Page 80 of Hard to Break

“I’m sorry I brought Kevin to you.”

“In a weird way, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have had the chance to be your fake date. Then your real date. Then your roommate.”

“I am a pretty great roommate,” she laughs. “Though I have some ideas for redecorating.”

“Mmmm. We could go home and talk about them.”

“Aren’t you needed here?”

The buzzing activity behind me agrees with her.

“Nope. I’m all yours.”

BROOKE

The aromaof freshly brewed coffee and artisanal pastries envelops me as I step into La Bohème. I scan the space, looking for the ideal spot.

There it is—a cozy nook near the back, bathed in natural light from a large window. The rustic wooden table is flanked by plush velvet armchairs in deep emerald green.

I’m settling into one of the chairs, pulling out my tablet when the bell above the door chimes.

Nova strides in, her pink hair twisted into a topknot. Her eyes light up when she spots me.

“Hey! This place is amazing,” Nova gushes, sliding into the chair across from me.

“You found the last great café, so I owed you one.”

“You said this was a work talk and not only a social talk. What did you want to meet about?”

I place both hands on the table. “So. I went back to the owner of Coastal Gallery and told him I screwed up. That you were willing to do a new floral painting for him if he wanted, and I advised you against it.”

Nova’s eyes widen. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did. I explained how important your new direction is to you. He was impressed at your willingness to create something new to fit his requirements, and said he’d give you another chance if you did.”

Her breath whooshes out. “I’ll think about it.”

Surprise works through me. “Think about it,” I echo. I expected her to jump at the chance, and I was ready to do everything in my power to make the show go off smoothly this time.

“Honestly, Brooke? I’m so grateful you did that, but while this has been going on, I’m getting more convinced that I want to move forward, not backward. Even though some people won’t follow me in this new direction, that’s okay. I’m going thereanyway, for me and the people who will. I don’t want to go backward.”

“Okay then.” I grin, relief spreading through my chest. I’m proud of my friend for making her own choices and standing up for herself. Either way, this will be her call and I’ll have her back. “I also invited someone else to join us for coffee. You’re going to kill me, but I wanted it to be a surprise because I didn’t want you to stress about it.”

Nova's excitement is palpable. “Who?”

I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

The café's atmosphere seems to shift as Elise walks in. She's the epitome of effortless chic in a crisp white blazer over a silk camisole paired with tailored black trousers and sky-high stilettos.

“You didn’t!” Nova hisses, recognizing the designer immediately.

“Just be yourself. You're a force of nature,” I whisper back.

I stand to greet Elise, and Nova follows suit. “Elise, thank you so much for joining us.”

Elise's smile is warm as she shakes my hand. “The pleasure is all mine.” Her gaze shifts to Nova, and I see a spark of interest in her eyes. “And you must be Nova. I've heard wonderful things about you.”

Nova's cheeks flush slightly as she shakes Elise's hand. “It's incredible to meet you. I'm a huge admirer.”

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