“You’ve been drowning in court cases. Nights, weekends, all of it,” she said, tilting her head. “I barely see you anymore.”
I forced a smile. “Sex is off the menu, and my mojo packed its bags. Case closed.”
“You’ll get it back,” she teased, inching closer. “Have you heard from Daddy Jim?”
“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “Busy with the new grandbaby. His daughter and her partner just had a boy.”
Saph giggled. “Granddaddy Jim.”
“For someone with such a sweet face, you’ve got a filthy mind,” I said, grinning despite myself.
“I do not have a dirty mind,” she protested, then paused. “Well, maybe I’m a little dirty.”
“Mmm-hmm. You know Julian misses you,” I said, hiding a smile behind my coffee cup.
Saph’s eyes flicked up, blue and bright like a lightning strike. “Oh, really?”
“Yeah. You’re the one who got away.” I gave her arm a quick pat.
“I’m seeing someone.” Her tone softened, almost guilty. “Raphael Thomas. It’s casual, more colleagues with benefits than anything else.”
I squinted. “Dark curls, hazel eyes? Law school hotshot?”
Her lips curved. “That’s him. Sexy as sin, mind of Zeus, body of Apollo.”
“Mm. Be careful. He’s got charm, but he’s shady.” I rolled my eyes, remembering. “Used to hijack every law lecture with his grandstanding. Ambitious prick. No surprise he jumped straight into politics.”
Saph shrugged, stirring her coffee. “It’s just sex and friendship. Not love. Nobody could ever replace Julian.”
I groaned. “For heaven’s sake, if you’re still in love with my brother, do something about it. He’d have you back in a heartbeat.”
Her breath eased out as she studied me. “I don’t see the old Vee anymore. What’s going on with you?”
I leaned back, exhaling hard, the truth heavy on my tongue. “I don’t think I can have kids.”
Saph froze, eyes wide, lashes catching the light. “What? Why?”
I didn’t want to scare Saph and tell her Saira was a vindictive bitch, so I said what she needed to know. “I underwent a tubal ligation procedure, and the doctor did a lousy job. It happened at the start of the year.”
Saph got up from her chair and wrapped her arms around me. “Sweetie, I wish you’d told me. I’d have been there for you. Did you have anyone to talk to?”
“I had a good doctor at Saint John’s Hospital, who helped me get through the worst. Saph...” I could barely string my words together as my chest heaved. I couldn’t talk about it.
“Oh, Vee.” Saph kissed my forehead.
“It hurts,” I admitted. “I get days when I feel like shit. I mean, I didn’t plan to have kids any time soon, but maybe one day...”
Saph’s eyes pierced mine. Placing her hands on my shoulders, she said, “I love you like a sister. Your wish will come true, and you don’t need to give birth to be a parent.”
“I know. I might become a foster parent or adopt a child. I already donate to an orphanage in a developing country.”
“See? There you go. You are a mother to these children.”
I took a tissue out of my handbag and dabbed my tearful eyes. “I could have a tubal ligation reversal, but my chances of having children are slim because of what the butcher surgeon did.”
“I am so sorry. Are you recovered and healthy?”
“Physically, yes. The doctor at Saint John’s said I was lucky that good health was on my side,” I whispered, tightening the grip of friendship on Saph’s hand, which held mine securely.
