That’s the Elle I’ve known and loved since we were kids.
But she just shakes her head, a small frown pulling her lips down.
“Not another headache?” I ask, sitting up. My turn to be concerned, knowing she’s prone to migraines from hell.
Actually, that’s how she met her superhusband, August.Husband.
God, it’s still weird to think of her married, especially to him. Even weirder to see them so happy together after they slogged a hundred miles through the biggest drama in Seattle that didn’t involve a Pruitt.
That’s Elle’s luck, though. Marrying the first hot billionaire beast she ever fainted on.
“Nope, they’re pretty rare these days, thankfully. I just wondered if you still wanted to take the boat out today? There’s time.” Her wary smile gives me the impression it’s not the first time she’s asked.
“The boat,” I repeat absently.
It’s official. Heartbreak has made me an idiot.
“Don’t worry! I won’t be driving. It’s way too big.” She grins mischievously.
“Well yeah, I don’t want to drown.”
She giggles.
Although sinking in a lake this heavenly doesn’t feel like the worst end to the Lena Joly story. It would give Brady a convenient out without any breakup bombshells, wouldn’t it?
Could I fake my death and start over at a clinic in Thailand?
I’m being ridiculous, I know.
Elle knows, too, because she snaps her fingers in front of my face.
“Hello, Lena? Is anything getting through?”
“Half of it. But sure, let’s go out for a boat ride. I’ve been wanting to see your latest toy, anyway.”
“Technically, it’s Gruffykins’s toy. But he’s said I can take it out anytime I like as long as the captain’s on hand.”
“Aren’t you guys married?” I squint up at her. “What’s his is yours, right?”
“And what’s mine is mine.” She grins and beckons to the door leading back inside from her expansive patio. “Also, I’msopumped you agreed, because I already had the captain on standby this evening.”
The captain? Holy hell.
There are times when I forget just how rich my once-starving-artist friend is.
Fresh air will do me good, though.
I just got here yesterday, and so far I’ve spent my entire time in three large rooms, moping around like a soggy kitten.
Threegorgeousrooms, in Elle’s defense. And mine.
It’s not like being here has been a hardship.
Except for the fact that every single room screams Brady Pruitt.
I don’t know why. It doesn’t make sense, because this place is a world away from his expensive penthouse lording over an urban kingdom.
Here, it’s an ultramodern, beautifully decorated lake house suitable for a billionaire power couple. Every room has soaring bookcases and furniture so comfortable I wonder if I’m dreaming.
