Page 80 of Jay Bird

About two hours later, Willow was surprised to realize she was having fun and enjoying herself.

Dinner had been loud, chaotic, and full of overlapping conversations, but something about the group made it impossible to stay tense for long.

After eating, most of the men drifted toward the pool tables while the women remained at the table just talking.

Lily sat beside Willow now, happily coloring with Amira, who apparently had appointed herself Lily’s personal social coordinator.

Gabby leaned toward Willow. “Mia said you’re going to work at her clinic.”

Willow smiled. “I am.”

“That’s exciting.”

Juliette nodded toward Lily. “Anytime you need someone to watch her, call me.”

Willow looked at her. “You really wouldn’t mind?”

“Not even a little. The kids are in and out of our house constantly.”

“She’s serious," Hannah said. “Juliette collects children.”

Juliette shrugged. “Somebody has to feed them.”

Willow laughed. It still amazed her how quickly these people offered help without making her feel indebted.

Nova leaned across the table. “And when you’re ready, come see me at the gym.”

Willow glanced toward her. “Kickboxing?”

“Absolutely. It’s a great stress reliever, but I’d also be happy to work with you privately on self-defense.”

That caught Willow’s attention, and something quietly shifted in her at the thought of being able to protect herself better.

“I’d like that.”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

Willow nodded, happy she had agreed to this dinner.

Chapter THIRTEEN

Lily only lasted about another twenty or thirty minutes before she began getting restless.

Willow stood up. “Come on, bug. Let’s take a walk.”

She excused herself and led Lily through the doors outside to the patio.

The moment they stepped onto the patio, Willow realized just how close they were to the beach. To the left, there were stairs that led down to the beach.

Lily spotted it at almost the same time. “Water!”

Willow smiled at her excitement. “Yeah, bug. That’s a whole lot of water.”

She glanced back through the windows toward the others, then down at Lily. The guys were still playing pool, and the others were still chatting away. She could probably sneak away for just a few minutes.

“Come on. Let’s go put our toes in the sand.”

Lily grabbed her hand and immediately started tugging her toward the steps, making Willow laugh.