fingers to his lips. “You know it’s true.”
“Well, I know it’s also true that I wouldn’t be here without you.”
He would. But it would be different. “I will always be here for you.”
“Same, beautiful girl.” The breeze blows the pale green ribbon of my crown over my face, and he tucks it back. “I have a gift for you.”
“Oooh. Where is it?”
“Later. It’s for later.”
“Oh, that kind of gift.” I do an exaggerated wink that makes him laugh. “I can’t wait.”
“Okay, that too.” He curves his hands around my waist and squeezes. “Don’t get me all thirsty in the middle of the party.”
“We could sneak away to your old bedroom…”
He considers this.
“I’m kidding!” I tap his chest.
Cassie has tables of hors d’oeuvres and snacks and drinks set up. People are filling plates and sitting informally to eat.
“I’ll get you some food,” Trace offers.
“I’ll come with you.”
We meet up with Julie and Garrett at the food table. “Hey guys,” Trace says.
“You’re welcome,” Garrett says to Trace.
“What?” He frowns. “Did I say thank you?”
“No, but you should.” Garrett adds some shrimp to his plate.
“For what?”
“That mano-a-mano talk we had.” Garrett lifts his chin, smirking. “Remember? Where I told you to pull your head out of your ass?”
I watch with raised eyebrows. “That must have been good.”
“He can be a real idiot sometimes,” Garrett says. “If it happens again, just let me know.”
I laugh. “Okay, good to know.”
“What are friends for?” he replies modestly. “You know, it’s hard to find a friend who’s wise, handsome, generous, and caring. You better not lose me.”
I burst out laughing, and Julie and I exchange mirthful glances.
Trace shakes his head. “I know you love me.”
“Would you two stop flirting,” Julie says.
I laugh again. Julie’s quiet, but she has unexpected moments of humor. “Let’s find somewhere to sit,” I say to her.
She and I cross the patio and find four chairs that we pull together, and the guys join us a moment later. I’m growing to love Trace’s friends, and I love how relaxed he is around them. In fact, he’s a lot more relaxed most of the time now.
I watch Felise and Magan sitting across the patio, talking to some cousins. Magan and Dallas broke up a couple of months ago, and she was sad but knew it was for the best. Felise’s friend Cam is here again. There’s something about the way he looks at her that makes me think he likes her as more than a friend. Trace sometimes teases me about my intuition and tells me I make up stories about people, but I’m usually right. Sometime I’ll ask Felise about that.
Dad and Cassie stand near the champagne bar, holding glasses and chatting with Ziggy and his wife. A rush of affection fills me. I’ll always love my mom, but I’m so grateful that I have these two in my life. And every other family member who’s here. They’re loud and noisy and nosy, but they’re my family.
Since that night Dad talked to me and the next day when I did my shadow work, I’ve thought a lot about the questions I had. The questions I still have. I know who the most important people in my life are. I know that my values match theirs. I’ve thought about ways that I can make the world a better place, even in small ways, how I can use the talents I have, and not let others’ values and judgments stop me from using them.
I blink in surprise when a woman walks up to us, blond hair gleaming in the sunlight. It’s Ziggy’s granddaughter. Who I know from the gallery.
“Hi, Romy!” she says, smiling. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you.”
“Hi, Amy.” Julie stands, and the two women hug. “Haven’t seen you in ages.”
“I know. We have to change that.”
“For sure! I’m just on my way out, but let’s chat next week.”
I tilt my head. Amy. Her name is Amy.
Amy gives me another smile as she turns away.
I turn to Julie. “Amy? Is that who you set up Trace with? The one who didn’t show up?”
Julie blinks. “Oh. Right. I forgot about that! Yes, that’s her.”
“Huh. Did you ever find out why she didn’t show?”
Julie’s eyes widen. “No idea! Garrett, can you get me more shrimp?”
“Of course, my love.”
“Wait, I’ll come with you.” Julie stands too, and they disappear.
Trace and I look at each other.
“Weird,” he says.
“Yeah.”
We shrug.
Later, back at Trace’s house, he gives me my gift. It’s in a large, flat box wrapped with pale pink paper. I unwrap it