Sisters by Choice (Blackberry Island #4)(52)

“As long as college is opening your mind,” Heather teased.

She was enjoying an afternoon off from her various jobs and was hanging out with her friends—both were rare and she was determined to enjoy every second.

Daphne’s cell phone rang. Without bothering to open her eyes, she pushed a button, sending the call to voice mail.

“Trouble with the boy?” Gina asked, her voice teasing.

“Some. Things are ending and he wants to keep talking about it.”

“A man who wants to communicate,” Heather said with a laugh. “No wonder you don’t want to be with him. It’s a nightmare.”

Daphne wrinkled her nose. “It’s not the talking. It’s just we’re too different. I’m into protecting the environment as much as the next person but Donnie wants to start a petition that says students in on-campus housing can only shower once a week.” She opened her eyes and looked at them. “To save water.”

“Okay, that’s a total deal-breaker,” Gina told her. “But I thought you were dating Russell.”

“That was last week.” Heather’s voice was a mock whisper. “And before that it was Kanye.”

Daphne grinned. “You know it. I like to keep my options open.”

Which sounded like fun, Heather thought, wishing she’d been able to swing UW and being a full-time student. Eventually, she promised herself. She was saving money as fast as she could. Once they got the house/apartment situation settled, she was going to put together a timeline so she could leave Blackberry Island. Moving to Boise still made the most sense. It was a lot cheaper than Seattle and being that far from her mother sounded heavenly.

“How’s it going working for your aunt?” Daphne asked. “My mom was telling me people are really excited about having CK Industries opening up. The jobs are supposed to be really good.”

“I’m loving it. I’m working in marketing and I’m learning a ton.” She still wasn’t sure what Elliot thought of her, but so far he’d kept her on and she was working hard to prove herself to him.

“I wonder if they have any part-time work,” Gina said, her voice tentative. “Not that I know what I’d do with Noah.” She lightly touched her son’s head. “My parents both work and my in-laws live too far away to help on a daily basis.”

Heather knew better than to suggest Gina hire a babysitter or put Noah in day care. Those costs would be nearly as much as Gina would make.

Daphne sat up. “Changing the subject. We need to plan a road trip. Summer’s not that far away. If we want to do something, we should decide now.”

“Road trip?” Gina sounded doubtful. “I don’t think I could do that. Not with Noah.”

“Sure you could.” Daphne held up a finger. “Call your in-laws and set it up with them. We’ll drop off Noah on our way out of town.” She held up a second finger. “Do not say Quincy can’t survive without you. The man will be totally fine. Even better, he’ll miss you and wouldn’t that be nice?”

She turned to Heather. “I’m thinking Cannon Beach. We could rent a place, just the three of us. Not on the beach, but close. Come on. Say yes. It will be a blast.”

It would be, Heather thought wistfully. Getting away, hanging out with her friends, just like back in high school.

“I have work.” And an apartment to deal with and other dreams that didn’t have room for a getaway.

“I couldn’t leave Noah overnight,” Gina added. “It would be too hard.”

“Seriously?” Daphne stared at them. “This is your answer? Do you two even remember you’re only twenty? Come on. We have our whole lives to be mature and do the right thing. Let’s have fun.”

Gina’s expression tightened. “I’m married, with a child. I have responsibilities.”

Daphne grabbed her T-shirt and pulled it on. “I don’t get it,” she said as she stood. “When did you both decide to give up on our friendship? I understand you have responsibilities. I understand not everyone gets someone to pay for their college, but that doesn’t mean every second has to be a grind.” She stood and picked up her bag. “Call me when you’re ready to be fun again.”

“Daphne, don’t be like that,” Heather said. “Please. We’re friends. I know things are different, but that doesn’t have to change things. We can still have fun together.”

“Doing what?”

“Hanging out like this.” She motioned to the beach. “It’s a beautiful day and we haven’t seen each other in forever. I’m sorry about the trip, but that shouldn’t change things between us.”

Daphne hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. You’re right. Sorry I overreacted. I’m getting a soda. Anyone want anything?”

“I’m good,” Gina told her.

“I’ll take one.”

Daphne headed for the snack stand in the park. When she was out of earshot, Gina leaned close.

“She’s really immature.”

Heather thought about Daphne’s suggestion they go away for a few days. It wasn’t an extraordinary idea. Hanging out in Cannon Beach was actually kind of low-key. They would have had fun, and getting away would be nice. It just wasn’t possible.