by Amy Harmon
Noah looked at his half-full container of Chinese food and realized he was no longer hungry.
He’d never realized Breezy was so popular in that way. Sure, she was cute as a button, but he’d never seen any guys hanging around her desk. Except for Chad. But while Pamela might be the station’s sex goddess, apparently Breezy was the resident prom queen.
“I’m going to take care of some errands,” Noah said.
Gabe looked at him with curiosity lighting his eyes, but all he said was, “Okay.”
Noah trashed his Chinese food and headed toward the front doors of the building.
As he walked outside and began a brisk walk around the block, he hoped it would be enough to work through his feelings, which were pretty confused right now.
At the first corner, he turned and headed up Mulberry Street, an old residential street complete with trees lining each side.
What did he feel about Breezy, precisely?
After a few more steps, he had to admit that he liked Breezy. He liked her a lot.
And apparently so did all the other guys.
An old woman watering her roses in her front yard raised a hand in greeting. She waved him over and told him all about her prize-winning roses, and he chatted with her for a few minutes before continuing on.
This town was nothing if not friendly. Just like Breezy. Friendly, cheerful, welcoming. Sexy?
When he’d decided he wanted to date Breezy, he hadn’t realized other guys would have the same reaction he’d had to seeing her with her hair down. He hadn’t realized he would have all this competition. He hadn’t realized he was an idiot for creating his own competition by showing off Breezy’s natural sexiness that she’d always kept modestly hidden.
He was a very competitive man and he planned on winning the girl, but he was going to have to be noticed first.
He figured he had one chance to make this work. He was going to have to turn their date—their supposedly non-date—at the Mayor’s Gala into something spectacular.
Also he would see her every day between now and then. And since she was such a hard worker and he’d barely seen her since the day she didn’t get her hair cut short, he was going to start inviting her into his office for some consultations on the weather segment and how to improve it.
Maybe that would move them closer to a real date. And give him some ideas on what he needed to do in order to stand out from the crowd.
He pulled out his iPhone and started a note, listing the things he knew Breezy liked.
Crab.
Weather.
Disney movies.
He hesitated, then added, Me...?
* * *
Wednesday, June 12
After watching Return to Me two days later, Breezy had a romantic glow going. As the credits rolled, she looked around at the circle of her friends, a circle of friendship that had kept her going through all the hardest parts of her life. The time she’d thought she wasn’t going to get into the graduate program she’d wanted, but it turned out to be a clerical error. The heartbreak when Andrew had left Aspen Grove—and Breezy—behind. When she’d lost her weather job.
Candy sat in the huge bean bag chair in the center of the room, and now that the movie was over, she bounced her way around so she was facing the others. Iris and Lindsey sat on the far couch. Sonnet, Dani, and Stephanie sat on the other couch, and Beth and Breezy rested in the armchairs between the two couches.
She wished her romantic life had a romantic glow going for it. She’d almost thought it had, when Noah had stared at her when her hair was down, when he insisted she not cut it, and had taken her out to brunch afterward. But he just wanted to keep things professional.
She was so disappointed. She’d realized that she liked him much more than he liked her. She liked him enough to actually consider bending her rule about dating coworkers. But apparently she wouldn’t need to, because after their non-date at the Mayor’s Gala, things would go back to normal. She’d do the weather, and she still wouldn’t be dating anyone.
“Show me your ring again,” Candy said, and Lindsey happily flashed the ring Ethan had slipped back on her finger. Lindsey would apparently return to Ethan, over and over.
Andrew had left the door open when she’d told him she was going back to the station, but Breezy couldn’t return to Andrew, not to date, even though he kept asking. She didn’t trust him. And, if she admitted the truth to herself, Andrew didn’t have the appeal to her grown-up self that he’d had to her younger self.
“So what happened to that it’s-over-forever stuff, Lindsey?” teased Dani.
Lindsey sniffed. “Ethan is so cute when he’s singing I just can’t resist him.”
Candy laughed. “Cute to look at, but please tell him not to sing in my café again. It was driving customers out the door.”
“Oh, it was not, Candy,” Lindsey said, standing by her man.
The women laughed, not wanting the evening to end.
Stephanie said, “Tell the ladies about the hundred-and-fifty-dollar haircut, Lindsey.”
“What?” several of the women said in unison.
Breezy laughed, along with Stephanie. Lindsey smiled. “I got paid one hundred for a trim, and another fifty as a tip. If I charged that all the time, I could retire in three years.”
The women demanded details and soon they all were enjoying the story.
Candy studied Breezy and her long hair, which she’d done in the more trendy side braid pulled back into a bun, the way Lucienne had shown her. “And you say he drove you into Sacramento to get the job done right?”
Breezy laughed, and told that story, too.
The women oohed and aahed.
Iris said, “I think Mr. Drake may just have an interest in our little Breezy.”
“Oh, I don’t think so. He just has the station’s ratings in mind,” Breezy said, and turned to Sonnet to change the subject. “How is your new business going?”
Sonnet said, “I’m thinking about buying a van to store all my wedding photography supplies in.”
