Page 30 of Golden Rule

The second the words leave Joss’s mouth, regret fills her eyes. Immediately, she glances toward Lexi.

“Sorry, I…”

“Don’t sweat it,” Lexi cuts in, probably hoping we don’t realize that smile she’s wearing is completely fake. “Life moves on, right?”

All of a sudden, I’m back at that night in my uncle’s diner, watching her heart break all over again.

My eyes lock with Dez’s, and I see the concern in hers.

“Relax,” Lexi laughs. “I’m good. I’m swinging by the vet clinic to grab Jaxon from Matt, then I’m dropping Jax off with Mom and Benny, so I can get to class. See? No time for sulking.”

I should feel nothing but relief, knowing Lex won’t be home alone, thinking about Joss and I spending time with Tiffany. But I’m more interested in that little piece of info she just dangled in front of us.

Jules and Scar are both arching their brows at her, waiting for an explanation, but Lex is clueless.

“What?”

Jules folds her arms. “Umm… do you think we didn’t hear what you just said about Matt—your sexy-ass boss—watching your son while you’re having a girls’ night? That sounds very…”

“Couple-ly?” Dez says.

Jules points at her, like she’s hit the nail on the head. “Yes. That’sexactlythe word I was thinking of.”

“You’re all insane,” Lexi laughs, but no one says a word. She rolls her eyes, realizing we’re not letting this go. “Oh my gosh. Matt and I are just friends. He was there for me during my pregnancy—occasional doctor visits, food runs when the cravings hit. And now, Jaxon loves him, so…”

“So…?” Dez pushes, prompting Lexi to roll her eyes again.

“So, nothing! He’s just had my back a lot over the years,” she adds. “Jaxon’s daycare is right around the corner from the clinic, so Matt grabs him sometimes when I have things to do. Jax lovesit, because he gets to see the animals, andIlove it becauseheloves it. There’s nothing more to it than that.”

Dez Narrows her eyes, Joss arches a brow, and the smile on Scar’s face can be seen from space.

“What?!?” Lexi asks again, beginning to smile.

Jules puts her hands up. “Just saying, #TheGoodDoctor, as Pandora calls him, is hot as hell. And anyone with a pulse knows he’salwayshad a thing for you, Lex. If you don’t see that, you’re blind.”

We stand there, waiting for a response, but Lexi’s silence says it all. She knows everything Jules just said is spot-on.

“Whatever, I need to get my kid,” she says dismissively, and I know what that means. She’s done talking about it.

“Okay, Fiiiiine. Good night,” I laugh, squeezing her tight. “Hug my nephew for me.”

“Will do,” she promises.

“Drive safe.”

“We have to do this again. Soon!”

“Call me tomorrow.”

The collection of responses have me wishing we didn’t have to part ways so soon, but… I suppose there’s no putting this off.

As much as I hate it, mine and Joss’s next stop after collecting Tiffany, will be the Emperess Circle meeting.

Fun.

@QweenPandora:

How cute!

---