CircleintheSandDraftFinalBarnesNoble

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  “All right, boss lady,” Sage says. “We wouldn’t want you to be late.”

  I’m proud of Sage for finally realizing that wanting to change the Jax she has known and loved for twenty years was just plain crazy.

  Jax lifts up her phone, and then snaps a picture of Sage wincing in the reclined chair with a heavily inked man focused on her left ankle. She types out a quick caption before reading it aloud, “Go Sage.”

  “Who are you sending that to?” Sage asks.

  “Only a few hundred people.”

  “Nice!” I say.

  Forty minutes later, the job is finally done. We examine the artwork while Hank, looks on.

  “I think it’s gorgeous, Sage,” Jax says, admiring the small, red rose located on the outside of her ankle. “Rose would love it.”

  “My grandmother loving a tattoo?” Sage says. I notice her smile through the pain, so I’ll take that as a yes.

  “The new Rose would have. The skinny-dipping one.” I grin.

  “You’re right.” Sage’s fingers wander to her grandmother’s charm hanging from the chain around her neck. I don’t think she’s taken it off since the day she received it.

  “It’s sweet you did it for her,” Jax says.

  “Thanks. And thank you for coming with me.”

  Jax grabs Sage’s hand, giving it a firm squeeze. “I wouldn’t have missed it.”

  Hank leans back, folding his arms across his chest. “Are we going to sing ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ now, or are we pretty much done here?”

  “We’re done,” Sage says. “Thank you.”

  “Thanks, Hank. Tell Gert I said hi,” Jax says.

  In the car, Sage props her bandaged ankle on the back of Jax’s seat while I drive. We make one stop before arriving at our destination. We wait in the car with the windows rolled down, while a cool breeze filters through them. It has been a pleasant spring on all accounts. Jax muses about spring, telling us that the season refers to the idea of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal—something all of us have experienced in one way or another. But more importantly, Emily, Sage, and Jax have learned to accept themselves and each other, unconditionally.

  Sage’s phone alerts her of a text. Jax and I glance back to see her expression change as she reads it.

  “Good news?” Jax asks.

  “It was the foster-care agency thanking me for my donation.”

  “That must feel so good.”

  It wasn’t long after Rose’s death that Sage finally fulfilled her grandmother’s wish. To find a place to make a donation that would have special meaning to her. And though she still hopes to have children of her own one day, the whole storing eggs decision opened her eyes to other possibilities as well. “It does. I wish I could have shared this with Rose while she was here though.”

  “She trusted you, Sage,” I say.

  Then Jax says, “She knew you’d find the right places for her money.”

  “I know.” Then she gazes out the window, pointing. “Hey, there she is.”

  Emily spots us, invigorates her strides into skips until she is steps away. She pulls open a door and hops in back, giddy as a teenager out of school for the summer. “God, I’m glad that’s over.” She eyeballs the girls as they sip dark, cool drinks from a straw. “Ooh, Java chips. Where’s mine? Where’s mine?”

  “Hey, sis,” I say.

  Sage hands her the drink from the cup holder. “Hey, sweetie. How was it?”

  “Not bad,” Emily says. She sucks down a long drink. “But I couldn’t wait to get out of there, knowing you guys were coming to get me.” I’m glad she’s ready to enjoy a day of guilt-free freedom. Knowing that Eric was excited for the extra alone time with the children makes it that much more special for her.

  “We’re a bad influence,” Jax says.

  “You are,” Sage says to her. Then she brings her foot back down and turns to face Emily. “So, how’s it really going then?”

  It has only been Emily’s third trip to therapy, but I can already see a change in her.

  “I really like the therapist,” Emily says. “I’m comfortable talking to her. And she has kids too.”

  “That’s great, Em,” Sage says.

  Emily knows we will always be there for her, supporting her in every way possible. But I’m relieved that she finally came to admit that she had a problem, something that had gone on way too long. Realizing she needed some professional help was the first step.

  Emily continues, “The first day, she told me, ‘Turn around and face your fears because if you run, they’ll just keep chasing you.’ I think I’m ready to do that now. I’m realizing that freedom means experiencing it all: the joy, the blessings, and even the hard times.”

  “I’m proud of you, Sis,” I say. Then I start the car. “Ready to hit it, ladies?” Yes, I know. Here I am back as Ned the errand boy. But this is exactly where I belong, where I’m happiest.

  “Wait!” Emily says. “Let me see.” I glance at her in the rearview mirror and see a frown appear. “Oh, it’s wrapped up.”

  “It’s okay. Here.” Sage tugs her ankle closer to her body, then peels back one side of the bandage so Emily can see it.

