I nod. “We talk regularly, and we’ve helped one another get through this.”
“Not so different from our friendship. If it’s okay to be friends with Hudson, then why wouldn’t it be okay to be friends with me?”
“It seems perfectly logical when you say it like that, but you know how people twist things.”
“Let the haters twist shit. Who cares. We help one another, and that’s all that matters, right?”
“Right,” I say, feeling more confident. “Thank you.” My lips kick up at the corners. “I’m going to start calling you YOM.”
One brow lifts. “Do I even want to know?”
“Young old man.” I giggle. “I’d prefer to call you wise young old man, but I have no clue how to pronounce that abbreviation.”
“It’s just as well I’m not easily offended.” He smirks as he opens his door. “Otherwise, you’d be in big trouble.”
“I could take you,” I joke, climbing out of the car.
He looks over at me across the top of the car, the lightheartedness replaced with a more serious expression. “I meant what I said at the hospital. If that bitch tries anything, you tell me, and I’ll help. We have a whole team of company lawyers, as well as other lawyers who look after our personal business, and we’re well connected. I could ruin her with a few well-placed calls.”
“I’m tempted to ask you to do it anyway, but that would only be sinking to her level, and I’m better than that bitch.”
“Damn straight, you are, but if anything happens or you change your mind, promise I’ll be your first call.”
I round the back of the car, feeling a little lighter. I could use all the help I can get when it comes to Garrick’s mother, so it’s not difficult to commit. “I promise.”
* * *
“I love it,” Beck says after I’ve given him a quick tour of our two-bedroom apartment. “It’s got decent natural light and lots of character. My place is similar.”
“You’re in Capitol Hill, right?” Hadley says, handing him the beer he asked for.
Beck nods. “On Belmont Avenue.”
“Not too far from here or the hospital,” Mom says, pulling plates out of the cupboard while Nana rummages in the drawer for silverware and paper napkins.
“We ordered Thai,” Hads confirms. “Hope that’s okay?”
It’s a little late to ask now, but Beck is easygoing. “Thai is perfect.” He removes his wallet. “What do I owe you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Nana waves him away. “You’re our guest.”
“That’s very kind. Thank you.” Beck puts his wallet away and pops the top on his beer.
“Rest your feet.” Mom pulls out a stool at the island for him. “You too, sweetheart.” She pulls a second one out for me.
Beck and I sit on adjoining stools, drinking our drinks, while the others set the table. He sips his beer while I’m guzzling my white wine like it’s water. At least tomorrow is Saturday, and I don’t have to be up early for work.
“Tell us how you know Ivy.” Mom leans back against the counter, drinking her wine and staring expectantly at Beck.
“And do you know any hitmen?” Hads asks, propping her elbows on the counter beside me. “’Cause I’d really love to see that bitch with a nice big fucking hole in her skull.”
“I don’t have any hitmen on speed dial, unfortunately, so I can’t help you out there.”
“It was worth a try.” Hadley pouts. “I work hard not to hate anyone. Hate is such a strong emotion and such a powerful word, so I don’t say this lightly. But I really, really hate that woman.”
“I love you,” I say, yanking my bestie into a fierce hug.
“Love you too, Opium Poppy.”
