Then Jitter and I head home, where I fix myself an afternoon pour-over coffee, turn on the Razzle Dazzle channel for comforting background noise—it’s showing a movie that Laney, Emma, and I have seen so much, I can recite it by heart—and I text her.
It’s done.
Laney
HUGS, my friend. Go well?
Better than expected.
Laney
Good!
Maybe?
Laney
You think he’ll find out?
Definitely. The question is HOW SOON he’ll find out. If the café isn’t shut down with a massive SABRINA SULLIVAN IS THE BIGGEST LINE-CROSSING ASSHOLE IN THE UNIVERSE sign spray-painted in the windows by the end of the week, we’ll have half our answer.
Laney
When did you hang up?
Twenty minutes ago.
Laney
You’re not fired yet?
Nope.
Laney
Then I’m trusting your instincts that this was the right step. What’s next?
Waiting to hear. I’ll keep you updated.
Laney
You okay?
No.
Laney
Does it help if I remind you that your complicated feelings and hesitation in doing this mean you’re a good person without a lot of other options to protect something you love that serves a massive purpose in our community?
You are entirely too loyal.
Laney
Nope. Just completely correct in my convictions.
Have you seen Emma this week?
Laney
