Tex didn’t answer right away. “This doesn’t have anything to do with a woman, does it?”
“Why?”
“Oh, no reason. It’s just that the guys in the Brotherhood are falling in love like flies.”
“Not in love,” Finn muttered. “Lainey’s just an old friend that I’m worried about.”
“Old friend. That’s priceless. That’s what they all say.” Tex laughed and then got serious. “Let me look into this and call you back.”
“Appreciate it.”
Click.
If Finn didn’t know better, he’d think Tex didn’t like him. But that was how the man rolled. Short, to the point, and dead serious when it counted. Still, he hoped he’d get some information quickly.
Lainey didn’t just need protection.
She—they needed the truth. And fast.
Lainey kickedoff her shoes at the door and dropped her bag on the kitchen counter. The house was quiet. Luke was spending the night with her mom, trying to get in all the summer fun he could before school began in a week.
She stared out at the lake. The sun was just dipping below the horizon.
What a horrible day.
When Finn barged into her office, she was surprised. She’d never seen him that angry, and it rattled her. But what she told him was true. She didn’t have much faith in systems because they had failed her.
It was time for a glass of wine. She opened the fridge, took out the white wine and poured herself a generous glass. Now what?
She didn’t mind drinking alone, but tonight she wanted company. On impulse, she pulled out her phone and shot a text to Autumn and the girls. Maybe one or some of them were around. She just needed someone to talk to.
“Rough day at work. Luke’s at Moms. Anyone available to drink a little wine and remind me I’m not completely losing it?”
She hit send before she could overthink it.
It was dinnertime. Everyone had lives. Kids. She didn’t expect much.
Taking a long sip of wine, Lainey headed out to the back porch. At least she could enjoy the sunset and vibrant colors, plus the air was still warm. Maybe a couple of ducks could entertain her while she wallowed in pity.
Then her phone buzzed. It was Autumn telling her she was on her way with wine and tacos. Just because.
Lainey blinked at the screen, then laughed. Tacos?
She shrugged. Why not?
The phone buzzed again.
Naomi and Joy were on their way over with wine and something sinful from the Queen of Tarts.
Lainey had heard about the bakery and how wonderful it was. Even Emelia, baker extraordinaire, had sung its praises.
She leaned back in her chair, feeling a little lighter. Maybe she wasn’t losing it after all.
The doorbell rang before she could get too deep into troubling thoughts. Lainey walked back into the condo and opened the door.
Autumn stood there holding a jug of wine in one hand and a big bag in the other. “Wine and tacos to the rescue.”
Lainey chuckled and stepped back to let her in. “You’re officially my favorite person.”
