Page 70 of #Lovestrong

Gail turns and heads back behind the counter, and before anyone else can come over to the table, I pick up my menu and open it. I know this menu by heart, so I'm more just trying to hide my face at this point.

"You know, hiding behind your menu doesn't stop people from noticing Dad or Declan."

I drop my menu with a wide smile on my face. Jaz snuck into the booth next to my dad. She looks beautiful as ever, though her hair is done in tight cornrows now. She loves that hairstyle best. A relieved sigh escapes me as she reaches over the table to take my hands in hers.

"It's good to see you," I say, not taking my eyes off her.

"I'm glad you’re home. I miss my best friend. But right now, I gotta get home before my momma shows up at this diner to whoop me. Text me tomorrow. Maybe we can show Declan around together."

We both scoot out of the booth and my anxiety lessens as she wraps her arms around me, enveloping me in the familiar scent of cocoa butter that's been Jaz's scent since she started using the stuff in fifth grade. It's always been the one aroma I only associate with her and it never ceases to bring back fond memories.

"Behave, Declan," she says as she heads for the door. "I hope Dad Harrison doesn't kill you and bury you in the woods."

As I sit back down, I glance from Declan to my dad. "Relax, babe. She was kidding."

Declan's shoulders instantly sag as he looks over at me. My dad certainly makes Declan nervous.

"Yeah, I don't even go out in the woods much. The quarry is easier to navigate."

I burst out laughing at the panic on Declan's face. This trip is going to be so much fun.