Page 51 of By the Letter

Shira:ROMAN…why?

I could almost hear her soft, exasperated voice.

Me:They’re more for me than you. It only makes sense for me to be the one to buy them. If they’re not to your taste, you can exchange them. I won’t be offended.

Shira:Well, I’m offended you paid for my furniture!

Me:Are you really?

Shira:I’m huffing right now.

I could almost hear that too. My grin widened.

Ben swatted the back of my head as he passed me in the kitchen. “What are you smiling about?”

I held up my phone. “Shira.”

His brow winged. “Oh yeah?”

Ignoring him, I tapped out a text.

Me:But are you offended?

Shira:Fine. No, I’m not. Thank you for being so generous.

Me:No need to thank me, Goldie. I like making sure you have everything you need.

Ben cracked open a can of sparkling water and leaned against the counter. “Must be some conversation.”

“She’s funny.” I left it at that because that was all it was.

“Don’t wanna say I told you so…”

“Then don’t.”

Shira:You can’t stop me from thanking you.

Me:Okay, I accept. You’re welcome. Give Mary a scratch and tell her it’s from me.

Shira:She says, “Rrrreeeooow.”

That cat was definitely going to be the death of me. And sooner rather than later.

Me:I’m suspicious. What is she planning?

Shira:You’ll have to wait and see. Goodnight, Roman.

Me:Night, Goldie.

The smile stayed on my face long after our conversation ended.

Chapter Eighteen

Shira

I strode up tothe Levy building, smiling and waving at Kit as she approached from the opposite direction with Elliot. He was taking small, slow steps to keep pace with his very pregnant wife, which I found unbearably sweet and considerate. They were a prime example of “opposites attract,” and the more I saw them together, the easier it was for me to see why they worked.

Elliot still made me a little nervous, but since his attention was almost always focused on Kit, it wasn’t difficult to be around him.

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