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“Hey, teach?” Eli’s voice was gentle this time as she joined in the kitchen. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Azalea shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’m pretty tired, remember? The last quarter of the year is rough. So much is going on.”

Eli shrugged. “I wouldn’t know.”

“Right. Jewel is busy with getting ready for the spring concert. We haven’t had much time to talk.”

Eli reached out and grabbed Azalea’s upper arm, making her stop her cleaning. “You need to find the time.”

“I will. I promise. Just not tonight. I need to be rested for that conversation.”

“Tomorrow?”

Azalea rolled her eyes. “Yes, fine, I will make the time tomorrow.”

“Good.” Eli grinned. “Also, you’re welcome back at Indigo anytime you want. I think Jewel might like to meet Sarah.”

“You could always swing by her house since you’re in town.”

“No offense, but I haven’t seen my girlfriend in a month. There are other things I have planned for tonight.”

Azalea’s cheeks burned. “I did not need to know that.”

“Sure you did!” Eli’s eyes crinkled as her lips pulled upward. “Call your girl!” With a clap on her shoulder, Eli turned and nodded her head at Sarah. “Let’s go home.”

They left the last two slices of pizza and headed out the front door. Azalea locked it behind them. Eli was right. For being so young, she was full of advice and experience, but she was right. Azalea had to talk to Jewel, although it was a bit odd Jewel hadn’t contacted her so far. Jewel was the talker, not Azalea.

She changed out of her work clothes, started a load of laundry, and crawled into her bed. Her back ached. She definitely had been on her feet too much that week. Cradling her phone, she debated what to do. Should she just show up at Jewel’s? With how busy both their schedules were there was no guarantee Jewel would even be there.

She’d never been so hesitant before, but there was something holding her back. She had to figure out what that was before she talked with Jewel because Jewel would no doubt want to know. Heck, Azalea wanted to know. It wasn’t just because they were best friends. It had to be something else. Her brain was far too tired to work it out that night.

Taking the risk, Azalea texted Jewel, asking if she was busy. She managed to keep her eyes open for another thirty minutes while she waited for an answer, but she got none. When her eyes felt like sandpaper and their lids so heavy she couldn’t keep them pried open, she plugged her phone in to charge before falling asleep.