Page 117 of Getting Lucky

They were silent for a moment before Lee cleared his throat. “I owe you a massive apology.”

Jack waved his hand. “Trust me, I’ve been flipped off plenty of times before.”

Lee laughed, then reached a hand up to his head with a grimace. “Not for that. For how I treated you yesterday and the day before and all the days before that.”

“You had some things to work through,” Jack said. “I get it.”

“It’s no excuse. You’re just as much a victim as the rest of us.”

“Maybe so,” Jack said, choosing his words carefully. “But going to the FBI had to give you some of your power back.”

“It did.”

“How much trouble areyouin?”

Lee sighed and leaned over, resting his forearms on his thighs. “I think I’m fairly safe. I didn’t know what was going on, and I gave them my full cooperation. My father and Victoria…let’s just say I think their luck has run out.”

“I heard you quit, but I guess that doesn’t mean much given your father won’t be the boss anymore. What does this mean for Buchanan Luxury?”

Lee released a bitter laugh. “After this, it no longer exists. There’s no way any of our clients would ever trust us again.”

“Well, I’m sure Addy has already told you, but I feel like I should too. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like,” Jack said. “I mean,of courseyou can stay. It’s your house too. I’m just saying, if you decide to hang out here while you figure things out, you’ll be welcomed.”

Lee gave him a long, hard stare. “Why are you being so nice to me after I’ve been nothing but a dick?”

“Because I respect Georgie and Addy’s opinion. If they see good in you, it must be there.” He grinned. “It’s just buried under a pile of shit.”

Lee’s laugh turned into a groan again.

“Here,” Jack said, shoving the glass toward him. “Drink this.”

He took it, making a face as he lifted it to his lips. “So you came out here to poison me?”

“It’s one of Dottie’s miracle hangover cures. It smells disgusting and tastes even worse, but you’ll be hangover-free within the hour.”

“How is that possible?”

“Didn’t you hear? She’s a witch,” Adalia said as she came out the back door. “Why didn’t you give it to him when you first came out, Jack?”

He shrugged. “I had to butter him up first.”

“Drink it,” Addy said, placing a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “Trust me. I’m living proof it works.”

He gave her a dubious look, then chugged it down, looking like he was about to barf.

“When the feeling passes, come inside,” Addy said. “We’re dying to open presents after we eat.” She glanced down at Jack. “And you need to get back to Maisie. She’s about to give your food to Tyrion.”

Jack hadn’t even made a plate yet, so he knew it wasn’t true, but he appreciated Adalia coming out to check on him. He went inside and scooped food onto his plate, then poured himself a generous mimosa. Iris and Maisie had saved him a spot between them, and for a moment he just stood there, holding his plate and cup, and watched them talking and laughing, savoring the knowledge that they were both in his life. That they werefriends. Then he walked over and joined them, setting his things down on the table. He planted a kiss on top of his sister’s head, then sat down and gave Maisie a quick kiss on the lips.

Adalia wolf-whistled as she stepped into the dining room, and Georgie beamed. Finn reached out for a fist bump from Maisie, and she rolled her eyes as she reciprocated. River just gave them a single nod of approval.

“All right, all right,” Maisie said. “You have five seconds to get it out of your system, and then it all stops. Forever.”

The whole table erupted in applause, Iris joining in. Maisie turned to her with a mock glare. “I expected better from you.”

“What can I say?” Iris said. “I’m a hopeless romantic.”

“You two are perfect for each other,” Dottie said quietly. “Beau would be so happy.”

---