Page 63 of Destined To Fall

“Tell me who’s got that dirty grin on your face, and I’ll happily pass over the goods.”

I reach again, and this time Laura does splash it all over herself, squealing when it makes contact with her flesh.

“You silly wench,” I laugh.“Now you spilled all the beans. Look at all that wasted coffee,” I groan, heading for the line again to order another.

“What about my skin?”

“Karma?”

“Ass.”

I shrug, pulling my cell out.

J: Two hands are better than one.

“You’re not seriously going to wait in line for another fifteen minutes? Vee? Vivienne? Oh my god, fine. Take my fucking coffee.”

I smile in victory as Laura shoves her coffee at my chest, barely managing to miss scorching me in the process, then storms out of the coffee shop.

V: Imagine how much better four would be…among other things ;)

Friends. I’ve totally got this. I snigger following after her, stowing my cell in my bag.“Retail therapy?”

“Fine. But after work, and you’re paying.”

“Sure thing, Calamity Jane.”

“You are officially forgiven. That dress is to die for, and I’m completely spent!”

It only cost me two hours and several thousand dollars to win her back. Totally worth it, though. Laura heads to my living room, collapsing on my couch with all her bags scattered at her feet. I dump mine near my bedroom door, kicking my shoes in that general direction, and turn to head for the kitchen when my ass—or more specifically,the phone in my pocket—vibrates.

J: There seems to be a large sum in my account. Care to explain?

I grin.

V: You won the lotto?

J: Not really their MO.

V: Your sister paid you back?

J: Hardly. You don’t give refunds, so…?

It’s true. We don’t. But Jeremy isn’t—wasn’t—a client.

V: Just say thank you.

J: Arigato.

I catch myself still smiling and quickly pocket my cell just before Laura looks back at me. Her brow pulls down a fraction as she studies me standing there like a moron.

“What are you doing, Whoreface?’Cos that doesn’t look like you’re making me dinner.”

“When have I ever? There are some menus under the coffee table. Pick something. I’ll sort out the wine and try to find some snacks.”

“Popcorn! Though I might settle for crackers.”

No sooner had I walked into the kitchen when my ass buzzes again. I pull it out and check that Laura is occupied before reading the message.

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