Her soft words echoed in the silent room. My skin was covered in goosebumps. I’d never known these things about my friend. No wonder she was so strong and so grounded. She’d been through a lot at a young age.
It had grown dark outside. The doorbell broke the silence.
Lily got to her feet. “Pizza’s here.”
I dug into my bag for my wallet and handed her some cash.
“It’s on me; you can get it next time.”
She thanked me, opened the door, and paid the delivery boy. She carried the two pies over to the kitchen table. I followed her, grabbing the roll of paper towels from the counter.
We sat and opened the boxes of food. The smell hit me and saliva pooled inside my mouth.
I bit into a slice, not caring that the hot cheese and sauce burned my tongue. “A-ma-zing,” I said through a mouthful. “So, what happened between you and Joe?”
Lily used a paper towel to hold her pizza slice. “He realized I would need more than he could ever give. I realized I didn’t want to be a burden. My parents arranged an annulment and I never disobeyed them again.”
Her eyes flicked to mine. I nodded, feeling both honored and raw. I couldn’t imagine Lily rebelling against her parents. I couldn’t put myself in her shoes because I’d never wanted marriage. I’d watched what marriage had done to my mom and dad. No, thank you. That wasn’t something I ever planned to do.
“I’m sorry you went through that, Lily.”
“Trauma shapes you,” she said, biting into her slice. “But it doesn’t have to define you.”
I exhaled. “You’re really strong. Stronger than most people would ever have to be.”
She smiled, but her eyes didn’t lighten all the way. “I wasn’t all that scarred.”
“Right. You haven’t had a serious relationship since I’ve known you. Have you sworn off men forever? And there you are, preaching to me about the same thi— Shit!”
I stared at the red pizza sauce sliding down my T-shirt. “Oh, this is going to stain.”
Lily handed me a paper towel, which only helped spread the sauce.
“I need to wash this,” I muttered. “I’ll head down to the laundry room.”
“Want me to go with?”
I got to my feet. “Don’t worry. You’ve had a busy day. Get some rest.” I closed the lid on the pizza box and picked it up. “I’ll finish this later.”
“Okay.” She walked me to the door and handed me my purse. “Good luck tomorrow with the new client. Text me.”
“I will. Nighty-night.”
Chapter Ten
Sebastian
Janine knocked the way she always did—three sharp raps and one long one. Our secret Morse code for:Get your ass to the door, I brought wine.
I smirked before I even reached the door.
When I opened it, there she stood in all her after-court glory—exhausted, but still somehow regal. Her feet looked swollen in her sensible pumps. Her blazer was draped over one arm, sleeves wrinkled, lapel smudged with what looked suspiciously like foundation from an irritated chin rub. Her hair, once no doubt a sleek power bun, had started to fray at the edges, a few rogue curls escaping to frame her face like battle ribbons.
To me, she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
She held up a paper bag and her eyes sparkled. “Red or white?”
I leaned on the doorframe, arms crossed. “Depends. Are we drinking it or cooking with it?”
