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“It is, but it’s also true. Long-term relationships—the ones that
matter—are all about weathering the peaks and the valleys. And
you are still thinking long-term, right?”
“Yes.” Katie nodded. “I am. And you’re right. Thanks.”
Jo patted Katie’s leg and winked as she unfolded herself from the
steps and stood. “What are friends for, right?”
Katie squinted up. “Do you want some coffee? I was going to start
a pot.”
“Not this morning. Too hot. What I need is a glass of ice water and
a cool shower. I feel like I’m melting.”
“Are you going to the carnival today?”
“Maybe. I haven’t decided yet. But if I do, I’ll try to find you,” she
promised. “Now head on over there before you change your
mind.”
Katie sat on the steps a few minutes longer before retreating into
the house. She showered and made herself a cup of coffee—but Jo
was right, it was too hot to drink it. Instead, she changed into
shorts and sandals before walking around to the back of the house
and getting on her bicycle.
Despite the recent downpour, the gravel road was already drying
and she was able to pedal without exerting much energy. Good
thing. She had no idea how Jo had been able to jog in this heat,
even first thing in the morning. Everything, it seemed, was trying
to escape the heat. Normally, there were squirrels or birds, but as
she turned onto the main road, she saw no movement at all.
On the road, traffic was light. A couple of cars zipped past,
leaving fumes in their wake. Katie pedaled onward and as she
rounded a bend, the store came into view. Already, there were
half a dozen cars parked out front. Regulars who came to eat
biscuits.