an elementary school teacher up in the Bay area and her husband was in sales. Margot had known both of them since college.
“A puppy would be a challenge. I hear they pee and poop a lot.”
“That’s what I hear, too. Maybe a kitten would be easier.”
“Maybe.” Margot started her car and waited for the Bluetooth to engage. Once the call switched to hands free, she tucked her phone into her purse. “Are you two heading down to LA anytime soon? I’d love to see you.”
“I’d love to see you, too. Nothing’s planned. Why don’t you come hang out with me some weekend? We could plan it when Dax is gone and have a girls’ weekend.”
“I’d like that. Let’s get something on the calendar when my current job is done. I’m living in so it would be hard to get away now.”
“Sounds like a plan. So, um, I heard from Dietrich.”
Margot had just picked up her water bottle. Now she tucked it back into the cup holder and gripped the steering wheel. She was still in her parking space, so didn’t have to worry about focusing on her driving.
“Kiska, no. Just no.”
“He misses you. He told me.”
“He always says he misses me, then he shows up and destroys my life. I’m done with him. It’s over. Please, please don’t give him any information about me. I don’t want to talk to him.”
“He’s different now.”
“No, he’s not.”
“He’s matured. He has his own business and he’s really successful. You two were so cute together.”
“We weren’t. He’s bad for me or I’m bad for myself when we’re together. It doesn’t really matter which. I mean it, Kiska, don’t give him my number. I’m done with him. I’ve moved on.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am. Very. Very, very.”
“Okay. I won’t say anything. But I think he deserves another chance.”
“He’s had about sixteen. No more chances for him.”
“Be that way. I gotta run. Let me know when you have a free weekend and we’ll plan something, okay?”
“Perfect. Talk to you soon.”
They hung up. Margot took a couple of deep breaths.
Dietrich—what a nightmare. He was exactly the last thing she needed in her life. And come to think of it, she hadn’t even been thinking of him much at all. She laughed out loud. Had it finally happened? Was she actually over him once and for all? It was a miracle!
* * *
“You know I just sweated out five hundred calories at spin class,” Margot grumbled as she reached for a tortilla chip.
“All the more reason to load up on Mexican food.” Sunshine grinned. “Besides, it was my turn to pick the restaurant, so just suck it up, missy.”
Margot eyed the guacamole, as if she were trying to decide if it was worth it. Sunshine waited, knowing exactly what was going to happen. Her sister would hesitate, groan, then dig in.
“I respect that you make the effort,” Sunshine told her.
Margot sighed before scooping up guacamole. “I always give in. One day I’ll have the power.”
“Not over avocados, honey. Besides, they’re supposed to be a good fat.”
Margot laughed. “You’re in a happy mood.”
“I’m not. I’m seriously upset, but I’m pretending. I’m doing good, huh?”
Margot stared at her. “You’re not kidding. Why didn’t I notice right away? I’m sorry. Tell me what happened.”
“Nothing.” Sunshine was pleased to know her pitiful acting skills were improving. As her life was currently leaping from low point to low point—her work situation excluded—it was good to know she might be able to pretend things were all right even if they weren’t.
“Nothing significant,” she amended. “I went out on a date with a guy I thought was nice, and he was a jerk. I still don’t understand my math class, although I have my first TA session coming up so maybe that will help.”
“Tell me about the guy.”
“No way. He’s not worth any conversation. And I’ll get the math.”
Of that she was certain. Even if she had to take the class fifteen times, she was going to figure it out.
“I love my job,” she said firmly. “Connor’s a sweetie and Declan’s...” She hesitated, not sure what to say about her hunky boss. “Declan’s becoming a friend. I respect and admire him.”
Which was far more politically correct than saying that every now and then she wished they’d met under other circumstances.
“He seemed great,” Margot told her. “I didn’t get to talk to him much at the dinner, but my impression was really positive. Any chance you’d want to go out with him?”
Sunshine glared at her sister. “Seriously?