“Yes. Livid. Boiling with rage.” But she also felt more in control than she had in her life before. She couldn’t change what they did, but she could change what she did.

“Okay! I believe you.” This time Ashley did manage to smile. “It’s surprising. You never seemed to get that emotional about it. You were always so calm. I thought you were...kind of resigned.”

“So did I, but it turns out I’m not.” She stood up and rubbed her legs, which were slowly turning numb after so long in one position. “I have a suggestion of what we can do today.”

“I won’t hide.” Ashley sat up straighter. “If a reporter had come along before that kind police chief—”

“Greg. He’s married to Mel.”

“The woman who called on you? She was the one who saw me in town. She called him, I think. It’s good to have connections. I liked him. He stopped to check on me and we got talking. And I told him I’m not going to hide.”

“I’m not going to hide, either. And I don’t want to waste another moment of time, energy or emotion on thinking about them. It’s a beautiful day out there. We’re going to—” she searched her brain for the most public activity she could think of “—we’re going to have breakfast right here at the Surf Café. Have you eaten? No, of course you haven’t. You left before breakfast, and you barely ate anything last night. You’re not eating enough, Ashley. We need you to stay healthy.”

Ashley gave a funny smile. “No one has scolded me about eating since my mom died.”

“I’m happy to take on that role. Not as a pseudo mom, you understand. As a friend.”

“I think you’d be a great mom.” Ashley sniffed. “You’re also a great friend. I want to push you away and protect you from the vultures but I’m just so happy you’re here. I want to be selfish and say yes to breakfast.”

“Then say yes.” Joanna hugged her again. She’d forgotten just how good it felt to be needed, and connected, and important to someone. “It’s not selfish. I’m doing it for me, too. I should have done it a long time ago. Maybe I would have if I’d had someone like you by my side. What’s your favorite food?” She glanced at Nate and found him looking at her with an expression she couldn’t interpret. Now those first shaky moments had passed, she was able to be a little more objective in her assessment.