I was shocked that he had arranged for her to come early without ever speaking to me.
It was really sweet and considerate. I was already thinking of ways to express my appreciation to him.
“Yes, I am free and I can’t wait to meet you.” I checked the time on my phone. “Since it’s still three o’clock, why don’t you drop off your belongings, prepare an overnight bag, and have the driver bring you to our place. Just stay with us tonight so we can catch up.”
I reasoned that Nicholas wouldn’t complain if I offered her to stay overnight if he went to the trouble of flying her here and hiring a different driver. Not that there wasn’t a lot of room in the house.
“That is a really good idea. I will see you in a couple of hours, then. Don’t forget to ask permission from your hubby.”
I chuckled and said goodbye. When I hung up, I was grinning from ear to ear.
Courtney laughed. “I guess your Lory is here.”
I took her arm. “Yes! I can’t wait to introduce both of you. Do you mind if we take her shopping next time?”
She laughed louder then. “I work for you, Willow. You are welcome to bring anybody you like.”
“Oh, yes. I forgot that bit.” My cheeks warmed as I waved my hand. “When we’re out, it feels more like we’re friends.”
“We are,” Courtney said quickly.
We quickly made our purchases and made our way back home. John and Courtney assisted me in carrying all of my goods. I promised Courtney that I would tell her about our next shopping trip when I had a plan in mind.
I had been questioning Courtney about what had transpired between her and Geoffrey before Lory called. She smiled secretly, but other than saying she thought he was great, she didn’t reveal much more. They exchanged numbers, she informed me, but she wasn’t ‘t sure if she wanted anything more than just friendship at the time. Even though I was curious as to why she wouldn’t pursue a relationship with him if she liked him, I didn’t want to press her for an explanation. When she was ready, she would tell me more.
All I knew was that Courtney would find it difficult to say no if Geoffrey possessed even a minuscule bit of Nicholas’ persuasive abilities.
I changed into some shorts and a tank top after putting away all of my things, then I hurried downstairs to meet Lory. Laura was in the kitchen when I reached downstairs.
“Lory has just arrived at Quentin and is headed here, Laura. She will be arriving shortly, so I wanted to let you know. Sorry for the short notice.” Despite how absurd that notion was, I couldn’t help but feel like I was asking for permission.
She smiled at me and nodded. “All of her favorites are already prepared. She will arrive a little earlier than you anticipated.”
I gasped because she knew. “Yes.” I tried to hide my grin by biting my lip. “Nicholas flew her in early.”
I pondered whether she and Nicholas might have been involved in this covert scheme as she had a knowing smirk on her face. Laura asked me to share all of Lory’s favorite things with her when I informed her that Lory would be visiting a few days ago. The thought that she would want to cheer up my best friend and, by way, me, warmed my heart.
The doorbell rang before I had a chance to ask her about knowing Nicholas’ arrangements. I quickly exited and ran to the door to answer it.
As soon as the door opened, we rushed in, hugging and laughing in the foyer. Her driver nodded at us and drove off with her bag.
“Willow, my God! We are actually here in Quentin!” She threw her luggage aside and hugged me. I pulled her in, her hands still holding mine, and watched with a smile as her eyes bugged out when she started to stare around . “Oh hell… this place is just… wow.”
“Thank you… I have the same reaction!” I still found it difficult to believe I was a resident here, and I recalled how shocked I had been upon entering. Before arriving in the kitchen, I guided her around the floor while pointing out the various rooms.
“Laura, I want you to meet Lory,” I said.
It seemed as though something inside me changed as I saw the two of them welcome one another. This was the first time that everything in my life made sense. My best friend Lory was the only person I had left from my past. To have her interact closely with the people in my new life was what I had desired. My old and new families were officially meeting.
I felt complete.
Laura forced us to sit down and set up a plate with cheeses, crackers, and several other treats so that Lory could fill her stomach after a long day of traveling. I was sure I had a huge smile plastered on my friends as I watched the two women interact.
“Oh, Willow.” Lory swiftly turned toward me. “I forgot to tell you what happened to Chris Grant!”
Thinking back to that dreadful last night in Atkins, I furrowed my brows.
“When his parents learned what he had done to you and about the quantity of alcohol at his party, they forced him to leave college, and his scholarship was revoked. They are forcing him to spend a year in community college, work at the company , and live at home.”
My mouth opened in shock.
“How did he treat Willow?” I sat there in startled silence, unable to respond to Laura.
Her expression changed from sorrowful to startled to furious as Lory told her about the event that had occurred at his house party.
“Bastard!”
I was jolted out of my trance by Laura’s exclamation, and we doubled over in laughter at her swearing.
“I heard the rumor. Joan has never been afraid to criticize his size.” Lory continued, raising an eyebrow towards her legs in insinuation.
“But how did people learn what he had done to me? There was only him and I present.”
I felt a pat from Lory. “I explained what had happened.”