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“I’m so happy to hear that. Me, Mark, and Todd worried about you when you just seemed to drop off the face of the earth, but we understood you were going through a tough time. I’m glad life is back to normal for you. How’s Shauna?”
“Staying busy working for Dr.Moore over on Sunset.”
“That’s good, and she didn’t have any complications with donating?”
“Nope.” Carter shook his head. “How’s Julia?” He recalled receiving their wedding invitation, but he’d been too ill to attend.
Jovan grinned. “We’re expecting our first in a few months.”
“Congratulations, man. That’s amazing.”
“Thanks. I’m still working for my dad’s company, so if you need an electrician, you know who to call.”
Carter chuckled. “I’ll remember that.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Darcy approaching him. “Jovan, this is Darcy.”
“Hi,” Darcy said.
Jovan gave Carter an approving smile, then turned his attention back to Darcy. “Nice to meet you.” He faced Carter again. “We should all get together sometime. Mark and Todd would love to see you. It’s been too long, buddy.” He shook Carter’s hand.
“Tell them hello for me.”
As Jovan walked away, Carter rested his arm on Darcy’s shoulder. “We’d better get going so we’re not late for the movie.” Then he steered her toward the sidewalk.
She looked up at him. “How do you know Jovan?”
“We’ve been friends since kindergarten.”
“You should invite him and your other friends to your birthday barbecue. Then they can tell me stories about your youth.” She laughed and bumped her shoulder against his side. “I bet you were wild and crazy, huh?”
Carter forced a smile. If he invited them to his barbecue, then Darcy for sure would hear about his transplant—and he wasn’t quite ready to share that yet.
She stopped walking, her smile fading. “Is something wrong?”
“No, no.” He nodded toward the theater. “We don’t want to miss the previews.”
“Okay, but just wait one second.” She handed him a small bag. “I got you something.”
“A present?”
She nodded, and her expression was sheepish. “Open it.”
Carter pulled out a wooden keychain with the words Flowering Grove engraved on it.
“It’s kind of silly, but this way you won’t forget where we hung out the first time—in Flowering Grove at a car show.”
Warmth surged in his chest. He couldn’t help but pull her into a hug. “I love it.”
She gave him a tight squeeze before releasing him. “I’m glad it means that much to you.”
He pulled his keys from his pocket and slipped the keychain on the ring with his truck, shop, and house keys. “Let’s go get our movie tickets.”
They made their way to the Flowering Grove cinema, and Carter purchased two tickets to the movie.
When they stepped inside, Darcy pointed toward the concession stand. “Do you like popcorn?”
“Who doesn’t?”
She pulled her wallet from her purse and started toward the counter.
