I couldn’t stop a snort at her retort, and I let out a frustrated groan. “Where’s your bag?”
“Outside. I didn’t know if I was going to have to grab a hotel.”
“Bring it inside. I’ll open a bottle of wine. I was just about to order dinner, so what do you feel like?”
“Chinese,” she said as she opened the front door again and dragged her small suitcase inside.
“Letting you stay does not mean I’m ready to accept this man of yours.”
“I know,” she said, locking the door again. “I just need us to be okay before I get on a plane and travel to an entirely different country for an indeterminate amount of time.”
“We’re okay.” I nodded to the flowers and chocolates. “The Almond Rocha certainly helps.”
She grinned. “Almond Rocha always helps.”
I cocked my head. “If you’re leaving for Africain two days, when are you leaving here?”
“Tomorrow.”
“You’re insane, you know that, right?” I said, pulling out the menu drawer and grabbing the Chinese one.
She grinned. “Well, I haven’t actually been tested, but you might be right.”
“I love you, nutso.”
“Love you more, honey.”
“Well, that’s obvious.” I waved a finger toward her. “I’m not sureI’dfly all the way to Colorado to apologize toyou.”
“Well, I’m also more evolved than you. And a better person. A hero, if you will.”
I burst out laughing, throwing a chocolate treat at her head. “Whatever.”
She unwrapped it and popped it in her mouth, giving me a chocolatey grin.
“Okay, what do you want?” I asked.
After calling in our order, we opened a bottle of wine and let it breathe while we changed into pajamas, gave ourselves facials and mani-pedis, then had some much-needed girl time. Suddenly, for the moment at least, all was right with the world, but I had to put the thought of my best friend leaving me the next day out of my head.
* * *
Razor
Two days later, I awoke with my shoulder on fuckin’ fire. A knock at my bedroom door brought Maisieand I let out a quiet groan.
“Good morning, love. I heard you yell out.”
“Shit, sorry,” I hissed.
“I think you should take a Vicodin, lovey. The doctor sent over a different anti-itch med. Hatch picked it up last night. Do you want to try?”
I knuckled the sleep out of my eyes. “Yeah, sure. I’ll give it a shot.”
She gave me a relieved smile. “Okay, I’ll send Hatch in with it, and he can help you up. What can I make you for breakfast? I’ve got eggs, bacon, and toast going, but I can make you an omelet if you want.”
“No, I’m good, sweetheart, thanks.”
Maisie left me and Hatch returned a few minutes later.
