“Aw, thanks, friend.” I take a swig of margarita. “That’s so not true, but I appreciate your confidence in me.”

“So should I be interested in a career change, what are we looking at? Pay? Benefits? Hit me.” Gemma folds her arms and leans across the polished wooden table.

“Um, minimum wage and my undying love?” I lick some salt from the rim of my glass before taking another long drink. Damn, that’s good. It’s been a while since I took some time to meet up with just the girls. And it’s been a while since I actually sat down to eat. Usually I’m shoving food in my mouth whenever I can find a second to spare.

Gemma starts in on drink number two. “Sadie. You’re a millennial businesswoman. You’re supposed to care more about your employees than minimum wage and no health care. Should we even touch maternity leave yet?”

“Dude. It’s been six months, you gotta give me a little time.” I poke her in the arm with my unused straw. “Also, I can’t tell if you’re joking right now.”

“Yeah, are you actually thinking about looking for another job?” Harley shoots me a look like this is the first she’s hearing of it too.

Gemma shrugs. “I don’t know, honestly. I love teaching, I adore my students. Even when they’re hormonal assholes. But everything that happens outside of the classroom is just exhausting, you know?”

Harley pats her arm. “We know, Gem. Did something specific happen?”

“No. Just more of the same. I just keep waiting for things to get better, get easier, but it seems like every year is worse. Higher, more unrealistic expectations. Less support. Always less money.” She bites her lip. “It’s just a lot.”

“You’re doing the lord’s work, Gem. I would’ve killed twenty teenagers on the first day.” Signaling to the waiter, I order us all another round. At least one of us is going to really need it. And what kind of friend would I be if I left Gemma to drink alone in her time of need?

She gives me a sad smile. “They’re far and away the best part of my job.”

“Well, should Bridge and Blooms explode into celebrity florist status, I’ll happily offer you a job with double minimum wage.” I drain the dregs of margarita number one and move on to number two.

“And benefits.”

“Sheesh, you drive a hard bargain for someone who doesn’t even know if she wants the job or not.” I throw a chip at her. “But I suppose I can give you benefits too. Because I’m a giver.”

“Speaking of givers . . .” Harley raises one eyebrow at me, and I’m regretting ever teaching her how to perfect that move.