“What does your father, our bossy governor, say about that?” Candy asked.
“He still wants me to move into the Governor’s Mansion with him and Mom. Yeah. Right.” Sonnet shuddered. “No way. I’m an adult and I don’t need my Daddy telling me what to do. Especially when said Daddy is a control freak.”
Breezy asked, “Does anyone know why Dixie didn’t come tonight?”
Dani leaned forward. “I think she and Colt are having more problems than either is willing to admit.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Iris said “They make such a cute couple. And their Texas accents are adorable.”
Breezy said, “Anyone heard from April?”
Iris nodded. April was one of her daughter’s friends, too. “She’s getting ready to go on a long camping trip with her extended family. She’s in charge, apparently.”
“Is your daughter still dating Christopher Ellington?” Breezy asked Iris. Christopher was an Aspen Grove lawyer fresh out of law school but already making a splash of success.
“On and off.”
“Like Lindsey and Ethan?” Dani laughed.
“More like long distance,” Iris said. “She’s been working in LA. When she’s in town, they date.”
“How many times has he proposed to Jamie now?” Breezy asked.
Iris rolled her eyes. “At least twice that I know of. He’s an adorable boy and I hope she figures out what she’s doing soon.”
“Beth,” Dani asked gently, “how is your father doing?”
Beth blinked her eyes and her chin quivered. “He’s going into hospice care.”
All of the women murmured their sympathy. Breezy reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Beth.”
Beth’s chin quivered, and she nodded.
Candy said, “If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know, Beth.”
Breezy and the other women said variations on that same theme.
>
Once again, Breezy was so thankful for this group of women. They helped each other through heartbreaks, engagements, even deaths, and everyone was stronger because of their association.
No matter what life threw at them, these women lightened the load for each other.
And that’s what friendship was all about.
* * *
Monday, June 17
Returning to the Cave after the morning meeting the following Monday, Breezy found Fiona straightening books on the shelves, including the ever invaluable Extreme Weather for Idiots. Today, she wore a blue tie-dyed dress and had tied up her hair with a matching ribbon.
Fiona had an excited grin on her face. “Guess what Chad did. I told him it would be a good idea and he actually did it.”
“I couldn’t possibly guess what Chad is up to now. Better just tell me.”
Fiona whispered, “He and a couple of other guys made sure that Noah heard them talking about this gorgeous woman they want to date.”
“So?”
“That gorgeous woman is you.”
Breezy squinted. “Me? Gorgeous?”
Fiona nodded. “Yes. You.”
“Chad? Are you kidding? He and I are just buddies.”
“That’s the whole point. He thinks Noah likes you but is too stupid to act on it, so they’re trying to activate some jealousy and get things moving.”
Breezy shook her head in disbelief. “What were they thinking?”
“Guy thoughts are beyond my comprehension or anyone’s explanation.” Fiona smiled. “But guess what, after they did that, the big boss is now asking to see you.”
“Really.”
Fiona nodded significantly. “Yes. The man must be crazy with jealousy by now.”
“You are crazy with something. And so is Chad.”
“Maybe Noah wants to offer you another unheard-of raise.”
“Get serious. He’s probably going to demote me again.”
“He wants you in his office ASAP so you’d better get going.”
Her stomach fluttered with nerves all the way up to the third floor.
Noah’s door was open, so Breezy peeked around it into his office. He stood and moved around his desk, smiling and waving her toward one of the two chairs there. “Thanks for coming up, Breezy. I know how busy you are.”
He looked at her as though he thought she was gorgeous.
“Sure.” Unsure of what to expect, she sat.
“I’m asking key people for feedback of what they’d like to see improved around the station. Today I’d like you to act as my consultant. Give me any ideas you might have for improving the weather segments.”
She smiled happily. “I have lots of ideas.”
He smiled back. “I’m sure you do.”
She began to share the same ideas she’d planned to share the first time she’d come into his office, that time when he’d called her Pollyanna. As she shared her ideas, he watched her warmly, asking questions, and making her feel like the smartest woman on earth.
As they talked, Fiona’s words swirled through her brain, and she wondered...Was Noah jealous? Of Chad?
With a smile she couldn’t quite keep inside, she thought maybe he was.
What was she going to do about it?
Other than enjoy the moment, she wasn’t sure.
Chapter Thirteen
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. —Dolly Parton
Tuesday, June 18
“I’m thinking of using a pseudonym.” Stephanie frowned as she looked around the dress shop. “What do you guys think?”
Breezy shifted the cream-colored dress on the hanger over her arm. “Which name do you want to use?”
“I don’t know. Stephanie Something-Shorter-Than-Winkleheimer.”
“Winkleheimer will definitely stand out on the shelf.”
“By the time someone even says ‘read the latest Stephanie Winkleheimer book,’ the other person will have gone to sleep. Plus it’s at the end of the alphabet. But if you guys think of any good ones, let me know.”
“J. K. Rowling is a good one.” Dani smiled. “Just saying.”
“That would be. I wonder if I can get away with it.”
