Page 131 of The Best Shot

“I have a new job. This one actually speaks to me.”

“That’s what you said about the Pilates studio.”

“That was different.”

“And the marketing thing?” Ava asked.

“Don’t get me started.”

“So what is it now?” I asked.

“Dog bakery.”

We all looked at her.

“What now?” Tabby asked.

“I’m making artisanal dog treats.” Annie’s chin came up, waiting for somebody to argue.

“Oh.” Ava nodded slowly. “You sure about that?”

“Positive.”

Ava’s smile turned supportive. “Then I love it for you, babe.”

“Right?” Annie said, vindicated. “Thank you.”

Ava lifted her glass. “To Annie’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

“To me,” Annie agreed, and drank to herself.

Tabby leaned in. “Now for the guest of honor. We’re doing this properly.”

I groaned. “No speeches.”

“Short ones. Just let us.”

Annie pointed at me. “To Yasmine, who is an inspiration.”

“To Yasmine,” Ava said, “who actually does the thing.”

Tabby looked at me. “And comes back.”

I set my glass down. “I’m not dying.”

“Not the point,” Tabby said softly.

I smiled, wobbly around the edges, and picked it back up. “To my family.”

We clinked, the glasses meeting in a soft, uneven chorus.

Then I turned and saw her just inside the entrance.

She wore a stiff blouse that belonged in a different kind of room. She looked around like she didn’t understand the language of this place and didn’t respect it anyway.

My smile fell.

Her eyes found mine. Then she was standing beside the table.