Merredith

“Friends. There’s a loaded word for you. I know some people, when speaking of a particular relationship, may say “we’re just friends,” as if this were some lesser form of connection to that of lovers or so-called soul mates. But to me, there may be no bond that matters more, in the end, than friendship. True and enduring friendship. Alice”
― Joyce Maynard, Under the Influence

“She wasn’t sure if they were telling her the truth; sometimes they told her things to see if she was gullible enough to believe them.”
― Elin Hilderbrand, Summer of '69

“Gabrielle.” She takes my hands in hers and smiles a little. “Life is life,” she says. She shrugs, looking up at me. “You choose to live it or you do not.”
― Carrie Ryan, The Dead-Tossed Waves

“That's the thing about luxury, darlings. The moment you become accustomed to it, it is no longer a luxury but a necessity. People forget this.”
― Susan Jane Gilman, The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street