Page 34 of A Break in Communications

But I wasn’t about to break character, so I laughed, furrowing my brows through a smile. “You are so smooth,” I said, and she batted her eyelashes.

“Only for you.”

She was sosmug.I guess I was goaded, because I was desperate enough to put her on the back foot that I put a hand to her cheek, cradling her face, and I rested my forehead against hers, and I was rewarded with the small flinch, her expression changing just a fraction. “Never done dance before,” I whispered, “but I’d gladly do anything with you.”

She opened her mouth, closed it again, and she put on a smile, but it faltered. Flustered—a little pink in her cheeks.“Name a time and place,” she said, finally, trying to regain some of her momentum, and I guess I just wanted to shut that down, because I laughed, and before I knew it, I’d kissed her—just a quick peck on the corner of her lips, and I had my reward, because she swallowed, eyes wide.

“We’ll talk about it later, darling,” I said, turning back to my coffee, and I cradled my hands around the cup while Grandma gushed about dance, and this time I was grateful for my family ignoring me, because I got to sit there in silence wondering what the hell I’d just done and why I was kissing Lucy Masters.

Again. Jesus, I’d already had her kiss me once before. What the hell was she doing to me?

She was just… I don’t know. It was satisfying to break her stride. Slipped out of me before I could think it through, and I’d just—go for it. I felt my lips tingle with awareness, but I wasn’t thinking about it.

After breakfast, Lucy the ever popular got kidnapped for conversation in the living room, despite protesting she could help with the dishes, and I excused myself to help in the kitchen, which seemed like a good way to get away from everything until I found Mom in the kitchen with me. Too late by then to get away—she cornered me while I was washing a baking tray, and she beamed.

“I’m really glad you brought Lucy around,” she said, and I worked on a response for a second while I scrubbed the dish in my hands, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg still strong in the kitchen around me, tacky music still loud from the next room.

“I’m… really glad she could come.”

“I don’t think I’ve seen you so happy with someone before,” she laughed, and I plastered a smile on tighter. I don’t think she really meant it that way, but the comment… well, it was true by default, because I’d never brought someone back to meet myparents before. Always felt like a weird crossing of wires, and a little too… serious.

Or maybe I’d just never really gotten close to someone before.

“She is… really good,” I said quietly, cleaning a plate slowly.

“I was about two seconds from introducing you to Nicholas Meyers again.”

I paused. “Nicholas Meyers? Isn’t he still in London?”

She raised her eyebrows. “Oh… you don’t know. He’s been back for three months now. Apparently things didn’t work out for him there.”

“Huh…” I went back to the sink, working slowly. “You really don’t need to set me up with people. I’m an adult.”

“Well, honey, you, um… I just figured we can all use a little help.”

That was tactful… I could hear theyou’ve been sad and alone for years and you haven’t been putting in any effortunspoken in her voice, but she went the polite route.

Nicholas Meyers was probably the last time I’d gotten serious with someone, back when I’d been with my last firm. The son of someone my grandfather worked with, he’d come around with flowers and cards and sweet gestures, and I’d had fun, felt something in it all. Took a piece of my heart with him when he accepted a job offer in London, and I’d spent a good six months pining over him, wishing he’d come back and sweep me up again.

But that was years ago. Didn’t inspire a thing in me now, just this antsy unease, Lucy the only thing to mind now. There was no way I was letting my dating life center around Lucy Masters. I needed to do something…

Only after this, though. I smiled at her, setting a dish in the rack, and I said, “I was holding out for the right person. And I think I’ve found her.”

She looked like she would burst on the spot, smiling brilliantly. “You know, I think you have,” she laughed. “Found someone closer than you’d have thought.”

“Ha… yeah. I guess I’m not surprised I’d date someone from the office.”

“Only place to find someone as serious as you.”

“Lucy’s good at her job,” I laughed. “I guess that’s attractive. You spend enough time dealing with people who aren’t good at what they do, and when someone competent comes along…”

She shook her head, laughing. “Only you would call that a love story, Veronica.”

“Wrong daughter, Mom.”

“Anna.” She waved me off. “You’re not going to disappear on us again after the holidays, are you, sweetheart? I’ll forget your name less if you’re around more.”

“Oh, I see. Threatening me with parental neglect. Well,” I said, waving a dish at her, “I have a very attentive girlfriend now, so I’m immune to your threats.”

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