Page 16 of Breaking Point

“No trouble,” she states. “I have been enjoying a perfectly unadventurous few months at home.”

“Not true,” Skar counters.

“Working at the bar doesn’t count,” she defends, and I smile as they bicker back and forth a bit before the oven dings, signaling the pizza’s ready. Not even a second later, Charlotte’s phone rings, and she quickly digs the pizzas out before dismissing herself. “Just a few. It’s Aleks.”

She disappears into the foyer, and Skar makes quick work of slicing and dividing the food among plates. I cast a sneaky glance to make sure Char’s not nearby before turning toward Skar. “How’s she really doing?”

“Her abusive mother is dead, her dad’s gone, you’re working for her best friend, and I’m not home enough.” He shrugs, dumping our plates in front of us. “It’s not great. It’s not bad either though.”

Taylor assesses us with wide eyes as he considers just how much drama there is in this dynamic. To tell the truth, it’s more than I’d like. But I wouldn’t give it up if I had the choice.

“Wow,” he deadpans.

“Yeah.” I shovel a piping hot slice of pizza into my mouth, and we make quick work of eating until Charlotte returns, face wiped clean of emotion.

My back goes rigid.

“What is it?” Skar prods and she shakes her head.

When she doesn’t answer, he stands, but she shakes her head again, laughing to herself in disbelief. “Aleks is getting married.”

Chapter Eight

Crew

Acork pops, and the drink fizzes over the sides of the navy bottle. Harvey darts towards the sink, cursing as the bubbles settle, the drink half-empty. Smooth jazz plays from a speaker on the kitchen island, only interrupted by the soft crackle of the bubbly.

“Well, there’s a couple hundred dollars down the drain,” he mutters, and I watch as he splits the remaining Bavarti between three glasses. He must see me standing in the doorway of the kitchen because he grins before reaching into the fridge for another bottle. “Care for a glass? It’s seltzer.”

I step into the light, rolling my neck before I can object as he pours a glass anyways. “Thank you, Sir.”

“I know what you’re thinking: It’s insane to pay so much for water, right? But this stuff is the real deal. From some old springs in Preyva. Or what’s left of it, at least. Olivia loves it. We’ve tried every label around, but nothing beats this.”

He’s rambling, I realize, and if I hadn’t thought he’d gone all-out with the silk tablecloth, candles, and glittering crystal glasses on the table, I’d still say he’s nervous. “Nervous about tonight?”

Harvey’s always struck me as a bit anxious, but never to this extent. The smell of dinner cooking fills the air, and when a timer buzzes, a servant appears from the common room to pull the sizzling dish from the oven.

“Thank you, Meha,” he smiles, and when she moves to cut and serve the dish, he waves her off. “I’ve got it from here. Enjoy your evening.”

She bows her head before scurrying out of the room. His attention shifts back to me as he peels back the layer of foil. Garlic and meat sauce permeate the air, and he takes a long sniff.

“This is Olivia’s favorite too. I guess I am a bit nervous. This time of year is hard. And I barely get her to come and see me enough as it is,” he chuckles, and when I hear the front door alarm chirp, I know it’s because Taylor’s here. “Bishop!” Harvey grins when Taylor comes to a stop by the island. “How’s your wife doing?”

Taylor grins, greeting me with a look. “Lydia’s doing well. Sorry she couldn’t come tonight. A bit under the weather.”

“A shame. I hear pregnancy does that to you,” Harvey says as he strolls to the table and removes a setting. “She’s alright though?”

It’s been two months since Taylor announced the news. It's not unexpected- they've wanted a family for a long time... and I'm happy for them. That kid will grow up loved. That's more than I can say for most children.

“That’s alright. It’ll just be us then. Olivia will be here soon… and then we can eat.”

I count five settings remaining, and just as I’m about to question why, someone raps on the front door.

Harvey grins. “Help yourself to a drink, Bishop. Excuse me, gentleman.”

He disappears, and Taylor shakes his head as we exchange a look. “Place looks nice.”

I crack a smile.

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