Home to Stay (The Long Road Home #2) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,37

VIP passes for great seats just to the side of the stage.”

“How on earth did you score those?”

Paula laughed as she looked over and winked. “It helps to know people in the right places.”

“So that’s what you call it when you get cozy with some of the band members?”

“You know it, girl!”

After several hours, they reached the border crossing into Canada between Canaan and Hereford. Paula slowed to a stop, and Lucy was glad traffic was not heavy. It only took a few minutes and they made it to the customs agents, answering a few questions. Lucy watched as one of the agents with his dog on a leash walked slowly around their car before they were waved to move on.

“I know it’s probably irrational, but I always get nervous when I see the drug dogs. It doesn’t matter that I have nothing, we have nothing… there’s that fear the dog will suddenly start barking.”

Paula glanced to the side and nodded. “Well, I’m sure the drug runners know how to get drugs across the border without stuffing them right in the car that goes under the nose of an agent.”

Lucy blinked, twisting her head to the side to stare at her friend. “Wow, Paula, that in no way makes me feel better!”

A bark of laughter came from Paula as she shrugged. “I’m just saying I think the serious smugglers know how to get around these borders.”

Soon, they entered Sherbrooke, and Paula drove carefully through the streets as they made their way with GPS to the downtown area, getting them as close to the Jacques-Cartier Park as possible. But they were not the only festival goers with this idea, and she had to park almost six blocks away.

“It’s okay,” Lucy assured. “After being in the car for several hours, I need to walk anyway.”

“I’m only thinking about when the concert is over and we’ve been drinking. I have a feeling tonight I’ll hate having to get all the way to the car!”

Lucy hopped from the vehicle, ready to be out of Paula’s small car, and turned to grab her bag. She had traded her purse for a small backpack and double-checked to make sure she had her wallet and phone. “Come on, let’s go. I’m starving.”

Paula grabbed her bag and nodded. “You’re right. Let’s get inside, find the VIP spot, and then hit the food trucks!”

The two wandered down the sidewalk of the city, soon coming to the park. Grass, trees, and a pond all combined to give the festival site a beautiful venue. The signs were in French, but since Paula was bilingual and Lucy knew enough French to get by, they had no problem finding their way around.

On their way to the VIP section, the scents emitting from the food trucks had Lucy’s mouth watering. “I’ve got to stop now. Anyway, the lines aren’t long.” She headed to a vendor selling crepes, deciding on savory ones while Paula bought fish and chips. They got enough for both of them before walking to the beer vendors. Once their arms were full, they sat on the grass and divided the food between them. The sun was shining, the sound of children laughing filled the air, and one of the bands in the distance provided the perfect backdrop.

While Paula kept up a running monologue about the bands, Lucy, with her belly now full, allowed her mind to wander—and it didn’t have to wander far to land on John. A little smile graced her face as she thought of being here with him and wondered what kind of music he liked. She wondered how his job interview went. And she worried. Even if he hadn’t bounced between hot and cold with her, she couldn’t turn off her emotions so quickly.

“Earth to Lucy.”

She jumped, jerking her head to see Paula laughing.

“Your mind was a million miles away, and I have a feeling it had to do with the elusive soldier.”

“I was just letting the sun soak into me, thinking what a perfect day this is.” There was a time when she was more certain of her friendship with Paula that she would have been truthful, but now the lie fell easily from her tongue, not wanting to share her thoughts of John. She sucked in her lips as she watched Paula lean back with her hands planted on the ground behind her. When a man walked by and glanced her way, she shook her long, blonde hair over her shoulders and arched slightly, making