Valerie raises an eyebrow. “Your Anthony who watched you through windows? Who left books on your nightstand while you slept? Who tracked your phone until, oh wait, your abusive husband was already doing that?”
“Val,” Mia warns from across the shop, where she’s arranging a display of greeting cards. “We’ve been through this. If I thought Tony could have hurt Lila, I would have told you.”
“I know, I know.” Valerie holds up her hands in surrender. “And I’m happy for you, Lila, really. It’s just weird that the creepy masked guy turned out to be my best friend’s slash business partner’s brother, and she knew for weeks and didn’t say anything.”
There it is, the real issue. Not Anthony’s behavior, but Mia’s secrecy. When the truth came out about Anthony being my masked man. Valerie wasn’t just shocked, she was hurt that Mia had kept it from her. Their friendship has recovered, but sometimes the wound still shows.
“She was protecting him,” I say, not for the first time. “And me, in her own way.”
“I know.” Valerie sighs. “And look at you now, all loved up and driving a fancy new car. I guess it worked out. Now you can be part owner if you want to buy in. You’d be making enough for your own place.”
I smile, choosing to focus on her acceptance rather than the lingering doubts. “I’ll think about it,” I say, smiling at Valerie. “Speaking of the car, want to take a ride during lunch? It’s got this amazing sound system.”
“Hell yes,” she agrees, instantly brightening. “Can we blast Slipknot with the windows down like we’re teenagers again?”
“Is there any other way to drive a new car?”
We fall back into our comfortable rhythm, Valerie helping a customer choose the right paperweight for their resume, me finally finishing Mrs. Chen’s business cards, Miacalling suppliers about a late delivery. The morning passes in a pleasant blur of routine tasks and friendly banter.
Just before lunch, the bell above the door jingles. I look up from the binding machine to see Anthony walking in, a bouquet of bright yellow wildflowers in hand. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down that brings out his eyes, sleeves rolled up to expose his forearms. Five months together, and the sight of him still makes my heart skip.
“Ladies,” he greets, handing a single flower to both Mia and Valerie before his gaze finds mine. His smile deepens, reaching his eyes in that way that makes me feel like I’m the only person in the room.
“Delivery for Ms. Angelo,” he says, crossing to my workstation and presenting the flower and a bag of my favorite chewy candy with a slight bow.
“What’s the occasion?” I ask, taking the bouquet. The wildflowers are vibrant and cheerful, their bright faces turned up like they’re seeking light.
“Do I need an occasion to bring flowers to the most beautiful woman in the world?” He leans in, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek.
Valerie makes a gagging noise from behind the counter. “God, you two are nauseating.”
“You love it,” Mia calls to her, coming around to give her brother a hug.
“I do.” Valerie concedes.
I catch Anthony’s eye over the flowers, sharing a private smile. This easy banter, the way he fits into my world. It still feels miraculous sometimes. After years of Eli isolating me from everyone, having someone who genuinely likes my dearest friends and wants to be part of my life is both foreign and wonderful.
“Still on for after work?” Anthony asks me, his voice dropping slightly. “I can meet you at the house, or we can go together from here.”
The house. My stomach tightens at the thought. I haven’t been back since that day Eli threw me down the stairs. The day I escaped through the library window. The police had gathered evidence for weeks afterward, and then the lawyers had to sort out the property issues. Even though it’s legally mine now as part of the divorce settlement, I’ve been avoiding it because I never wanted any of it. But my books are still there, in the library that was my only sanctuary in that house of horrors.
“Together,” I say firmly. “I don’t think I can go there alone.”
He nods, understanding in his eyes. “I’ll be here at five then.”
“Lila,” Mia says, her expression serious. “You don’t have to do this today. The house isn’t going anywhere.”
“Neither are my books,” I reply. “But it’s time. I’m ready.”
Anthony’s hand finds mine, fingers intertwining. “I’ll be right beside you. And we’ll only stay as long as you want.”
“I know.” I squeeze his hand, drawing strength from his steady presence. “It’s just books. In and out.”
But it’s not just books. It’s facing the scene of my near-death, the place where Eli tried to destroy me. It’s reclaiming the only part of that house that ever truly belonged to me.
“I’ll bring boxes,” Valerie offers suddenly. “For the books. And I can come too, if you want backup.”
The offer touches me deeply. Despite her reservations about Anthony, Valerie has never wavered in her support of me.
