Greg came over and put his arm around me. “I just wanted to bring together Jill’s favorite people and celebrate the fact that we have another day with the most beautiful woman in South Cove. Thank you for being who you are, even when it drives me crazy.”
“And risks your life,” Aunt Jackie added.
“Here’s to Jill.” Amy held up a glass of iced tea, and the rest of the group held up their empty hands. “We love you.”
After we ate, Greg and Toby had to get to the station to start the paperwork. Amy had to get back to work. She squeezed me tight before she left. “Girls’ night Thursday. We’ll go to Bakerstown and do that painting and wine thing.”
“Greg and Justin can take us and pick us up. Then we can come back to the house for a movie.” I adjusted our plan so we wouldn’t be drinking then driving back.
“Sounds perfect.” She waved and headed out the door.
Sasha looked at my aunt. “You ready to get back?”
Aunt Jackie slouched into my recliner and kicked off her shoes. “Why don’t we stay and talk a bit.”
I sank down on the couch and Sasha sat on the other end. “Hey, I’m getting ready to go back to school, and I have to take a test. You want to help me study?”
“I can do that. I’ve gotten really good at testing lately. In high school, I’d freeze up, but now, if I don’t know the answer, I just guess. And usually, I’m right.” Sasha twisted her hair between her fingers.
“What’s going on between you and Toby?” Aunt Jackie asked.
Sasha didn’t miss a beat. “I’ll tell you right after you tell us what’s going on with you and Harrold.”
“Touché.” I grinned. The girl was learning. “What other gossip have you heard?”
“There’s a new store opening across the street next to The Glass Slipper. Some kind of china shop, from what I hear. The name is really cute, Teattee.” Aunt Jackie closed her eyes and leaned back her head. “I’m so glad we closed the shop for the day. I’m beat.”
“Cheesecake and movie afternoon?” I thought about my movie collection. “Romance, mystery, or comedy?”
“Comedy. Let’s watch Ghostbusters. Or anything with Bill Murray.” Aunt Jackie sat up. “Soda in the fridge?”
“Yep. Bring me one.” I stood and grabbed the movie off my shelf. I also grabbed Groundhog Day. We might as well make an afternoon of it. I put the DVD into the player and messed with the remote.
Sasha was looking at the movie case.
“Excited?” I pressed Pause on the DVD as we waited for Aunt Jackie.
Sasha looked at me and shrugged. “I guess so. I mean, I love hanging out with you guys.”
My aunt handed her a soda and then gave another to me. “But what? You think you need to study or something? Relax, the books will be there tomorrow.”
Sasha shook her head. “It’s not that. I just have a question.” She paused, looking at the movie cover again. “Who’s Bill Murray?”