Free Between Us Girls by Sally John Page B

away for fun.
    â€œYes.” She didn’t offer details. “Do you think Beau could put in a newshowerhead for me? It’s on the kitchen counter. I couldn’t get the old one off.”
    â€œYou know you don’t have to do things like that. That’s why we have Beau.”
    â€œI’ll pay for it. The old head works fine, but I would prefer a different one.”
    Liv smiled. “I’ve been meaning to put in those low-water-usage ones ever since you explained droughts to me.” She did not begin to comprehend Samantha’s work. All she knew was that the genius in Seven built things and tried to protect the environment at the same time.
    â€œWhose land are you saving this week?”
    Samantha shifted her weight and rolled her shoulders, a familiar mannerism of hers when she seemed uncomfortable. “I’m working at the Lotanzai Reservation. We don’t know yet if there’s anything to save.”
    â€œI read about that. The newspaper interviewed people who say there’s plenty to save. You go, girl.”
    Samantha turned her head as if to deflect the comment. A ray of sunlight glimmered on her coal-black hair. Against the backdrop of shadowy foliage, it looked like a halo.
    Liv kept that observation to herself.
    â€œControversy sells newspapers. Anyway, I didn’t want you to worry about my absence.”
    â€œThank you. Have a good week and remember to just be yourself.”
    Samantha squinted as if she did not understand. “Thanks?”
    Liv smiled. “I imagine you’re going to get pressured.”
    â€œThat’s a given.”
    â€œExactly. People are going to fuss at you. They’re going to think they know more than you do. But you are wise beyond your years, Samantha Whitley.” It wasn’t the first time Liv had declared such a thing to her. Affirmation, though, bore repeating, especially when there was no evidence that it had sunk in. “Don’t let them walk all over you, okay?”
    â€œO-okay.”
    â€œThat didn’t sound very convincing.”
    â€œI gotta go.” Samantha turned and waved over her shoulder as she walked away.
    Liv raised her voice. “Say it like you mean it, hon. Okay! ”
    There was no response, but Liv glimpsed in her profile a rare smile.
    â€œOh, child,” she whispered. “What are we going to do with you?”
    Samantha disappeared behind a patch of six-foot-tall bird-of-paradise near her cottage. A moment later she pulled a suitcase around the corner of her place and down the walkway toward the alley gate, its wheels thumping rhythmically.
    â€œLord, have mercy,” Liv mumbled. “A sheep off to a den of wolves. You’re sending an angel with her, right?”

    Pondering whether or not to knock on Jasmyn’s door, Liv went inside and refilled her teapot.
    Whether or not to knock was probably not the question. It was more like when should she go knock on the girl’s door.
    Stepping back outside, she found Keagan in the chair next to hers. She almost told him he couldn’t sit there because it was Jasmyn’s seat. “Good morning.”
    â€œMorning. I saw Sam leaving with a suitcase.”
    â€œYes, she’s off to the Lotanzai Reservation for work. It was thoughtful of her to tell me so I wouldn’t worry. You know, I can’t figure out why she doesn’t move. She’s well established in her job and familiar with the city. You’d think she’d want a more hip place with a manager who doesn’t give two hoots about her comings and goings.”
    â€œYou’re slipping, Mama Liv.” His mouth didn’t move, but tiny crow’s-feet appeared around his eyes as if he were indeed smiling.
    He had amazing eyes, a luminous blue-green color. There was seldom a hint of a smile around them.
    He and Sam were very much alike. Aloof. Smart as whips. Private. Extremely private. Inscrutable, even.
    Liv knew