The Glory ( Freen❣️Becky)

21

She'd been surprised by Freen's earlier call and invitation to join them. She'd assumed, after their last meeting, that she would have to be the one to reach out to Freen. While she enjoyed Sam's company and certainly Alice's, it was indeed Freen she was looking forward to seeing. As she'd told her the other night, she needed a friend. And after what had happened with Nop last night, she wanted to share that with her.

Sam opened the screen door to her knock. The house was cool and airy with the windows opened as well. "Good to see you again, Becky," he said. "I don't know if Freen warned you, but she's cooking lunch," he said with a laugh. "We may have to make a run for a burger later."

"As long as it's not tofu," she whispered with a wink.

"Becky!" Alice wrapped her up in a tight hug, which Becky returned.

"Hi, Alice, you're looking well."

"My kids are here taking care of me, how could I not?" She drew her inside, then led her out to the patio. "Sam, bring us some tea, please."

Becky looked over her shoulder, hoping to spot Freen, but all she heard was intermittent whistling coming from the kitchen.

"Who knows what she's planning," Alice said. "Although she did make a very tasty black bean and vegetable soup last night."

The small patio was covered and they pulled their chairs closer to the house and out of the sun. Becky relaxed with a contented sigh as her gaze traveled across the freshly mowed lawn, landing on the flower garden-Alice's pride and joy.

"It's so nice out here," she said. "I want something like this."

Alice leaned closer. "Have you said anything to Nop?"

"Yes. Last night."

"How did he take it?"

"As expected. More concerned with how it affects him, not me."

Alice nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. Change is difficult." She smiled and added, "Especially for men."

"For me too," Becky said, but she didn't elaborate. For as close as she and Alice had become, this wasn't something she wanted to discuss with her. There was only so much she would understand. Alice smiled as if sensing her hesitation and aptly changed the subject.

"Freen showed me the specs on their new store. Wanted my opinion," Alice said. "It's so large, I had a hard time picturing it all."

"Are they ready to start?"

"We are," Sam said as he brought over two glasses of iced tea. "There're a couple of things Freen's not sure about. I think she wanted to run it by you."

"Me?"

"Another opinion," he clarified. He glanced over his shoulder, then back at them.

"Lunch seems safe," he said quietly.

"Mexican food. Looks like burritos. They're in the oven now."

Becky laughed. "So no need for a burger run?"

"A burger run?" Freen asked from the doorway. "What, are you guys conspiring?"

Becky met her gaze, returning her easy smile. "Backup plan," she said.

Freen slid her gaze to her brother with raised eyebrows. "Still scared of my cooking?"

Sam raised his hands. "What makes you think that was my idea?"

"Because it wouldn't cross Mom's mind to eat anything other than what I offered and Becky is too polite to suggest it." She slapped his shoulder good naturedly. "You're going to love it," she said with a smile. Her gaze again found Becky's. "After lunch, if you can spare a few minutes, I want to show you something," she said.