Regan met Jessie for breakfast Tuesday morning. Regan filled her in on everything that had happened. “But listen to the podcast tonight.”

“You going on it again?”

“No, I’m going to listen with my dad. Lucas is going solo, and I think he has several interviews lined up. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that this is over and Lucas is okay.”

“And the girl? The one in the hospital? Don’t tell me to wait until tonight.”

“She’ll be fine. I heard she’s being released this morning. Everything else? You’ll have to listen.”

“You’re a bitch,” Jessie said with a grin. “Now, important things. Next Saturday, no canceling on me. We hike, rain or shine.”

“Next week we might be able to tackle Humphreys,” Regan said.

“You’re so fucking out of shape I don’t think you can get halfway up the mountain.”

“I am not out of shape.”

Jessie snorted. “Sedona first, then Humphreys next month. We’ll hike to the top, camp overnight.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Regan would love to get away for a weekend. Camping was just the ticket.

“Are you looking for a place to live?”

“Found one,” she said. “I’m going to remodel the apartment over the barn where my granddad lived when I was a kid. It’s private, plenty big enough. I’m meeting with an architect later this week. I’ll probably gut the place, make it my own. I love Flagstaff, I miss you and my dad, and I’m not far from my brothers and sister. It’ll work.” For now. But that’s all Regan could do: focus on the present.

“And then you can bring home a hot guy to jump on.”

“I’m not looking to jump on any guys right now.”

“Really? Not even Tripp Garza?”

“Oh dear Lord, Jessie, he’s JT’s best friend.”

“Still hot. And I think he’s always had a crush on you.”

“Does not.”

“Then, why does he keep staring at you?”

She glanced over to the counter, and Tripp was there, held up his coffee mug to her, then walked over. “How’d you get that shiner?” He gestured to the bandaged cut above her eye, which had also caused a bruise to form over half her face.

“Maybe I’ll tell you someday.”

He sat down with them. “Jess, good to see you.”

Jessie snorted. “Right.” She finished her coffee. “Gotta go to work to pay the bills. Later, gators.”

She walked away.

“I’ve come in nearly every morning, hoping to see you,” he said.

“Why?”

“I want to take you to dinner.”

“You can come over for dinner anytime. My dad loves you.”

“You can’t possibly be that obtuse, Regan.”

Her stomach fluttered. Jessie was right. She’d always had a crush on Tripp. But she would never act on it.

Never say never.

“You’re JT’s best friend.”