Page 98 of Not A Chance

“Of course.” Julian, with his perfectly molded etiquette, half stood as I got out of my chair.

Once I was safely around a corner at the back of the restaurant, I unlocked my phone.

Theo

Hey baby, I’ve been thinking about you non-stop. I have to admit I’m getting a little worried. I don’t like that you’re out there on your own and I still don’t really understand what’s going on. I’m glad you’re staying at the house, though.

I’d been staying in the Yao-Miller guest room all week. Emery had jumped at the chance to spend more time together so unexpectedly soon with us having left just last week.

Indie

I’m fine. Like I said, boring family stuff. It’s almost over and I’ll see you soon.Just out to brunch with my parents. Text you later? Love you.

Theo

I miss you. Love you.

I hoped and prayed that I would be able to weasel my way out of this marriage problem with limited drama.

For now, I had to survive the rest of this meal.

When I arrived back at Emery’s house, I was shocked to find Abbie and Emery sitting at the Yao-Millers’ kitchen table with three iced coffees in the middle of the table.

“Hi! Look who’s here!” Emery bounced a little in her seat.

“Hey, girl, what are you doing here! I thought you were spending this week down in LA with Aiden’s family?” I was surprised but thrilled to see Abbie, who’d been with Aiden’s family over Christmas. They weren’t supposed to be back yet.

Abbie stood for a quick hug after I reached the chair next to her.

“Something came up, and we’re back a bit early. I missed you so much.” She reached for my hand that rested on the table, giving it a quick squeeze.

Emery smiled happily at having all of us in the same room again. We’d all taken this for granted, being in the same city for so long, that moments like these had become precious.

“It sucks that you had to cut your visit short. Though I am really happy to see you.” I gave her a wide grin. “But I have to ask, I thought you had sworn off iced coffee for good?”

A mishap with an iced coffee during a team meeting had landedAbbie a promotion… and a boyfriend last spring.

“Well…” She toyed with the straw in her cup, a blush pinkening her cheeks. “Since it brought me the love of my life, I’d have to say it’s forgiven.”

As the other half of the reason for said mishap, I raised my eyebrows. “Oh! Does that meanIget some credit for your current heart-shaped pupils?”

It was true. Abbie had consistently looked more content and a hell of a lot more loved up since being with Aiden.

Emery stood quickly and went to the kitchen counter, returning with a… meat tenderizer and a cutting board?

“Um…” I looked between them. Abbie also stared at the kitchen utensil.

“This meeting will now come to order.” Emery used the mallet to gently tap the cutting board and then held it in her fist, resting the handle’s end on the table.

“I’m so confused. What are we meeting about?” I frowned. “And why do you need a weapon for it?”

“This is not a weapon. It’s a gavel,” Emery replied.

Abbie reached over and gently encouraged Emery to put down the steampunk justice mallet. “Em. We get it, sweetie. We’re going to be serious here.”

Emery pouted a little but released her accessory. She looked over at Abbie and nodded.

“So, despite that start,” Abbie began while Emery huffed, “this is a bit of an intervention. For you, Indie. But in a we-love-you-so-much kind of way.”

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