”
“She has her reasons for keeping things where they are. I don’t agree with them, but I respect them.”
“Just as you have your reasons for not letting that young man in Louisiana be more than a summer fling.”
“It’s different with Violet and Miller. It’s so obvious they belong together that them not being together doesn’t make sense.”
Bibi lifted her teacup. “I’m going to remember you said that so one day I can hold it against you.”
I laughed. “You’re like the auntie from that matchmaking show, trying to get everyone a happily ever after.”
“No, dear. Just you.” She set her cup on its saucer with both hands. “What else? What’s the news?”
“Chance Blaylock is throwing his annual back-to-school rager tomorrow night.”
“Are you going?”
“I have too much work to do. Orders to fill.”
Bibi hmmphed. “New year, same story.”
“I see what you did there.”
“Shiloh, you were in the garage until nearly midnight last night. I love that you give so much of yourself to your work, but don’t get FML.”
I choked on my orange juice. “FML?”
“Isn’t that what young people say when you don’t want to feel left behind?”
“FOMO,” I said, laughing. “Fear of missing out.”
“What does FML mean?”
“I can’t tell you. It’s inappropriate for your young ears.”
Bibi snorted and swatted my hand. “At the very least, go to the party to spend time with your best friend.”
“Violet and I are fine.”
I doubted the words as they left my mouth. Even before my trip to New Orleans, I wasn’t seeing her as much as I used to. Evelyn Gonzalez, the Queen Bee, and her crew had taken Violet under their wing. My shy bookworm friend might even get herself nominated to the Homecoming Court.
“Anyway, you know that alcohol makes me violently ill.” I shot her a grin. “So does listening to shitty house music.”
Bibi sighed. “I can’t argue. Here I am, building you a better workspace. What do they call that? An enabler. I’ve become your enabler.”
I laughed and took our plates to the sink. “Which reminds me, don’t let the handyman come in the house until I get home.”
“Nonsense. I’ll be fine. Which reminds me, Detective Harris came by yesterday.”
“Again?” I waggled my eyebrows. “Did he bring a guitar and sing you love songs too?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she shot back with a sly smile.
I grinned. My grandmother knew everyone in the city, and they all loved her.
Because she practices what she preaches. Her heart is open.
Mine was too, I argued as I rinsed the dishes and put them in the washer. I loved Bibi. I loved Violet. I’d lay down my life for either of them. What more did I need?