Finally we pulled into a business plaza. He guided me to a building, and Jina had fun with all the businesses listed on the wall near the front door.
“Are we getting our taxes done at Don Wins, CPA?” she asked as I parked. “Adventure Consultants? What do they do? Are we buying a trip down the Amazon? Or are we getting something done at The Law Offices of Brown, Caplian, and Troy? ”
“None of those,” Vie said. “Let’s go.”
I was dying from curiosity now. I rushed out of the car, Jina right with me. We hurried to flank Vie as he walked us into thebuilding and to an office in the back. The sign on the door said Gardner Realty.
I felt a little disappointed. Why were we visiting a realtor?
“This isn’t Tiffany's or Cartier,” Jina grumbled. “Is this really where we’re going?”
Vie ignored Jina and took my hands. “Jennifer is an excellent real estate agent. She’s helped me with multiple buildings. She’s going to help you find a place for your next shop.”
“Next shop?” Jina said with a laugh. “Is Unique Finds going to become a chain store?”
I winced and debated about going along with Jina’s assumption. I could tell Vie was shocked that Jina didn’t know, but come on, when was I supposed to tell her? When I was at the scene trying to take it all in? Or later when Vie was taking care of me while I fell apart?
“There was a fire at the store yesterday,” Vie explained before I could say anything. “Nothing can be recovered, but I’m going to finance a new store and a house.”
Jina’s face went slack with surprise, and I waited for the explosion. She had every right to be angry that I didn’t tell her about it.
She didn’t say anything. Turning to face me, she pushed past Vie and grabbed me in a fierce hug.
“I know you were trying to protect me,” she whispered, her voice thick. “I really needed the rest. I can deal with this now, but I couldn’t yesterday.”
“I love—” she interrupted me before I could finish.
“Butif you ever do that again, I’ll draw dicks on your face when you’re asleep.”
I snorted. “I’m really hoping all the destruction was a one-time thing.”
“Same,” she said, then pushed me away and held me at arm’s length. “We’re alive, though. That’s what matters, right?”
I nodded. “Aye, aye.”
She rolled her eyes and let go of my shoulders. She turned to face Vie. “So you plan to shell out even more money for us? A store and a house? What’s in it for you?”
“Willow’s happiness,” Vie said simply.
“What happens if you decide she’s not worth all the effort later?” Jina said. “Are you going to withdraw everything, and suddenly we’ve got nothing again?”
“Vie wouldn’t do that,” I said. I wanted to tell her about him being a wraith and our connection, but I didn’t think it was wise to pile that on top of everything else.
Jina didn’t take her eyes off Vie. “I need to hear it from him.”
“I can’t convince you of my sincerity outside of seeing my devotion over time,” Vie said with quiet confidence. “But everything we do will be in your names. The car is in Willow’s name already. The home will be in your name, and the shop lease will be in her name. Before I’m done, there will be a bank account and credit cards as well. I can even have a lawyer draw up a contract. I’ll hire a second lawyer of your choosing to negotiate with my lawyer over the contract to make sure I’m not doing anything underhanded. Would that help?”
I could tell that Jina was shocked by his offer. I was a little surprised too. Besides telling her the truth, it was the best way he could’ve made her feel better about trusting him.
“Any lawyer I want?” she pressed.
“Certainly,” he agreed.
“Hello?” While we’d been talking, someone had opened the door to the office in front of us.
Vie faced her. “Jennifer, this is Willow and Jina.”
Jennifer was a tall, thin woman, probably in her early fifties, with a stylish bob cut and adorable red glasses. She extended her hand to me and then Jina. “It’s so nice to meet you both. I havea bunch of potential properties. We can look at them here, then visit the ones you liked the best.”
