She didn’t look convinced.
“It’s true,” I insisted. “You have so much going for you. You’re pretty, you own a business, you’re smart and ambitious and a magician in the kitchen. He’s an overgrown man child who was too stupid to see how good he had it.”
Her lips twisted and she glanced away.
“What is it?” I asked, my gut clenching. I didn’t like her expression. It made me want to drive back to Thad’s apartment and kick him in the balls while wearing my skates.
“Nothing,” she muttered. “Just something he said. I know better than to take it seriously.”
“What did he say?” And how badly did I need to make him regret it?
She twisted her hands on her lap. “He implied that I work too much, and that I need to lose weight.”
“Fuck that noise.” I set my fork down, so disgusted I wasn’t sure I could finish the chicken. “You should live your goddamn best life, and if that means focusing on the kickass business that you’ve created all by yourself, then there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
“I know.” She picked some more at her pad thai. “But it’s hard to remember sometimes.”
“Then consider this your reminder. And,” I added, meeting her eyes and holding her gaze until I knew she was listening properly, “you are gorgeous.”
Her cheeks colored and she dipped her chin, unable to hold my gaze for any longer. “You’re biased.”
“But my teammates aren’t. Several of them have said how hot they think you are.” If I hadn’t warned them off, at least a couple would have hit on her. But they weren’t long-term relationship guys, and she deserved more than a one-night stand, so I’d made sure they knew not to lay a finger on her.
She shrugged, obviously dubious. I decided to try a different tactic.
“Want me to put on Pride and Prejudice?” I asked.
The slightest grin hooked the corner of her mouth. “The BBC version?”
“As if you have to ask.” I knew that the BBC version was her favorite.
I started streaming the show and kept an eye on her as I finished my meal. She ate enough pad thai for me not to worry, but her appetite wasn’t what it usually was. I’d have to check in on her regularly to make sure she was doing all right.
She snuggled up against my side, and I made room for her to rest her head against my shoulder as she watched people in historical dresses dance on TV.
A while later, she dozed off. I stayed where I was despite the rumbling of my gut demanding more food. I’d have to move at some point, but for now, I didn’t want to disturb her.
Her phone rang, and I snatched it up before it woke her and checked the Caller ID. Then, scowling, I rejected the call and blocked Coral’s number. She should know better than to bother Tally after what she’d put her through.
For good measure, I went into the contacts and blocked Thad’s number too. Tally wouldn’t approve, but what she didn’t know couldn’t hurt her.
THREE
TALLY
“Won’t be at work today,” I murmured as I typed the message out to Keysha and sent it, then collapsed against my pillow and closed my eyes, hoping she wouldn’t ask why. I felt bad for calling in sick, especially after leaving early last night, but I just couldn’t face the shop.
All of those people, so bustling and happy, expecting me to be cheerful too. Usually, I managed just fine, but my heart and ego were both a little bruised. Not to mention the fact my eyes were puffy and probably red. I hadn’t looked in a mirror yet, so I could live in blissful ignorance for a while longer.
At least the day should be quiet at Coco Luxe, so Keysha wouldn’t have to deal with much beyond walk-in customers. We had no outstanding commissions. I’d already seen her message from last night about how pleased the bride and groom were with their centerpiece. It had almost made me smile.
My phone buzzed.
Keysha:Are you okay? Do you need anything?
I groaned. She was too good to me.I owed her the truth.
Tally:Thad and I broke up last night. I want to hide from the world, but I’m not sick. If any large orders come in today, let me know and I’ll drag myself down there.
