Page 69 of Ice Princess

Piper eyes me over the rim of her juice glass as she sips. “I’m not sure whether you’re avoiding me or not.”

Guilt fills me. “Not avoiding you. I figure you wouldn’t want to be around me after what I said.”

“But you apologized. Did I give you the idea that I didn’t want to be around you?”

I shake my head. “No. I suppose it’s my own guilt.”

“Well, stop it. I want us to be friends. And I know Elysse is excited to have an aunt… a real family.” She rests her hand on her belly.

I’ve never thought much of having a family. I figured I’d be married at some point but haven’t spent time fantasizing about the details of it. Now, I’m wondering about a life with Henry. Does he want kids?

“Thank you for reaching out,” I say sincerely.

“Of course.”

“I should thank you too for making Elio so happy. He never did get over losing you. I hadn’t realized it until you came back, but now I see it.”

Her smile is wide. “I never thought Elio and I would ever find our happily ever after, so this feels like a miracle.”

I sip my wine, wanting to ask her questions about love… especially love with someone who is from a different world. “You don’t have a problem with Elio’s… work?”

She laughs. “Do I worry about it? Do I wonder if he really needs to be in it, considering the success of the more legitimate businesses? Yes. But even legitimate businesses break the rules.”

“Right!” I say, happy that she understands. “Corruption is everywhere.” Even in law enforcement if Henry’s suspicions about Lazaro are right.

“Yes.”

I look down in my glass, watching the red liquid swirl.

“Have you met someone outside this life?”

I look up. “Why would you ask that?”

She smiles. “It’s a guess. I’m right, though, aren’t I?”

I nod. I want Henry. And I know Elio will need to be okay with that, but I don’t know how to talk to him about it. Maybe Piper can help me.

I take a deep breath. "I've been seeing someone."

"Lana! That's wonderful," Piper exclaims.

“What’s so wonderful?” Elysse looks up from her book.

“Aunt Lana is dating someone.”

Elysse makes a face. “Boys are dumb.”

Piper and I laugh.

“Yes, well, that too,” I say.

"Who is he?" Piper asks, sinking into the couch like we’re having a girl's sleepover and will be talking into the early morning hours.

I bite my lip, steeling myself. "It's… it's Detective Lutz."

Piper's jaw drops. "The cop who's been investigating the family?”

I nod.

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