Page 119 of The Me I Left Behind

He grinned and nudged Chloe. “Come on.”

As they left, Carol gave Maggie a hug. “Bye, Mom. We’re leaving, too. I’ll touch base before we head to Project Graduation. Will you make breakfast in the morning?”

“Of course.” Maggie sniffled and dabbed at a tear in the corner of her eye. “Your favorite.”

“Waffles and those spicy link sausages?”

“You bet, sweetheart.”

“I love you!”

The couple sprinted toward Logan’s truck and, in seconds, were off to do high school graduation things.

“Wow. Our girl has grown up.” Julia eased an arm around Maggie’s waist. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” she said, “how the heck did that happen?”

Lia reached for her hand. “She’s grown up in so many ways. That girl has matured over the past six months.”

“She had to,” Maggie said. “Sometimes I am grateful that she’s grown out of that rebellious shit—and other times, I grieve the loss of her innocence, so damn quick.”

Alice leaned closer, whispering. “And that boyfriend of hers? He seems to be a very nice young man and kind of hot. Isn’t he?”

“Super cute—according to Carol. I’ll just leave it at that,” Julia remarked.

Lia laughed. “Alice. I thought you were into women.”

“Eh.” Alice shrugged. “I can go either way.”

Maggie smiled at that. Alice being casual about her sexuality was interesting. Her past few months were complicated, to say the least, since her rather involuntary coming out over the Christmas holiday at Tuckaway Bay.

Yawning, Lia stretched her arms. “I just have to say it. That was a really long ceremony.”

“I wouldn’t have minded it so much if the seats were a little softer,” Alice added. “Those bleachers were wicked.”

“There’s only one cure for that,” Maggie said.

“And that is?”

“Tequila on my deck. Or wine. Your choice.” She looked at Julia. “Except for you.”

Julia laughed. “No problem. I’ll own being the resident alcoholic. I bring my own bottle these days.”

They madeall the fixings for Mexican food when they got back to Maggie’s, to go with the margaritas. She had shopped earlier in the day, keeping the tequila theme in mind.

They spread all the food across the kitchen island, buffet style—spicy beef, grilled chicken strips, refried beans, Spanish rice, chopped lettuce, peppers of all kinds, green and red chili sauce, mild and hot salsa, Mexican corn, shredded cheese and queso, sour cream, guacamole, chips, tortillas, and more. Everyone helped themselves, making whatever they pleased—tacos, burritos, nachos, taco salad. Whatever.

While Maggie made margaritas on-the-rocks-with-salt for the drinking girls, Julia made a spicy non-alcoholic frozen version with margarita mix, lime, and a hint of jalapeno, and shared with the kids.

Jason was impressed. Chloe wrinkled her nose and asked for ice cream.

Later, with the kitchen cleaned up and Jason and Chloe off to their rooms, the four women headed to the backyard deck overlooking the golf course and settled into comfortable chairs. Maggie brought a platter of nachos with her and set it in the center of the patio table.

“Ooh, these pillows are so soft. Much better than the stadium bleachers,” Alice exclaimed.

“I’m really glad you all came for graduation.” Suddenly, Maggie realized how tired she was, and propped her feet up on a wicker footstool.Long day. “I didn’t expect you to, so that was a pleasant surprise—and honestly? I am more than ready for some girlfriend time.”

“I’ll second that emotion.” Julia tipped her drink glass.