“Okay. Okay,” muttered Lainey. “So, Finn and I kissed and…”
The girls all leaned forward.
“And other things,” said Lainey, with as much dignity as she could muster under the circumstances.
“Oh, girl,” said Autumn. “You’ve got it bad.”
“Sooo, is it serious? Is he staying?” asked Joy.
Thankfully, just then the server placed their meals in front of them, giving Lainey a moment to collect herself. She didn’t mind their teasing or asking about Finn. But she wasn’t sharing that he was Luke’s father right now. That would be a discussion between her and Finn. Besides, her heart was still trying to catch up with all that had happened.
They all dug into their food. The soup was just as Lainey imagined it to be—tomatoey, fresh and herby. There was nothing more to say about the grilled cheese except she was in love. Hopefully, the Finn discussion was closed.
“I guess, more importantly, are you staying?” asked Autumn. “I mean, what happens when this project is done? Do you move on to another?”
Lainey looked at her friends. Women she trusted. “I don’t know all the answers yet. But he’s back for real this time, and I don’t see either of us leaving.”
“Look at our girl,” said Isabelle. “Getting her second chance at love.”
“Yeah.” Lainey sighed. “I didn’t think I’d get one, but there you are.”
A brief silence passed between them. It wasn’t awkward. They shared a few looks. Half-smiles. Looks that saidWe’ve got your back.
Lainey looked at her watch and groaned. “Crap. I’ve got to get to the site soon. Someone from the council wants to meet.”
All four women looked up.
“Are you going alone?” asked Dani.
“Yes,” she replied. “But before you say anything, Finn did offer to be there.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “I told him no. It’s my project. I need to handle it.”
Dani put her hands up in mock surrender. Now Lainey felt bad.
“Thank you for asking, but I can’t have Finn step in every time there’s a problem. The Brotherhood was kind enough to install more security, so I feel safe.”
“I know, sweetie,” Dani said. “We’re just worried about you.”
Autumn lowered her fork, eyes narrowing. “Do you know who’s coming?”
Lainey shrugged. “Councilman Cho. Not sure who else.”
“Cho?” Autumn snorted. She leaned back in the booth, crossing her arms. “He’s been leading the charge to have you kicked off the project.”
“What are you talking about?” Lainey asked.
Autumn leaned in and lowered her voice. “I have a friend who works admin at city hall and overhead Cho talking to someone about pulling you off the project. And if Sarah Granger comes with him, you need to be careful. They’re gunning for you.”
She bent forward, her voice low and conspiratorial. “Plus, I heard they’re bumping uglies.”
“Ew!” Joy exclaimed. “That’s not a vision I want at lunchtime.”
Sarah was a pain in the neck, period. But sleeping with a councilman? That was a whole new layer of messy.
The women exchanged gossip and good ribbing the rest of the meal. Finally, it was time to pay and go. Lainey did not want to be late for the meeting.
She tossed her napkin on her plate, laid down the money she owed for lunch, and promised to check in later.
As she stepped outside and headed for her car, she hoped the nerves in her stomach would settle, but the feeling that everything wasn’t going to go well sat heavy in her gut.
