Page 63 of Love Like Lightning

After yesterday afternoon, going back to Henry’s apartment to collect my clothes feels risky. I know for a fact he won’t be home, but still. We didn’t talk about everything before Henry had to leave. I just wasn’t ready. It felt like too much too fast, and I didn’t have a plan to explain everything about working with his parents. But one thing is for sure.

Henry and I are no longer in the friend zone.

I’m trying not to get in my head about it despite the obvious conflict of interest. My phone vibrates in my back pocket, and I pull it out just as I’m walking up the porch to Henry’s apartment. Hitting accept, I cradle it against my shoulder so I can open the door.

“Hey hey, how’s it going, G?” Simone asks through the receiver.

“Hi! I’m just picking up my laundry. Actually, I wanted to talk to you. There have been developments.”

“Oh my gosh, me too. Tiny is growing so fast, it’s breaking my heart. He’s not going to be a baby soon.”

I pause on the stairs. “Are we talking about your cat?” I haven’t gone one day without getting at least a dozen photos of this kitten and I’ll be honest, I still don’t understand why she got him. Simone’s always been all about not having too much responsibility.

“Of course. What are you talking about?”

“I slept with Henry again.”

“Ohhhhh.”

“And we agreed we weren’t just friends.”

“Yessss.”

“I’m going to tell him today about me working with his parents. Even if it might get me fired.” Saying it out loud makes my stomach churn, but I know it’s the right thing to do. I don’t want to keep it from him any longer than I already have. Especially when I want to see where our relationship could go.

“Damn, G. That’s hardcore.” Even Simone sounds shocked at my declaration.

“Do you think it’s a bad idea?” For a moment, I’m worried she’ll say it is. But no. If anyone would be onboard with this, it would be Simone.

“Hell no. You have to live your life, Gianna. It’s not like you signed an NDA or anything, and you know Cam needs you. You’re not going to lose your job, but you might lose your man. I’m with you one hundred percent.”

Smiling, I let myself into Henry’s apartment and find his couch covered in my folded laundry. Certain items have clearly been ironed and carefully hung up. They’re just waiting for me to pick them up and put them in the closet back at the bed and breakfast.

The thoughtfulness hits me square in the chest, and I know for sure that I’m making the right decision.

“I’ve got to run, but send me some more pictures of that little baby of yours so we can always remember him being small.” I hang up shortly after she promises she will and see that I have a text notification.

Henry: Can’t meet up tonight, sorry, babe. Tomorrow?

I guess I won’t be telling Henry tonight, but tomorrow works.

“You know I’m only coming tonight because whatever Gina’s making for dessert is probably going to be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

Cam glances over at me as he slows his car down to take a turn. “Also, your presence was requested, and the Wrights are presently our bosses.”

“Aren’t you my boss?” I joke, but he always makes sure that I know that we’re more partners than anything else. As no nonsense as he is, he’s fair.

“You know that Gina and Marc still haven’t told their kids about the work we’re doing.” There’s a gentle warning there, one that he won’t elaborate on.

I have a feeling he knows more about my relationship with Henry than I’d like, considering the circumstances.

“Things with Henry may have escalated.”

“Henry?” He plays dumb, and it makes me want to throttle him.

“Henry Wright…we’ve been hanging out. He’s been a friend to me while I’ve been here.”

“Sounds like maybe he’s been more than a friend.”

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