Ashley thought about Jon, about their trips to the movies where they shared popcorn and laughed. They weren’t dating as such, but they’d had fun together. That was what Joanna needed. Someone to have fun with. And share friendship. It seemed to Ashley that was what Joanna lacked most in her life. Good friends.

“Okay. I’ll say no more.” For now. Ashley reached across the table and gave her hand a squeeze. “You should eat something. If you don’t eat what’s on your plate, he’s going to ask you what’s put you off your food. Do you really want that conversation?”

Joanna sighed and picked up her fork. “Fine. I’ll eat.”

Ashley decided a change of subject was necessary. “Were you serious about not hiding? Because I’d love to take a look around this place. It’s pretty, and I saw a cute dress in one of the stores.” She wanted to do something about Joanna’s “uniform” of jeans and white shirt, but one thing at a time.

“We can go shopping.”

Ashley was about to reply when Mel appeared at the table.

“How are you both doing?” She was a little hesitant, as if she wasn’t sure of her reception. “Can I fetch you more drinks? Anything?”

Joanna shook her head. “We’re fine, thanks, Mel.”

Was that all she was going to say? To a woman who had once been her best friend?

She was scared, Ashley realized. Scared of putting herself out there. Scared of being hurt again. Dates. Friendship. They all required the same thing—a willingness to make yourself vulnerable, and that required trust. Joanna had lost her trust in people.

Ashley took over. “Will you join us for a minute?” She saw Joanna tense but ignored it. “We want to go shopping. Where’s the best place?”

“For clothes?” Mel sat down. “Ocean Boutique. It’s owned and run by Rosa, who was at school with us. She has a good eye. Her stuff is great. You should start there. If you don’t find what you need you could try Rags to Riches, but their stuff is a little more formal. I’m glad you’re going to head into town. What else do you guys have planned?”

Joanna shook her head. “Nothing.”

“In that case, you should come over. Greg and I live in one of the houses down on Ocean. We’re having a barbecue tomorrow. It would give us a chance to properly catch up, Joanna. I’d really like that.” She paused, unsure, and Ashley realized Joanna wasn’t the only one who was nervous.

Joanna frowned. “A barbecue?”

“Yes. You can meet our daughter, Eden.” Mel smiled at Ashley. “It’s family night, and she would be so pleased to be able to hang out with someone close to her age, instead of her parents and uncle.”