Life Rewired (Aspen Friends, Book 3) by Lynn Galli Page A

who could turn crazy.
    “Can’t, thanks. Early morning.”
    Her hand gripped my elbow as she fluttered her eyelashes at me. She stumbled when she realized it wasn’t a good idea not to pay attention while traversing rough terrain. “C’mon, Falyn. We’re only here for a week, remember?” She grinned, reminding me of the lie she and Joanna had told to the tourist lady.
    I shook my head, hopefully putting an end to her pressure tonight. My eyes shot to Tessa, worried that Brandy may now make a play for her. I didn’t want to inadvertently screw up Molly’s deal. Tessa glanced back at me, a smile on her face. Didn’t look like I needed to worry. Joanna and Brandy’s antics must be well known to every lesbian in town.
    When Brandy slipped back to double team the single tourist, Dwight sidled up next to me. “Good call, lady.”
    I shrugged because I wasn’t entirely sure I could keep putting either of them off. It had been seven months for me, and these two were hot and ready.
    “Chances are high that Jo would come home at the worst possible moment and get pissy with Brandy.”
    “Seriously?” I laughed. It didn’t matter if they were hot and easy. Best just to avoid spectacles like that.
    “Seriously. Wait for the softball league in Glenwood Springs to start. Your prospects will increase tenfold.”
    That sounded promising and smart, but damn Brandy had all the right curves and it had been a long time. Better not, though. At least not tonight.
    “You play?” Molly asked, taking up my other side. In her professional capacity she proved informative, encouraging, and entertaining. The whole trek up she’d given the three tourists as much attention as they wanted without becoming obnoxious about the activity or the area. I’d learned a lot about the town, the resorts, and what to look out for while hiking in the area.
    “Not recently.” Or in years. It wasn’t like softball was added to the prison activity schedule each spring.
    “It’s mostly for fun. I’ll tell our coach if you’re interested.”
    Softball, women watching, beers after the games, yet another aspect of my old life falling into place. Even when I had my girlfriend, I never missed a Sunday game. With Molly on the team, it might be a lot of fun. It was plain to see why Vivian considered her such a good friend. She could easily become that for me.
    “Yeah, why not?” I felt the enthusiasm I used to feel starting to come back to me. Why not indeed. How my life had changed in the space of a month. And all for the better.
     
     
9
     
    Molly’s sofa was really comfortable. Any sofa would be comfortable considering I rarely got to sit on the one at home because the boys were always lounging on it playing video games. But Molly’s was especially comfortable. Suede or microfiber, whatever the material, it cradled every part of me.
    “Water or coffee?” Molly called out from the kitchen.
    I pushed deeper into the formfitting cushions and propped my overworked feet up on the ottoman. They throbbed a little from the hike today because Molly could work a trail down to a rut. The dull ache felt good. Having a buddy who liked the same kinds of activities I liked felt even better. That she didn’t judge me for being in prison, or worse, ask what it was like being in prison was amazing. Who knew people would be so curious about life inside when they were never in danger of going to prison?
    “I brought you both.” Molly sat next to me, placing two mugs and a bottle of water on the coffee table.
    “Thanks.” I reached for the water.
    This was becoming a bit of a habit. Molly would call whenever she had a small tour group. I’d join her on the hike or bike ride, then we’d head to a bar for a couple of drinks to end the night. Tonight, we’d had one too many to drive, so we walked back to her place to sober up before I drove home. It surprised me how quickly I fell back into the more than once a week drinking habit now that I had a decent