Jerica came right into the house, not bothering to knock and wait. Bridget smiled as she came around the corner, their eyes connecting. “Hey.”
“Hey,” Jerica answered with a grin. “Didn’t want to try the crutches?”
“Considering the last time I tried to do something new with you around I fell flat on my face, no. I opted to stay seated right here.”
Jerica chuckled and came to stand next to Bridget, a hand on her shoulder as she looked up, finally, seeing Eli and Sarah in the kitchen eyeing the two of them. “You must be Sarah.”
“I am.” Sarah came forward, hand extended.
“It’s good to meet you. I’ve heard some about you, though I think Bridget failed to mention you were also Sadie Bade.”
Bridget snorted. She had mentioned it once, but she couldn’t tell if Jerica was being polite or if she had forgotten. “Oh, right, she’s also Sadie Bade.”
Jerica rolled her eyes, moving to stand against Bridget’s side again. “Well, it is good to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
“Aren’t they cute together?” Eli added in her two cents, making Bridget flush horribly.
Sarah elbowed her in the ribs, shutting Eli up really quick. Bridget was thankful for the semi-subtle move, but mostly the admonition of Eli’s outburst. “We’re going to be stripping the rooms upstairs to get them ready, so don’t mind us.”
Bridget narrowed her gaze. “If you need the room downstairs—”
“Leave it, Bridge,” Eli interjected. “You’re stuck here for a while longer, and it’s not like we don’t have space enough for everyone.”
“Right.”
Jerica looked slightly confused, and Bridget knew she was going to have to explain that. Eli and Sarah took their caffeine and headed up the stairs, leaving Jerica and Bridget by themselves. Jerica sat in the chair next to Bridget, smiling at her. “So what’s going on?”
“A wedding. But I didn’t realize everyone was staying here, so I’m taking up an extra room they could be using.”
“And you want to go home?”
“Well…yeah. Who wouldn’t? I miss my house.”
Jerica gave her a pitying look. “Why won’t Eli let you?”
Bridget grimaced. “I need to—according to Eli—be proficient with the crutches in going up and down stairs before I can sufficiently stay on my own.”
“Makes sense.”
“It does, but I still don’t want to be around when everyone gets here.”
“When are they coming?”
“They’re trickling in.”
Jerica pursed her lips. “I can help you with the crutches, but don’t you still have to avoid using them a whole lot because of your arm.”
Bridget nodded. “It gets sore after just going from the basement to the truck.”
“I’m not surprised.” Jerica reached over, her fingers covering Bridget’s injured arm, the one finally out of a cast and sling but still sore. “You’ll build your strength back up.”
“I know. I’m just…I’m tired of being patient about it.”
“I get it.” Jerica gave her a soft smile. “So start now. You can do some things now you couldn’t before.”
“True.” Bridget’s lips turned up. She loved how positive Jerica always seemed to be, always looking on the bright side of life. It was something Bridget had never been able to do.