“Lucian. The first time I saw you two together, it was like witnessing a real-life fairy tale. He was so protective and possessive of you. That night we all had dinner together at Leo’s, I watched him watch you. He kept staring as if he couldn’t believe you were real. Then you would smile shyly at him and his eyes would go so soft and gentle. He might not have been able to admit it, but he loved you.”
“I loved him, too,” I admit. “The feelings were so overwhelming that they’d terrified me, but I couldn’t fight it. He was beautifully proud, but so broken inside. Just like me. He’s fixed parts of me that I didn’t think could ever be healed and I believe I have done the same for him.” I don’t tell her that I consider one of my greatest accomplishments to be that he rarely has nightmares anymore. They had become worse for a while after he’d stopped using cocaine, but now they rarely occur, and even then, never to the level they used to. I know he still struggles to handle extreme stress without his old crutch, but even with the Monique situation, his eyes are clear and his resolve stronger than ever. He occasionally smokes, but he hates it so much that I don’t see that becoming a regular occurrence.
“Let’s change the subject before I dwell on the fact I’m a lonely spinster,” she jokes. “So, have you given Lee an answer yet about his business proposition?”
Unable to hold back my grin, I bounce excitedly in my chair. “We talked a few days ago. I’m going to do it.”
“Holy early delivery. Stop jumping up and down,” she says, looking alarmed. “If that sucker flies out of Lucian’s box, I’m running the other way. I love you, girl, but friendship only goes so far.”
I look around me in confusion, thinking Lucian must be somewhere near. “If what comes out of his box?”
Rose pats my hand cooing, “Ohhh, you’re having a blonde moment. That’s so sweet.” Carefully enunciating each word she says slowly, “Well, you see, if your baby…comes out of your vagina, which I’ve nicknamed Lucian’s box since he owns that thing, then I’m going to leave you here alone. But, since you’re my BFF, I’ll call 911 on my way out. Got it?”
“Ah.” I grin. “I’m all clear now. Thanks for the detailed explanation.” Winking at her, I add, “And if you’d experienced the Lucian Quinn treatment, you’d be happy to dedicate your body parts to him.”
“Honey, I’d do it now, although I want it to be known for the record that I stopped masturbating to him the moment you two got serious.”
“Er…thanks.” I blink. “Was that right about the time you developed a thing for Max?”
“Have no idea what you’re talking about,” she singsongs before saying, “Now tell me about the new job thingie. When do you plan to start?”
“Lucian and I have discussed it and if all is well, I’ll start part-time when the baby is a couple of months old. Lee is insistent upon having a full nursery in my office there so the baby can come with me as often as I like.”
Looking genuinely happy, Rose says, “Lia, that’s wonderful. It’s perfect and I’m thrilled for you. You’ve worked your ass off to get to where you are and no one deserves this more.”
Feeling the usual round of tears not far off, I choke out, “Thank you; that means a lot to me. I just…don’t want to feel like I’m taking the easy way out. You know, letting Lee find me a job when I could do it on my own.”
“Now, you just stop right there,” she says sternly. “You’ve never taken the easy way out in your whole life. And I’ve heard enough about Lee Jacks to know that he doesn’t give free rides. He may be sentimental enough to want to do this with you, but if he didn’t think you were capable, he wouldn’t have made this kind of offer. Anyone who talks to you for a few moments can see how intelligent you are and Lee is far from stupid. He knows damn well you won’t rest until you’ve helped him make the company a success.”
“I love you,” I sob. She gives me a smile that looks a bit watery too before stuffing a wad of napkins in my hand.
“Here, clean yourself up. I’ll go get you another cinnamon twist, how does that sound?”
“Can I get extra icing on it?” I ask, knowing that I sound like a child asking for sprinkles. But the baby needs some sugar right now…who am I to deny her?
Rose throws her shoulders back and straightens her cardigan. “Damn straight you can, even if I have to resort to extreme measures to make it happen.”
When she opens her purse, I blurt out in alarm, “Please don’t use your gun!”
Every head in the coffee shop turns in our direction. She rolls her eyes at me before pulling a twenty-dollar bill from her wallet. “I meant a bribe, big mouth, but thanks for the attention. I look good today so I might as well own it.” With a toss of her red hair, she walks toward the counter, looking like equal parts sinner and saint. And she comes back with enough icing to add ten pounds to my butt. Best. Friend. Ever.