Roni looked down at her outfit and said, “These are the sweatpants Quincy lent me the first night I stayed over, and this is his softest T-shirt, and…” She reached up and touched what had been a bun last night but was now a tangled mess hanging off the side of her head, and she and Angela both laughed.

“Aw, Roni. I’m sorry he’s not here.” Angela hugged her. “I’m sorry. I know nothing can replace Quincy, but at least you have the world’s greatest best friend, who made you cinnamon buns.” She took off the top of the container, releasing a mouth-watering aroma.

“You are a goddess. Thank you.” Roni reached for one. She took a bite, and the sweet treat was exactly what she needed. “Mm. These are the best.”

“I made them with extra love, which means extra cinnamon and frosting.” Angela took off her coat and said, “Aren’t you going to see Gemma and the kids this morning to open presents? I’m not sure they’re going to appreciate your new look.”

“I have a few hours before I need to be there.” Roni grabbed plates and napkins, and as they sat down, she said, “Shouldn’t you be with Joey celebrating Christmas?”

“I loved him up and he went back to sleep. So here I am, with my girl.” She pulled a small gift out of her pocket and set it on the table. “Merry Christmas!”

Roni popped to her feet, feeling happier already, and went to the tree to get Angela’s gift. “Merry Christmas to you, too.” She handed it to her and said, “It’s for you and Joey.”

“Count of five?” Angela said as Roni sat down.

Roni nodded. They’d been counting to five instead of three since they were little, though neither could remember why. They counted together, “One. Two. Three. Four. Five!” and tore open their gifts. Roni watched Angela open hers rather than taking the top off the gift Angela had given her.

“Whoa.” Angela withdrew the red-and-black Leather and Lace camisole and panties from the box. “Roni, I can’t accept these. I’ve seen their stuff online. They’re really expensive.”

“Dixie and Jace hooked me up with a huge discount. I even got something for myself, for when Quincy comes home.”

“In that case, I love it. Thank you.” Angela leaned forward and hugged her. “Open yours.”

Roni opened the box and withdrew a key chain that had half of a best-friends heart. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

Angela reached into the pocket of her sweatshirt and placed an identical box on the table. “This is the other half. It’s for Quincy. We’ll always be besties, but with love comes another type of best friend, and I want you to know that I love you guys together, and I will happily share my bestie status with your man.”

“Oh, Ang.” Roni hugged Angela, tears stinging her eyes. “I love you so much. Thank you. This means the world to me.”

“I’m glad you like it. Listen, Roni. We both know you’re not telling me everything about how you feel with Quincy being in rehab and finding out the bullet was meant for him, and that’s okay. Gram grew you up tough, and I know you like to hole up and process grief in your own way. You tried to do it after your accident, and again when Gram died. I totally get it.”