“Don’t say that. You’re a good person. You deserve to be happy.” Paula got bacon and eggs from the refrigerator and began cracking the eggs into a bowl.

“So do you,” Mitzi said. “So do all of us.”

“Maybe, but trust is tough after this kind of thing.” Jody kicked herself for not seeing the signs. Paula hadn’t had a beer in months, and she loved beer. She did drink a little sweet tea, but she didn’t go around with a glass in her hands from midmorning until suppertime. If Jody hadn’t been so wrapped up in her own problems with Lyle, she would have recognized all the signs. “Let’s make a decision about moving and then go forward without looking back.”

“You always say that,” Mitzi said. “Are we ever able to not look back?”

“I’m going to give it my best shot.” Paula set the eggs aside and started frying bacon.

“Me, too,” Jody said. “That’s not saying I’ll always get the job done, but when I fall on my face, I have these two amazing friends who’ll help me get back up.”

“Yes, we will.” Mitzi popped open a tube of biscuits and arranged them in a pan. “So I’m in for the move. It’ll save money and we’ll have more room. Jody can even have a private bedroom for when she gets a boyfriend.”

Both of Jody’s palms went up defensively. “That’s not happening. Paula, I need one of your stones to carry around in my pocket to ward off all feelings of love.”

“That would be a jasper stone. It helps control emotions. I’ll give you one before we leave for work this morning. I’ve carried a moonstone with me for weeks. It helps with pregnancy,” Paula said. “And by the way, I checked the signs last night. This week is a good time to move, but next week isn’t. It seems like an omen to me.”

“I’ve always thought your superstitions and stones were a little wonky,” Mitzi said. “But I might be willing to sleep with a love one under my pillow.”

“Under your pillow won’t work,” Paula scolded her seriously. “It’s got to be next to your skin. You need a rose quartz. Put it next to your heart.”

“If y’all are going to try this, then I’m game, too,” Mitzi said. “But it’ll have to show some power to turn me into a believer.”

“Will your jasper stone keep me from wanting to strangle Lyle?” Jody asked.

“Maybe I’d better give you a sodalite stone. It’s a little stronger than the jasper. So we’re really going to move into the shop?” Paula asked.

Jody cocked her head to one side. “I’m all for it, but what about all those stairs? You going to be able to get up and down them?”