Joanna wanted to hug her. The reprieve might be brief, but she’d take anything. “I can’t thank you enough.”

“Hey, I still owe you for covering for me that time.” She turned to Ashley. “I was sixteen. Drank my first vodka shots and was so sick and dizzy I couldn’t walk straight. Joanna dragged me to a safe place on the beach, called my parents to say I was staying over with her and proceeded to take care of me until morning. Then she told everyone I’d eaten bad shellfish. No one was any the wiser.”

Joanna remembered it. Remembered feeling envious at the concern in Rosa’s dad’s voice, his gratitude that she was safe with Joanna. Her stepmother hadn’t cared where she was or who she was with. She hadn’t even noticed that Joanna hadn’t come home and had slept on the beach. “That was a long time ago.”

“When someone helps you out, you remember it. You’re still part of this community, Joanna. Don’t you forget that.”

She had forgotten it. Or maybe she hadn’t truly been aware of it.

“Thank you.”

Rosa grinned. “I’m the one who should be thanking you. That man just shelled out close to a thousand dollars on a gift for a woman who doesn’t exist.”

“You knew she didn’t exist?”

Rosa pulled a face. “Who would marry a creep like him?”

Joanna looked at the woman who had once been a friend. “I married Cliff.”

Rosa shrugged. “Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. Cliff was easy on the eye and he could cook. That’s two damn good reasons to hang around with a guy.” She stepped back and eyed Joanna. “While you’re standing here, can I bring you a few things to try on? Not that I’m pushing for another sale, but seeing you in black and white the whole time seems like a wasted opportunity. With that hair of yours, you should be wearing bold colors.”

“I agree,” Ashley said. “My suggestions? Red. Green.”

Joanna shook her head. “I prefer not to draw attention.”

“You are an icon of strength and decency—we should attach a flashing light to your head.” Rosa vanished and appeared a few moments later armed with clothes. “Try these.”

It was an hour before they left the store, and when they did they were loaded down with purchases.

“Thanks again, Rosa.” Joanna paused in the doorway as Rosa peered out and checked the street.

“The coast is clear. Hope we’ll see you again soon, Joanna. You’ve seen Mel and Nate?”

“Yes.”

Rosa met her gaze. “You take care. Come back soon.”

“I like her,” Ashley said as they left the store. “And that green dress she talked you into is gorgeous.”

“It’s going to have a very boring life because I don’t go anywhere.”