I smiled and ignored my pounding lip. Oh, to see Quint better, it was totally worth it. Then I caught sight of Aiden’s expression.
Maybeit was worth it.
Chapter 4
Istretched awake in Donna’s big bed and then winced as my face ached. Dreading the sight, I slipped out of bed and padded into her light pink master bathroom. Yep. Bruised cheek and fat lip. I took in a couple of the bruises on my neck. It had been a good fight.
Donna strode in, already dressed and ready for the day in a lightweight mint colored suit with yellow Naughty Monkey heels. Her dark hair was up, and makeup covered any bruises. She held two cups of coffee in her hands. “I can’t believe we got into a fight.”
I reached for the coffee like it was the answer to all questions in the universe. “I know. I’m sorry about that.”
She bump-hit me with her hip. “I jumped in—made a choice.” Leaning toward the mirror, she fixed her already perfect makeup. “Hopefully mom hasn’t heard yet, but you know she will. For now, I can drop you off at your car if you’re ready in fifteen minutes.”
I took a drag of the strong coffee and felt the instant jolt through my system. “If I can borrow something to wear, I can be ready. We’re just finishing the office for opening day tomorrow.”
“Sure.” Her eyes sparkled.
I took a deep breath. “How bad is the picture in the paper?”
“No picture and no article. Maybe Jolene couldn’t write one since we all left and there wasn’t anybody to interview?” Donna moved toward her spacious closet.
“I don’t have that kind of luck,” I admitted, following her.
I quickly showered and then dressed in borrowed jeans and a frilly shirt. I had my own toothbrush at Donna’s charming craftsman-style house and just used some of her makeup. After tossing my hair up in a ponytail, I met my sisters in the kitchen where they were still drinking coffee. “Has anybody heard from Quint? Did he make it home okay last night?” While Aiden had dropped us off at Donna’s, Quint had seen a couple of buddies and had decided to stay and have another drink. He’d promised to call for a taxi home.
Tessa shook her head. “No, but he’s probably sleeping it off.” She had one bruise along her jaw and scratches on her left arm, but other than that looked all right.
“You were awesome last night,” I said, nudging her in the arm. “Sasha is ATF. You kicked butt.”
Tessa chuckled. “That was crazy.” She glanced at the face of her phone. “Oh. We have to go. I have a shift in an hour and really need a shower.” Yeah, she still had sawdust in her hair.
I looked longingly at the coffee pot.
Donna grinned and reached in the cupboard for a travel cup, which she poured to the brim and handed over. It was silver with a faded dog on it.
I took it. “I love you. If you ever need a kidney, mine is all yours. Any time.”
“You already promised me a kidney,” Tessa tossed over her shoulder as she walked toward the front door.
I sucked down more coffee and followed her. “You can fight over it. After last night, I don’t know who’d I’d vote on winning it.” Bottom line was that even though we were too old and hopefully too classy to get into bar fights, both of my sisters hadn’t hesitated before jumping in when I was in trouble. “I love you guys.”
Donna locked the door and followed us from the porch. “Have you noticed how much more interesting life has become since Anna came back from law school six months ago?”
“I truly have,” Tessa chortled. “Rather, I hadn’t realized how boring life had become before that.”
I rolled my eyes. “Life is about to get boring again. I am finished with bar fights, shootouts, and going undercover for anything. Clark and I will have a professional and mellow law office where we figure out billable hours and budgets.” Even as I said the words, I wondered if I could make that happen.
Trouble seemed to follow me sometimes.
Considering both of my sisters laughed—hard—I figured they’d need some convincing.
Donna drove a spotless SUV and first dropped Tessa off at her apartment before winding around the lake and stopping at the restaurant, where my old and trusty red Fiat awaited me. My grandpa had refurbished the car with me, and I loved it.
“Thanks,” I said, jumping out.
“You bet. I’ll see you at your opening tomorrow,” she said, sliding her sunglasses back over her eyes.
I hurried across the heated asphalt to the driver’s side door as she drove away. A truck parked beneath the tree right by the restaurant caught my eye. I squinted and looked closer. Wait a minute. It was Quint’s truck. I dug my phone out of my purse and dialed his number.
