Jessica yanked off her heels and tucked them under her arm, drawing a few disapproving stares from some blue- haired ladies standing nearby. “What!?” She bristled.

Becky’s sobs drew Jessica’s attention from the elderly ladies, to Amanda’s relief, “Becky, shut up! I have had it with you today. We are all stuck! Do you see any of us breaking down?” Jessica screamed, drawing even more attention.

Amanda frowned and mumbled, “Cracking up, maybe. Breaking down, no.” Jessica’s blue eyes flashed to her. Amanda offered a “one shoulder shrug.”

Alex nudged Jessica from behind, “We’re following you.” She snapped her face to him and blinked, “Yeah. I know.” Then started back toward the Casa Grande. Becky had been reduced to snubbing sniffles but was following along.

About the time they made the entrance of the restaurant, they heard a drawling, “Yo! Cyndi Lauper wanna-be!” The crowd seemed to part like the Red Sea as they turned to see Krystle at a fullout run heading straight for Jessica.