  “Oh, honey, it’s beautiful.” Her motherly tone seems to make Sage smile proudly.

  We drive with the windows down in comfortable silence through the city. Then Jax fiddles with the radio until she settles on a song that sends all the girls into hysterics.

  “Oh my God, Creed!” Emily shouts from the back seat.

  “Only Sage would break up with a guy over music,” Jax says.

  “It wasn’t normal,” Sage says. “He was obsessed.” Then her voice lowers, imitating that of a radio announcer. “Welcome to Creed radio. All Creed, all the time.” I glance back to find her grabbing her head, giving it a vigorous shake. “It drove me crazy being in that car.”

  “But you know,” Emily says, leaning forward. “This song is pretty good.”

  Suddenly they are singing and giggling when they mess up the words, transporting me back in time when three young girls began building lifelong friendships. Only then, I often felt like the fourth wheel. Now, I am so engrained in their lives that I’m confident they need me as much as I need them.

  When the song is over, I say, “Okay, I’m taking 101.” The freeway is faster, but taking the coast all the way down to the beach is the only way to go. Riding side-by-side with the ocean. Another old friend of ours.

  Jax reaches over and rests her hand on my leg, reminding me how lucky I am to have her. I give her a quick wink and a smile before turning back to the road ahead. It’s days like today that we’ll remember when we look back on our friendship. We’ve had twenty years of memories, laughter, tears, and triumphs. And it’s these moments that will keep us bonded together when we’re away from each other, living our own lives, fulfilling our own dreams. Then, like a circle in the sand, return to each other once again.

  The End

  Thanks so much for reading Circle in the Sand. I hope you enjoyed it and will help spread the word to new readers, or consider posting a review. Positive feedback from readers is a joy and so inspirational for authors. If you would like to try other books by me, please visit my website at www.liafairchild.com, or see my listings on Barnes and Noble at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lia-fairchild

  *To be alerted of sales and new releases, sign up for my newsletter here http://www.liafairchild.com/?p=236

  A look at my bestselling novel, In Search of Lucy, Contemporary Fiction

  Lucy Lang’s life is spiraling out of control. For years she sacrificed her own needs to care for her half sister and alcoholic mother, only to be abandoned by both. Now, at age 30, Lucy finds herself held back by memories and regret as she struggles to find her own purpose in life. But when her sister needs a kidney transplant, Lucy is the only one who can save her life.

  With the help of new friends and a man who won’t give up on her, Lucy sets out on a journey to reunite with her sister and
find the answers she so desperately needs. Can she get past her emotions and have a chance at happiness? With its colorful and endearing cast of characters, In Search of Lucy takes listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions from sadness and heartache to happiness and hope.

  *Available for ebook and in paperback at Barnes and Noble and other retailers.

  Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-search-of-lucy-lia-fairchild/1100089133?ean=9781612182834

  Book Trailer http://ow.ly/ai8VS

  Other Books by Lia Fairchild

  In Search of Lucy

  Vigil Annie

  Emma vs. the Tech Guy

  A Hint of Murder

  Special Delivery

  Home for Christmas

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  First and foremost, I’d like to thank my family. To my husband, Doug, who answered countless cries for mom with “I’ve got this.” Most writers know the point when you shut out everything else so you can unload what’s in your brain onto the screen. I so appreciate the support and patience my husband and children have shown since my writing journey began.

  And to my parents who’ve supported me all my life no matter what I chose to do. But more importantly, for showing me what hard work and tenacity could accomplish.

  To the wonderful, incredibly caring, indie authors that have helped me along the way. I’ve come to learn that authors are expert in the art of paying it forward. There are countless names of those who’ve helped me, answered questions, read for me, or simply been a listening ear when I needed one. To Donna for her expertise, support, and stellar advice. And to all the Indie Chicks for helping a newbie with all of her questions. To Jeff for his keen eye and pure mastery of the English language. To Elle for her big heart and mad design skills in creating my beautiful cover.

  To my friends, Tiffany and Jacques, who’ve been huge supporters since I self-published my first book, In Search of Lucy. Thank you for reading my books, always helping to spread the word, and for my lovely website that Jacques designed and maintains through Raindrop Marketing.

  A special thank you to my separated at birth twin, Marla. Thanks for being the best beta reader and sweetest friend Facebook ever made happen.

  And finally, thank you to all the readers that have selected my books to be in their hands. You have my endless gratitude for taking a chance on a new author and showing me this is the place I need to be.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Lia Fairchild is both a traditionally published and independent author who writes contemporary fiction, chick lit, romance, and mystery/thriller. Fairchild was born and raised in Southern California and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two teenagers.