Chapter 16

Gran excused herself. “I’m going to make myself some tea. Anyone want anything?”

I shook my head. “No thanks, Gran.”

“Not for me, Ellie,” Sally said. “Thank you.”

Melissa shook her head. “Thank you, no.”

As soon as Gran had gone into the house, Sally sank down onto the step and started. “Nickie…”

But I cut her off. “It’s okay, Sally.”

And Sally held her ground. “No, it’s not.”

I shrugged.

“I said all the wrong things,” she started. “I didn’t mean what I said. You took me by surprise.”

I didn’t want her to continue. I wanted to be left alone. “It’s okay.”

“No,” she said, firmly. “I overreacted.”

“It happens.”

She laid a hand on my arm. “Please forgive me.”

“Nothing to forgive.”

“Please, Nickie?” Sally begged.

“You said what you needed to say. It was honest.”

“No! It wasn’t,” she insisted. “I value our friendship too much. We’ve known each other since we were little kids!”

I sighed. “We’re still friends. I imagine Bud will be happy I’m not around.”