Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)

Bailey moved to the sofa and wrapped her arms around Larissa. “Just keep breathing. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but you’ll heal in time. Clichés work for a reason.”


Larissa wanted to scream at them both, saying she would never be able to get over Jack. Only she didn’t. Not only because she loved her friends, but because Bailey had lost a husband. If anyone knew about overcoming pain, she did.

So she swallowed the words and let herself breathe in their concern. Right now friends were a good thing to have around.

She wiped her cheeks and drew in a breath. “I’m okay,” she whispered. “Or I will be. One day at a time, right? While we’re riding the cliché wagon?”

Bailey smiled. “Exactly. Keep moving forward.”

Except forward how? Larissa turned to Taryn. “I’m really fired, aren’t I?”

Taryn shrugged her shoulders. “You can’t work for Jack anymore, so you’re not his assistant. But the guys and I want you to stay on.”

“No,” Larissa said, accepting the truth for the first time since Jack had said those painful words. “I can’t. I need to figure out what I want to do with my life.”

“As long as it’s here,” Bailey said, returning to the chair. “You’re staying in Fool’s Gold, aren’t you?”

“You have to,” Taryn told her. “Please don’t go.” She pressed her lips together. “I’m sorry. I’m being selfish. I don’t want you to go, but if it’s what you think is best, then I’ll help you find a place in L.A. and pack up your stuff.”

Larissa managed a wobbly smile. “You’re a good person.”

“Yeah? Don’t tell anyone.”

What to do? Stay or go? Even as she asked the question, she already knew the answer.

“I want to stay,” she said firmly. “I like the town and I want to be near you guys.”

“Good.” Bailey pulled a piece of paper from her bag. “There’s a room for rent at the local day spa.” She handed over the flyer. “I’ve seen the space and I like it, but you’re the actual professional. Just call and say who you are. You can see it anytime.”

“I don’t have my license,” Larissa said. “I have the forms and I’m certainly qualified with the hours of education and practice, but I’ll have to take care of that before I can get any customers.”

Bailey’s green eyes brightened. “Yes, well, it turns out there are advantages to working with California’s longest serving mayor. She knows everyone. In fact, she’s already spoken to the licensing board and your paperwork will be expedited. You can be in business within a couple of weeks.”

Larissa found herself fighting more tears, but for a very different reason.

“I’ve spoken to Kenny and Sam,” Taryn said. “We had a feeling you wouldn’t stay with us after what happened.” She pulled an envelope out of her designer tote and handed it over.

“Six months’ pay as severance. We’ll keep you on the company insurance until your business is up and running.” Taryn gave her a smile. “As you know, I’ve taken on a couple of silent partnerships. I want to do the same with you. I’ll front you the money you need to get your business started and you can buy me out over time.”

Larissa hugged her. “Thank you,” she said. “For everything.” She knew that Taryn had helped Isabel buy Paper Moon and expand the business. There were probably other dealings Taryn kept to herself.

She released Taryn and smiled at her. “And while I appreciate the offer to be my silent partner, I want you as my friend. Money has a way of changing that.” She waved the envelope. “This will go a long way to getting me going. The table will be the biggest expense. If I need more than this, I’ll talk to my mom. She’ll be so happy I’m not working for Jack anymore that she’ll be thrilled to help me.”

Just saying his name was enough to make her feel broken again. She fought against the emotions and struggled to find another smile.

“It’s so annoying that she was right about my feelings for him.”

Taryn touched her hand. “I know it is.”

Bailey looked at her. “Let us know if you want to do a painting party or anything like that. I’m so there.”

“Thank you.” Larissa sipped her tea, then looked at Taryn. “Have you seen him?”

Something flashed in Taryn’s eyes. Hurt maybe. Or betrayal. “No, and right now I don’t want to.”

Larissa nodded, because it was expected. Unfortunately what she was thinking on the inside was that she would do anything to see Jack again. Would give anything to be in his arms. Which only told her how far she had to go.