Between Us Girls by Sally John

away. Chad was only twenty-five, a spoiled brat, and a pesky nuisance. He was also her best friend at the Casa. Go figure. “A huge project was just dumped in my lap.”
    â€œWhat’s the problem? You love huge projects, and they’re always dumped in your lap, right?”
    Right. But…
    Sam gazed down the alley, trying not to see the excitement on the faces of Randy and her coworkers. Trying not to feel the hypocrisy in how she had matched them grin for grin.
    The alley was bordered by fences, garages, an apartment building, and the Casa’s high wall. Most of it was a no parking zone. She paid extra for her spot, only one of four next to the Casa’s back gate. Liv used one, the Templetons and Riley leased the others. Except for Chad, who rented a garage for his little Audi, Casa tenants parked on the streets wherever they happened to find space.
    Every once in a while, like now, the whole scene felt constricting. The thoughts of freeways enveloping Seaside Village like octopus arms and of three million people driving on them threatened to cut off her breath altogether.
    Chad poked her shoulder. “I said, what’s the problem?”
    â€œOh, nothing.” She lied through her teeth. “It’s just kind of a big nerve-racking deal. I’ll have to go out of town periodically. Out to Lotanzai.”
    His brow furrowed and he stared at her for a moment. Then his jaw dropped. “Whoa, Nellie! The Lotanzai Indian Reservation?” He grinned, nodding knowingly. “You’re building that new hotel, casino, and golf course.”
    She lifted her hands in surrender.
    He gave a low whistle of approval. “Well, well. You are moving up in that hoity-toity firm of yours.”
    Maybe. For four years she had worked for them on schools and parks and community centers. She did well with schools and parks and community centers. Probably because she liked schools and parks and community centers.
    She did not like hotels, casinos, and golf courses. She did not like leaving town. If the Lotanzai project was moving up, she’d prefer a demotion.
    â€œIt’s only because of those eco-engineering courses I took this summer, and they needed—”
    â€œGet over it, Samantha.” Chad held up his palm. “You did good. Give me five.”
    She met his slap and tried to smile. “Move. I’m closing the window.”
    He stood back. “Did you hear about the powwow tonight?”
    She let go of the window button. “No.”
    â€œSeven o’clock, Liv’s place. Mark my words. She’s handing out assignments for her latest project: Make Jasmyn Feel Welcome.”
    Sam groaned.
    â€œTsk, tsk. No frowning allowed. Better bring your peace pipe. Ciao .” He strode off.
    Sam caught her frowning reflection in the rearview mirror. Crow-black hair. High cheekbones. Broad face. Olive complexion.
    Powwows. Peace pipes. The rez.
    Would she never get away?
    Maybe she’d just sit in the car for a while and scream.

    Liv McAlister did not email. She did not text. She did not put up notes in the laundry room. She called meetings by word of mouth. They were not mandatory, but if Sam wanted to stay in the loop, she needed to attend.
    Besides that, Liv served home-cooked food.
    â€œThank you all for coming.” Liv addressed her guests from the bend of the “L” where the living room and kitchen met at the counter that separated them.
    Chad, seated on a braided rug next to Sam, a dinner plate in his lap, winked and forked a piece of lasagna. He came for the food too.
    Except for Piper and the newcomer Jasmyn, everyone was in attendance, occupying the couch and chairs and most of the floor space. Keagan,who seldom joined such gatherings, stood in the kitchen area behind the counter to Liv’s side. Tasha was behind him, eating at the table with her mother, Riley.
    Liv’s long, flowery skirt billowed around the stool as she sat down. She was