“Nina isn’t here yet?” I ask, giving Pam a big hug. She’s wearing a long floaty skirt with a baby blue cashmere roll neck sweater, her shiny auburn hair skimming her shoulders. I take off my coat and slip into the seat next to her.

“No, I just got here. Managed to grab a table. I didn’t realize how busy it gets in here. On a Monday, as well!”

“You’ve forgotten what city life is like, haven’t you?” I tease.

She laughs. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. It is a bit of a culture shock being back. Just seems so loud and so crowded here after being in such a remote place for so long.”

“It must have been amazing,” I say. “I’ve always wished I could see more of the world. And you’ve done it and managed to help out in the community there as well!”

“You have to come and visit,” she says excitedly, putting her hand on mine. “David and I are planning to go back as soon as we can. You really feel like you’re making a difference out there. And the people are so warm and lovely.”

“See if you can stop me from coming to visit.”

“Bring Jackson too, of course,” she says. “I’m so glad you’ve found someone special.”

I smile. “Yeah, I know, he is pretty beautiful isn’t he! I was surprised he even noticed me, let alone wanted to go out with me.”

“Lolly, stop that!” she scolds. “You’re every inch as beautiful as he is. More if you ask me.”

“I’ve missed you,” I tell her. “And I can’t believe you’re getting married.”

“I know!” she says, her eyes shining.

“So, when do we get to meet him? I mean, it’s quite ridiculous that we haven’t already.”

“I know, I’m sorry. He’s just so busy with work and stuff. We’ve actually not spent much time together recently, at all. He’s been back and forth trying to sort out his business. And he’s got his bachelor party this weekend even though the wedding’s not for another two months!

“Next weekend?” I say, “That’s funny, Jackson was meant to be going to Tahoe on a bachelor party then too, but he can’t go now.”

“Well, I was going to suggest we get away for a kind of bachelorette thing…” she suggests, “I don’t want anything crazy. Just the four of us girls and maybe a couple of my old work friends.”

“Count me in!” I say. “But you’re not talking about this weekend, are you?”

“I figured you guys would probably be busy at such late notice,” she says. “I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch more regularly. But the internet is so flaky out there. We’re lucky even to have power sometimes!”

“That’s ok,” I grin. “I totally understand. And let me organize something for you. Please?”

“Would you really?” she asks me, looking all coy.

“Where do you want to go?” I ask.

“I don’t know… I was thinking maybe a nice spa place around Napa, so we can go wine tasting too.”

“Sounds awesome.”

“And don’t worry about the money,” she continues. “David wants to treat us! I think he feels bad about keeping me away from you guys for so long!”

“Hey! Sorry I’m late you guys!” Nina yells, hugging Pam, then me and sitting down with us.

We catch up on her most recent date, who turns out to be lacking in several departments according to Nina, and then turn to talk of the spa weekend away.

“Oh my God, this is going to be so much fun!” Nina squeals. “But why don’t we go this weekend when David’s away too?”

“I can’t,” I say. “I’m sorry. I already said I’d go to this architect ball thing with Jackson and his folks.”

“Ooh, things are getting serious with you two, Lolly.” Nina grins.

I tell her to shut up. “How about the weekend after instead?” I suggest. “I’ll text Andrea.”

“Yeah, where is she, anyway?” Pam asks.

“Probably with Ricardo!” I reply. “They seem to be seeing a lot of each other recently.”

“Ugh. Everyone’s loved up except me!” Nina complains. “It’s not fair!”

“Aw, there’ll be someone for you!” Pam reassures her.

And suddenly, I have an idea.