“I think you should use the last name of Myers as your pseudonym,” Lindsey said. “You know. Stephenie Myers but with an a in Stephanie.”
The others laughed. Dani said, “Yeah, and you should title it something to do with a moon. You know, New Moon, Old Moon, Moon Those Saxon Dogs, or something.”
Stephanie laughed. “Great idea. I’m sure her attorneys won’t mind writing me a nice little cease-and-desist letter.”
“Oh, wait!” Lindsey pulled out a red dress and said, almost reverently, “This is the dress!”
Breezy looked at the wisp of material on the hanger. “That’s pretty skimpy.”
Lindsey’s eyes sparkled with fashion excitement. “You will look fantastic in this dress.”
Breezy looked at it skeptically. “I like the little black dress I just tried on. I choose it.”
Stephanie reached out and touched the silky red material. “Well, just unchoose it. I agree with Lindsey. You have got to try this one on.”
Breezy looked at Dani for support. Dani just grinned and pointed toward the dressing room.
With a sigh, Breezy handed the black beauty to Dani.
Carrying the red dress like a trophy, Lindsey led the way into the dressing room. Her three friends were taking turns coming in with her to help zip and unzip, if needed.
Breezy slid out of her black capris and red tee-shirt. One last time. “Okay. There’s only one reason I’m going to put on this sexy little number.”
Lindsey tucked one of Breezy’s escaped curls back into the side braid.
“It’s so you guys can see how silly I look in it. Then I’m going to buy the black dress.”
“I’m going to come over Saturday afternoon and fix your hair.”
“I can braid it in my sleep.” Breezy slipped into the red dress and turned so Lindsey could zip her into it.
“No braid,” Lindsey said as she zipped up the red dress. “You will have curls everywhere.”
“No, I won’t. I hate curls everywhere.” Breezy turned. “I’m wearing it up.”
“Only partially up with tendrils and curls everywhere. Trust me on this.” Lindsey motioned toward the mirror. “So, what do you think of the dress?”
Breezy turned and stared, amazed, at the curvaceous woman who stared back at her from the mirror. The dress hugged curves she didn’t even know she had. She barely recognized herself. “Wow. I actually look kind of sexy.”
“You look like a goddess.”
“Look at me. Wow.”
From outside the dressing room, Dani called out, “We want to see.”
When Lindsey opened the door, Dani whistled in approval and Stephanie nodded and said, “You are going to knock his socks off. Guaranteed.”
Breezy turned back to the mirror and straightened her spine. “I think you’re right.”
* * *
Friday, June 23
Giving herself plenty of time before heading to the station for her shift, Breezy stepped into Surf’s Up. The store was crowded with people and she’d had to park a block and a half away. She was happy for Andrew.
He was an Aspen Grove native, and apparently the good town folk had turned out to wish his new business well.
She wandered around, looking at the displays she’d helped him set up, glad she’d been able to help with his dream, at least a little.
Andrew stood in the center of the store, doing what he did best—schmoozing with people, making them feel good, getting laughs, and being his generally charming self.
When he caught sight of her, he smiled. A few moments later, he worked his way over to her. “Well. What do you think?”
“I think your business is going to be a roaring success.” She took his arm and looked up at him. “And I couldn’t be happier
for you.”
“I’ve been meaning to call you, but it’s been a little busy around here.”
“I wonder why.” She laughed.
“Would you go to the Gala with me, Breezy?”
She looked up at him. It was time to cut the ties to any remote romantic ties with this man she had loved so dearly at one time, but now just had an incredible fondness for. “Andrew, I can’t.”
“Can’t is such a cop-out.”
“I have a date already.” He didn’t need to know it was a non-date.
He paused. “Oh. I see.”
She decided against elaborating, and he didn’t ask. After the briefest of pauses, she squeezed his arm and smiled at him. “You’re one of my dearest friends, Andrew. I’m so glad you’ve come back to town.”
Looking a little sad, he patted her hand. “I truly do care for you, Breezy. I was hoping—”
“I care for you, too, Andrew. Let’s leave it at that.”
After another brief pause, he nodded. “All right, my friend.”
* * *
Saturday, June 22
Noah glanced at his car’s clock. He had plenty of time.
Relax, he ordered himself. He was just picking up Breezy for the Gala. No reason to be nervous. She didn’t bite.
His cell phone rang. Smiling at the thought of talking with Breezy, he answered.
“Hi, Noah.” Not Breezy. It was Pamela. “I was thinking it would be good for us to make a united showing for the station. Why don’t you drive me over to the Gala? We can make a grand entrance.”
No way was he driving Pamela. Especially not tonight. “I have a date tonight. Maybe you can still reach Gabe. I think he’s going alone.”
“A date?” Her voice cooled. “Who is the lucky lady?”
Noah didn’t want to put Breezy in the target position, but he could hardly hide the fact once Pamela arrived at the Gala. But he was tempted. With a sigh, though, he said, “Breezy Jones.”
“Oh, cute little Breezy.” Pamela lowered her voice seductively. “When you’re ready to play with the big girls, Honey, you just give me a call. That little girl routine gets old really quickly.”
