Page 36 of Like You Love Me

“A check?”

Bianca nodded. “He wanted me to know how serious he is.”

“The Collin I remember is bluffing,” Debra said, pointing a wooden spatula at her. “That guy is trouble. He was trouble then, and he is trouble now even if he doesn’t want your money.”

“It’s going to be okay; just wait and see. London is going to understand.” Even as she said it, she knew it wasn’t true. Why else would she be stalling?

“You don’t believe that any more than I do,” Debra countered with a rude snort.

She was right. London did not believe in sharing what belonged to him, and he claimed Sierra long before she was even born.

“I know I am starting to sound like a broken record… but you are pushing your luck, especially with that man at her school. London is going to feel like you tried to deceive him. Find out what Collin is up to, and then tell London. Just don’t wait too late. You’re going to regret your decision,” Debra gently reminded.

While Debra sautéed vegetables for homemade spaghetti sauce, Bianca sat there thinking about what she said. She was just waiting for the perfect opportunity, but there may never be an ideal time for the discussion she needed to have with London.

“Deb, if it were you, would you want to know?” Debra’s eyes snapped to Bianca’s face, but she continued before Debra could respond. “I know I would want to know the truth. And I rather tell my daughter myself than let her find out from Collin.” Bianca shrugged, still feeling indifferent. “Once she knows, it’s up to her if she wants to pursue a relationship.”

“Okay, I get that, and I want nothing but the best for Sierra, but her knowing the truth should be on your terms, not his. Don’t feel pressured to tell her only because you’re afraid he will.”

“It is sooner than I had planned, but I can’t ignore what I am now up against,” Bianca added with a sigh of despair.

There was a moment before Debra broke the silence. “Do me a favor, before you say anything, test him.” While Debra sautéed vegetables, she looked over at Bianca and said, “Offer him money to go away.” She hurried to explain. “See if he will take it. If he does, your problem is solved, but if he doesn’t want your money, you need to talk to London.”

“Okay, I’ll test him but either way, I’m going to talk to London,” Bianca grimly acknowledged. “After the Valentine’s Day weekend.”

“Why wait? Are you afraid you’re going to miss out on your gifts?”

“Something like that.” London had been so protective and loving the last few weeks she did not want to ruin it. She just wanted to get done with the auction and then celebrate the holiday with a lovely romantic evening for two. Afterward, she planned to tell him and prepare for the aftermath.

London arrived home to the smell of garlic and onions. He walked into the kitchen to find Debra standing in front of the stove and Bianca sitting in one of the barstools at the island sipping wine. His gaze traveled over her body, looking beautiful in a peach-colored V-neck sweater and leggings. To this day, the sight of her still made his stomach clench.

“What’s going on? It smells delicious in here.”

Debra swung around, waving a large ladle spoon in her hand. “Hey London. I thought I would come over and cook for my best friend.”

He smiled as he leaned in and kissed his wife soundly. The soft moan that escaped her lips gave him the itch to scoop her up into his arms and carry her away.

“Hi, baby. Deb is in one of her cooking moods, so you know I’m not one to stop her.” Bianca grinned and settled back against the stool.

“Excellent. You’re just the woman I wanted to see.” He reached down for a freshly chopped carrot and popped it in his mouth.

“Why, what’s going on?” Debra asked with an inquisitive smile.

“Well, I met Ryan at the restaurant in New Castle today,” he said as he moved over to the refrigerator and removed a beer.

“That’s the one that burned, right?” Debra asked as she tossed spaghetti noodles in olive oil.

“Yes, that one. Ryan determined it wasn’t arson; it was an electrical fire.”

“London, baby. That’s great news!” Bianca squealed.

“Yes, it is,” he said and was feeling quite pleased. “Once he sends the report to the insurance company, they can pay on the claim, and we can begin rebuilding.”

“What if they refuse?” Debra asked.

He shrugged. “Then I’ll be prepared to fight them in court, but I don’t think they will. Once their investigator sees what he missed in his report, they will have no choice but to agree with Ryan.”

Bianca beamed. “That’s wonderful to hear.”

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