Diesel took that moment to stick his long nose between them with a snort, making both women laugh. "Okay. Okay." Julie reached back, patting the dog on the head. Climbing out, she opened the back door and Diesel obediently jumped out and went directly to the passenger door, waiting for Jessica.
Julie looked around, wondering if they should go to the front door or not. Hearing music and voices coming from outside, behind the house, she spotted a lighted path that would be easy for Jessica to maneuver.
Knowing that her sister hated any hovering, Julie stayed back as Jessica got out of the car, reached for Diesel's harness with one hand, totally confident in her companion, and held the gift in the other. Shutting the door, Julie walked slightly ahead of Jessica, but close enough in case she was needed. It was always tricky in unknown areas, but Diesel was one of the best guide dogs and took care of his owner. By his movements and signals, Jessica knew if she was approaching steps, uneven terrain, or obstacles. It still amazed Julie and she praised the day Diesel came into their lives.
Once she was sure they were clear of any trouble areas, Julie looked around and her heart dropped to her knees. There were so many people milling around, some staring openly.
"Have Diesel follow me," Julie told Jessica. She never commanded Diesel herself; that was Jessica's job. Spotting Bo sitting at a table, she headed that way as soon as Jessica gave the command.
She still hadn't spotted Clay, but Bo seemed the safer thing for her at the moment. She heard whispering as she passed, but her focus was on her sister, who was slightly behind her, and Bo, who was slightly in front of her. None of those people mattered to her.
"Isn't that Julie Daniels from high school?" one girl whispered, before adding, "What's she doing here?"
"Who is that blind girl?" A male voice echoed from somewhere behind them. "She's gorgeous."
Julie glanced at Jessica, who had a small grin on her lips. Her sister's hearing was much better than hers and the guy was right. Her sister was beautiful. A proud smile spread across her face. "Looks like you have a few admirers," Julie teased in a whisper.
"Not my type," Jessica replied, then laughed.
Julie laughed also as she approached Bo, who was surrounded by people laughing and having a great time. It was a proud moment for her. "So is this the same Bo Marshall I met a month ago?" She smiled down at Bo, who turned toward her voice. "You seem nicer than that pain in the ass."
People murmured at her statement, but Bo laughed long and loud. They had actually become pretty good friends, teasing and baiting each other during her teaching him. He'd also remembered her from high school, after she reminded him of the classes they had together.
"Oh, God. Not you," Bo teased with a fake horrified look. "This woman threatened me every minute of the day and even took my piss bucket away."
"Yeah well, you deserved it after throwing a whiskey bottle at my head." Julie bent down and kissed him on the cheek. "But I forgive you."
"I'm glad you came." Bo reached for her hand. She gave it to him and squeezed. "Everyone, this is Julie Daniels from Blind Faith, and if it wasn't for her I would still be locked in my room. She's the real reason we're all here tonight."
Julie felt her face burning at the attention. "You did all the work, I just smacked you around a little," Julie replied, then turned toward her sister and grabbed her hand. "My sister would like to meet you. Jessica, this is Bo Marshall."
Jessica let go of Diesel's harness, trusting Julie to guide her. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Marshall." Jessica was still smiling at their banter. "I'm so sorry my sister was horrible to you. I'll make sure to take it out of her pay."
"Ha! I don't think so." Julie grinned. "I earn every single penny of that money."
"Please call me Bo, and it's nice to finally meet you." Bo reached his hand out and it was pretty awe-inspiring to see two blind people meet hands without a stumble.
Jessica let go and felt for a seat. Carefully, she sat herself down with no help. Diesel actually nudged Julie out of the way to sit directly beside his owner.
Julie stumbled back, catching herself. "Excuse me, Diesel."
A few chuckled, but eyed the huge German Shepherd standing guard next to Jessica in fear.
"Who's Diesel?" Bo frowned, not recognizing the name.
"My guide dog." Jessica laughed, taking Bo's hand again to place it on Diesel's head. "He likes to push Julie around."
Bo petted the dog's head. "Do you have to use a walking stick?"
"Not with Diesel. He leads me everywhere and even warns me of danger." Jessica smiled proudly. "I can get you information for a guide dog, if you'd like."
"Definitely." Bo nodded, still petting Diesel on the head.
"Here, I brought you a gift." Jessica placed the gift on the table.