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“Oh! And I have news of my own,” Brynn said, before drinking. “I’ve decided to keep Pickles. I’m adopting her.”

Aster’s mouth fell open. Pickles was the name they’d given to the stray mama dog. No one had come forward to claim her, and her future had been in question, tugging at Aster’s heart. “You’re keeping her? She has a home?” She loved the idea and shot a fist in the air. “That’s the best news I’ve had in so long.” She just couldn’t celebrate enough. Relief flooded. She’d been up nights, wondering whether she should take them both, but knowing her lack of experience should probably limit her to one until she knew what she was up against.

Brynn shrugged, glowing now. “I thought about it. There was no way I couldn’t take her. She’s the sweetest girl, and when I look into her eyes, I can tell we’re a match. Plus, mom and son will get to spend a little time together as neighbors now.”

Aster swallowed her wine and knew she had to contribute her own update. “I have news, too. Dill and I will be leaving for Boston at the start of fall.”

Brynn’s beautiful eyes went wide and she set down her glass. “Shut the front door. You’re enrolling in the culinary school. You’re doing it?” She covered her mouth with both hands.

Aster nodded, trying to suppress her grin but too excited to do so. “I decided that life is short, and I should live it. They have studentapartments, and with a deposit I can bring a pet. I checked it all out, and there’s a dog park just a few blocks away and a pet store around the corner.”

“This is amazing. I’m so happy for you, Aster! The best news.” Brynn opened her arms as Dill ran a lap around the kitchen. “Come here.”

Aster moved to Brynn and accepted the hug, holding on for a moment longer than was probably normal because of the insane rush that came with it. She didn’t care. She missed touching Brynn and the jolt it gave her, making everything feel extra vibrant and alive. When she finally did let go, she realized Brynn’s hand was still on the back of her neck and everything tingled.Steady now. Brynn met her gaze and seemed to acknowledge the charged moment with the softest of smiles. Aster’s focus fell to Brynn’s lips. Glossy and parted. Her stomach clenched and her shoulders tingled.

“I’m really proud of you.” She took a step back then, and something about it felt reluctant. Was it? Like Aster, she didn’t want the moment to end. That part seemed clear.

“Have you noticed we touch a lot more now?”

Brynn paused, glanced at her wine and back at Aster. “Yes, Aster. I did notice that.” She didn’t offer anything more.

Maybe she wasn’t supposed to just come right out and say it. But how could she not? “It’s nice.”

Brynn rolled her lips. She was either amused or embarrassed. Hard to tell which. “Yeah, it is.” She placed the wine on the counter. “When do you leave again?” She folded her arms. Was Brynn making a point or moving on?

“In about three months. The semester doesn’t start until mid-September, but I wanted to have time to settle in. Catch my breath.” She shrugged. “I’ve never lived anywhere but here before.”

She smiled, genuine. Warm. “You’re going to love it.”

Aster exhaled. “You know, I think you’re right. But I’m nervous.”

“Don’t be. Focus on the excitement.” A thought seemed to occur to Brynn. “Oh no. What about Hole in One? You’re closing shop?”

“No. Not at all. Drew and Tori are stepping up and taking over. They know that place backward and forward. They’re pros and want the extra cash. I trust them. We’ll hire someone for extra help. Interested?”

“Don’t tempt me.” A pause. “You’ll be missed. I’m sure.”

Aster felt courageous. Dill pulled at her shoelaces as if encouraging her. And since she’d felt like a stronger, more confident version of herself lately, she embraced it. “Will you miss me?”

Brynn nodded. “I really will.”

No one said anything for a moment. All Aster wanted in the world was to sit in her living room and talk with Brynn until the wee hours of the morning again. Hold her, maybe. Press her cheek to Brynn’s. And was there a tug to do even more? Sure. But Aster limited that kind of thinking, because the idea was wildly overwhelming, even entertaining a sliver of those details.

“Well.” It’s what people said right before they left.

“Yeah,” Aster said, sad now.

“I should let you and Dill get settled in.”

“Okay.” Aster wished Brynn would stay longer but realized that she maybe didn’t want to. That was all right, too. “Thank you for bringing him. I’ve been counting the days.”

Brynn walked to the door, turned back, and squeezed her hand. “You two are gonna be great together. But you, Aster Lavender, all on your own, are going places. I can tell.”

Oh, that hit her hard. She felt the blush. Brynn’s opinion mattered. “You really think so?”

“I know so as confidently as I know tomorrow is Wednesday.”

“Wow. That’s a nice endorsement.”