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her task. The dilapidated shutter, while a pretty powder blue, sadly needed more than just a re-hanging, as did its three neighboring counterparts. The finish was cracked on all four and there was evidence of sun bleaching. Not to mention the fact that the hinges were rusty and would need to be replaced entirely.
    “So what’s the verdict?”
    Jordan turned to see Molly standing on the porch behind her. “I don’t think I have the heart to break it to you.”
    Molly sighed. “I can be big about this. Give it to me straight.”
    Jordan walked to the nearest window and ran her hand across the wooden shutter. “I think if I just re-hang this one, you’ll be right back here again in a few months.”
    “So they have to be replaced entirely?” She sat in defeat on the steps of the porch. “I lied. Not feeling big about this at all. How much is that going to cost, do you think?”
    Jordan could sense Molly’s immediate hesitation when money became a question, confirming her suspicions. “You know, I think we could save a few dollars if we just did a little rehab on these guys. Save their little shutter lives. It seems the humane thing to do. What do you think?”
    “I think a pardon’s in order. So we can actually do that?” Molly asked in an adorably hopeful voice. “The rehab thing?”
    Jordan took the spot next to her on the steps. “We can. Well, I can at least. You can tell me jokes that aren’t exactly funny and I’ll feign amusement at your attempts.”
    Molly shot her a look of outrage. “I’ll have you know that I’m incredibly funny and half this town will back me on this.”
    “They’re laughing because they like you and you do this thing where you light up on the punch line. Regardless of the bad joke, it’s kind of cute.”
    Molly considered this scenario before seeming to reject it entirely. “Uh-uh. I’m funny. You’re jealous. End of story.”
    “See? You’re even kind of cute when you’re angry. Well done.”
    Molly slugged her hard in the shoulder. “Stop patronizing me.”
    “Ow. I’ll definitely try. Color me intimidated.” She rubbed her upper arm.
    “Thank you.” She paused and floated back down to sincerity. “But back to the shutters. It sounds like more work than you originally agreed to. I don’t want you to feel obligated to—”
    Jordan pointed at her. “Back alley agreement, remember? Don’t you dare renege now. I don’t know how we’d get past it.”
    Molly nudged her shoulder playfully with her own. “You’re right. We wouldn’t. But how much work are we talking about?”
    “Not as major as you’re probably projecting. I’ll pick up some supplies today and see how far I get before dark. I can always come back tomorrow to finish up if need be.”
    Molly nodded. “I guess I should be honored. Once the news that you’re back in town hits the masses, I won’t have you to myself anymore. Everyone loves you, you know. It’s kind of annoying.”
    “Nah, I’m pretty boring. No one will pay me much attention.”
    “Are you kidding? Attention is one thing you’ll never be without. People notice when you walk in a room, Jordan. You must know that. Then you turn on the charm and they’re gone forever. It’s always been that way.”
    “Those were my wild child days. Things are different now. I’m different.”
    “If you say so.” They stared out at the street and watched as an elderly woman walked her Yorkshire terrier past the house. “So…are we going to talk about it?”
    Jordan squinted. “I think you’re going to have to be more specific.”
    “This used to be easier.” Molly turned to her more fully and took a moment to study her, her soft brown eyes full of concern. “How are things really ? And please remember who you’re talking to.”
    Jordan pulled her eyes from Molly’s and stared hard at her hands. She could still see right through her and whether Jordan wanted it to be or not, her guard was now officially down. Molly had a way of