I stepped out on Drika’s front porch and draped the quilt I’d found in her linen closet over her shoulders. “There you are.”
“Thanks, darling,” she said, patting the empty seat next to hers. “Come warm me up.”
We’d finished dinner an hour ago and had been sitting on her wicker swing outside, but it was getting cold now that the sun had gone down.
“My pleasure.” I sat by her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. I’d almost forgotten how well we got along and how healing her presence could be to me. I’d grown up with women, and short of having my mother or grandmother around, she was the closest thing I had. All through the evening, Drika had listened to my every word, her lively blue eyes studying my face with affection and acceptance. I didn’t have to hold back or try to be funny. I cou
