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She’d never thought about that before. Jewel was rather loud, her voice carried. She imagined it’d have to in a room full of kids and musical instruments. She was far quieter. Blinking slowly, Azalea shook her head. “Yeah. I didn’t make enough dinner for two.”

“Three.”

“Three?” She was confused again. “Who’s with you?”

“Never mind that, but we’re bringing pizza, so stick whatever you made back in the fridge for tomorrow, and we’re going to binge on grease and beer.”

Azalea sighed. “I don’t know, Eli. I’m exhausted after this week.”

“Come on, it’s a once in a lifetime chance.”

“Fine. But not too late.”

“I promise, teach. We’ll be there in twenty.”

“Twenty?”

“Yeah, we have to get the pizza.”

“Right.”

“See you in a bit.” Eli hung up, leaving Azalea to stare at the dinner she’d spent the last twenty minutes cooking and the wine she’d barely drunk.

She could eat it for lunch the next day. Going back to her kitchen, Azalea boxed it up in a Tupperware and shoved it into the fridge. She downed her wine, but instead of pouring herself another glass like she wanted to, she waited for Eli to arrive with the promised pizza and beer.

It took the twenty minutes, and when Eli knocked on her door, Azalea was ready. Somewhere she had found a little more energy to make it so she could entertain. Opening the door, she found Eli standing with another woman, her blonde hair shoulder length, her eyes bright, but looking nervous.

“Hey, teach.”

“Hey,” Azalea answered, opening the door to let them in.

“This is Sarah.”

“Oh!” Azalea’s eyes widened. “I didn’t realize you were coming to town any time soon.”

Sarah gave a sheepish smile. “I surprised her a few days early.”

“I bet she loved it.” Azalea shut the door and moved to the table where Eli was already setting up the pizza and walking into the kitchen to grab plates. She had clearly done this a time or two, and Azalea was glad because she did not want to be the entertainer for the night.

“She called me from Denver to tell me she was getting on a flight and I had exactly an hour and a half to drive down and pick her up.”

Azalea snorted and called into the kitchen, “And I bet you still loved it!”

Eli came back into the dining area with plates and paper towels. “I did.”

“So, Sarah, what do you think of our fair town?”

“I like it, mostly. Never thought I’d live in a small town.”

“I always knew I would, but I’m glad you found your way here. I’ve never seen Eli happier.”

Sarah’s bright eyes twinkled. “That’s good to hear.”

“Yes, now where’s this beer you promised?”

“Right here.” Eli set it in front of her before grabbing two more for her and Sarah. Together they all sat down to eat, and it wasn’t until they were halfway through the pizza that Eli gave Azalea a pointed look. “You know, I did expect Jewel to be here tonight.”

“Why would you expect that?”