Page 28

“Well, I’m still adjusting to being back here. It’s been a long time, and it’s certainly different than home, but Julie is keeping me busy. We were just finishing up a fitting when you called.”

“Sounds like fun. I imagine you’re wowing everyone with your designs.”

“Julie is pleased and that’s all I care about right now.”

“Oh yeah? What about the third side of your equilateral triangle?”

“My what?”

“You know, the guy. The one who was part of your Last Stand trio, every summer. The one you left behind. Have you seen him?”

“Coop? Uh, yes. I’ve seen him. He moved back here recently. His daughter is the flower girl in the wedding, actually.”

“And?”

“And nothing, Little Miss Troublemaker. Nothing’s going on. And why would it? Are you forgetting I’m leaving after the wedding?”

“Yeah, about that. Taylor, I’ve got some good news. Remember Swivel Bridal, the new cutting edge salon I was telling you about? Well, they’ll be opening their doors next month and one of their new hires fell through. There’s an opening. It might be perfect for you.”

“Really?”

“Are you interested?”

Taylor thought about it for a moment. Was she ready to put herself out there again? To be judged? To have her designs scrutinized and go through marketing to see if they hit the right note with the buying public? She sighed. It certainly was her goal, and the promise she’d made to her mother was always in the back of her mind. She couldn’t break that promise. She couldn’t give up on her dream. “I…am. I’ll send them my résumé when I get back.”

“Maybe you should do it sooner, Taye. I don’t know how long the position will be open.”

“You’re probably right. I’ll look over my résumé. It needs an overhaul, but I don’t know how much time I’ll have to work on it. I promised to devote my time here to Julie and the wedding.”

She wanted that. She wanted to continue on her “break.” She was just beginning to feel like herself again. Beginning to unwind and gain some confidence again. She wasn’t sure she could handle another rejection right now. Last Stand was her sanctuary, in heart and mind. Being here meant safety and friendship and family.

“Okay, but don’t wait too long, hon. So, what’s on the agenda for the rest of the day?”

“Well, believe it or not, I’m going to my first baseball game.”

“You and…baseball? Well, it’s about time? What team are you going to see?”

“Have you ever heard of the Tigers?”

“The Tigers? TheDetroitTigers?”

“There’s a Detroit Tigers?” she asked.

“Are you kidding me? Haven’t you ever heard of them?”

Taylor laughed at Simone’s outrage. “No I haven’t, but there is a Last Stand Tigers team made up of seven- to ten-year-old boys. Oh, and one girl. The flower girl, Cassie. She’s got quite an arm, from what I’m told.”

“Ah so, you’ll be seeing her dad there.”

“Of course. He’s the coach.”

“Maybe he’ll teach you a thing or two about getting to first base again. He was your first kiss, wasn’t he?”

Taylor shook her head. Her friend was relentless, but yes, Coop had been her first kiss and her first love. “Oh, look, it’s almost time for me to go.”

Simone’s chuckle came across the wires. “Okay, okay. But be sure to let me know what’s up. And if you want me to take a look at your résumé once it’s done, shoot me a message. I’ll be glad to.”

“Thanks, sweetie. Will do. Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.”