Almost Perfect (Fool's Gold #2)(35)

Four years later, when she was alone with a baby and terrified in San Francisco, she’d remembered Crystal’s words and had signed up for a writing class. While she’d begun with another short story, eventually it had become a novel which had turned into her first published book and the beginning of her professional writing career.

“Crystal told me I had talent,” Liz admitted. “No one had believed in me before.”

Crystal squeezed her arm and laughed. “I’m an angel in disguise. Now if only I could perform a miracle or two on myself, right?”

Liz didn’t know what she was talking about, but she saw pain flash through Pia’s eyes and Jo turned away, as if uncomfortable with the words.

Crystal didn’t seem to notice. Instead she released Liz and smiled at Melissa. “Hello. Do you have any idea where the snacks are? I’m starving.”

“Right in here,” Melissa said shyly. “I can show you.”

“That would be great.”

They walked away. Before Liz could ask what Crystal’s comment had meant, Jo held up a very industrial-looking blender.

“I need a plug and some counter space,” she announced. “I’m saying upfront that while I disapprove of fruit drinks on principle, I’m making an exception tonight. I’ve come up with a mango-strawberry margarita that is going to make you all worship me.”

“I’m glad I bought extra ice,” Liz told her as she led the way into the kitchen. “I’ll get glasses. Will everyone have margaritas?”

“Not me,” Crystal declined as she walked into the kitchen behind Jo.

“I’ll make yours without tequila,” Jo said easily.

“You’re very good to me.”

“Don’t let word get out.”

Crystal laughed, then picked up a tray of veggies. “Should I take these out to everyone?”

As she turned, the light caught her full in the face. Liz was shocked to see dark shadows under her eyes and a gray cast to her skin. It hadn’t been noticeable in the kinder light of the living room, but under the glaring fluorescents, she looked drawn and sick.

Liz did her best to keep her shock from showing. “That would be great,” she responded. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, and Melissa went upstairs. I think we scared her, which makes me feel bad.”

When Crystal had returned to the living room, Jo glanced at Liz, obviously reading her expression. “Crystal’s sick. Cancer. She’s been fighting awhile, but she’s not winning.”

Liz felt as if someone had hit her in the gut. “Oh my God. No. She’s too young.”

“Cancer doesn’t seem to care about that. You okay?”

Liz nodded, although her stomach churned, as if she was going to be sick.

Jo picked up a pitcher of mix and dumped it over the ice in the blender, then poured in a generous amount of tequila. “Prepare to watch the lights dim,” she called and turned on the blender.

Less than a minute later, Liz was pouring the slushy concoction into glasses. She took them into the living room where the other women had claimed seats on the worn sofa and the floor. Someone had pulled in battered chairs from the dining room. She did her best to smile and keep things normal. Everyone else was. Apparently that’s how Crystal wanted things.

Dakota and Nevada sat together; but Montana jumped up the second Liz entered.

“I was telling everyone about the signing.”

Pia rolled her eyes. “Montana, I swear. You’re as subtle as an elephant. We agreed not to bug Liz about the signing.”

Crystal looked up from her place nestled in the corner of the couch. “Don’t you like signings?” she asked.

“I’m not sure how long I’m going to be here,” Liz admitted.

Conversation shifted to events in town. There was talk of the new hospital being built and rumors about ex-football star Raoul Moreno moving to town.

“He’s very good-looking,” Montana said with a sigh.

“Interested?” her sister Dakota asked.

“Not for me, but maybe we could fix him up with Liz and she would be so grateful, she’d do the signing.”

Pia groaned and leaned back against the wall. “You have a one-track mind.”

Dakota laughed. “She’s the stubborn one. And before any of the rumors get out of hand, yes, Raoul is thinking of settling here in Fool’s Gold. He likes the small-town feel.”

Topics shifted to other people, the general lack of men and what was being done about bringing more of them to town. Charity Jones, the new city planner, was teased about capturing the heart of Josh Golden, the last great eligible bachelor. Although everyone seemed comfortable with Raoul Moreno claiming the title. Liz thought about pointing out that Ethan was single, but was afraid it would stir up memories of their very public breakup all those years ago.

The talk was comfortable, if not exactly familiar, Liz thought. Growing up, she’d never felt as if she were part of the community, but maybe some of that was her fault. Sitting in the living room where she’d lived, getting slightly buzzed on margaritas, hanging out with women she hadn’t seen in years, she felt a sense of loss. That maybe the friends she’d been looking for all those years ago had been right in front of her. If only she’d bothered to look.