“Oh, crap, I overslept. I’m so sorry, Janine—”
“Shut up, you deserved the rest.”
I heard the radio in the background.
“I only got up because I had to go to the office early,” she continued. “You didn’t have to be anywhere today, right?”
“Not anymore,” I muttered, recalling the Ben fiasco. “I need to drive to Staten Island to get my stuff, unless Mr. McFarlane had it thrown out or set on fire.”
“He’s done neither. In fact, your tools and supplies should be delivered to your store soon, and the money he owes you will be in your account by the end of the day.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
Janine sounded smug. “I sent him a formal letter this morning, explaining that we were considering filing charges for sexual harassment, and that we would reconsider if he returned your things and paid what he owes. Within the hour, I got a conciliatory letter from his lawyer, assuring me all our demands would be met promptly.”
“You’re a genius,” I whispered in awe. “Thank you, Janine. I owe you big time.”
“You don’t owe me anything. I owe you my little brother’s life, and that’s a debt I’ll never be able to repay.”
“There’s nothing to repay. I would do anything for Sebastian. Speaking of which, any news?”
“I called the hospital this morning. He’s okay. Resting. I hope to see him this afternoon.”
I lowered my feet to the floor. “I’ll go see him now. How long until you get here?”
“About fifteen minutes.”
“Then I’ll shower. You can let yourself in. Thank you.”
I set down the phone. I couldn’t believe my luck. I’d dreaded confronting Ben today—not because I was a coward, but after yesterday, my inner warrior was under the weather. It turned out I had a badass lawyer who’d stood up for me in the most awesome fashion.
I showered quickly, trying to tame my intense yearning to see Sebastian and make sure he was truly alright. In the clear light of day, I realized he had serious recovery time ahead, which meant physiotherapy and inevitable fights when he overdid things. I would become the vigilant harpy, always saying no, and nagging him to rest. I was thinking like a wife already.
Rolling my eyes, I switched off the water and grabbed a towel. I heard keys in the front door.
“We’re here!” Janine called.
“Be out in a minute!”
I donned my pajamas and rushed out. Janine had set a pink cat carrier on the floor and was opening the door for Robin. The kitten walked out cautiously, then when he saw me, rushed into my open arms on his chubby little legs.
“Hi, baby,” I cooed. “I’m so sorry you had to go away. Auntie Janine took good care of you, didn’t she?”
I cradled him to my chest, whispering like an idiot under Janine’s indulgent smile.
“Thank you so much for everything, Janine. You’re simply amazing. Listen, I want to pay for the letter and all the legal stuff—”
“Please don’t piss me off first thing in the morning.” Janine bent to close the carrier. “All I did was write a letter you couldhave done yourself using AI, so let’s drop it. I’m glad McFarlane gave in so quickly, but I’m furious he’s getting away so easily.”
“I know.” I set Robin down. “I keep thinking he might do this to someone else, something worse. Although it sounds like you put the fear of God into him.”
“Maybe not the fear of God, but it may make him think twice before he tries to force himself on a woman again.”
“Yeah. It’s the best we can do. Can I get you some coffee?”
She shook her head. “I have to go. Busy day.”
“I’m going to see Sebastian.”
