Page 103 of The Friend Situation

“Yes,” she says, standing. “Let me do that.”

As Carlee moves to her bedroom, I immediately text Brody to fill him in on what’s going on.

Five minutes later, Carlee approaches me with the jewelry I gifted her. “These were still here. Not touched.”

I shake my head. “It was calculated, and if I’m being honest, that concerns me.”

Worry covers her face. “Do you think someone found out I’m behind LuxLeaks?”

“I don’t think so. Also, Brody is on his way.”

“I don’t know why anyone would do this. I don’t have enemies,” she whispers. “Everything was going so well.”

I squeeze her shoulder. “I think the time has come for you to need protection.”

“I feel so violated.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault,” she says.

I blink at her. “What if it is?”

“Is Lena capable of this?” she asks directly.

“Yes.”

She sucks in a deep breath, staring at me. “Now I’m pissed.”

“Please pack your things. I’m not leaving here without you,” I confirm.

“Okay,” she whispers. “Come with me?”

I nod, following her down the short hallway. I lean against the doorway as she sets her bag on the bed. Seeing her like this breaks my heart.

“So, this is where the magic happens,” I say to her, repeating what she said to me the first time she was in my room. I need to lighten the mood and get her mind off things.

“Actually, yeah, lots,” she admits with a laugh. “Especially with this wand,” she says, opening the drawer to the nightstand next to her bed and pulling out a pink toy.

“Damn, girl. How many more do you have?”

She snickers. “Don’t judge me. It’s the only thing that’s saved my sex life this year.”

“As long as you’re satisfied, that’s all that matters,” I say, studying the artwork on her wall. “Tell me about these.”

She glances at the one above her bed. It’s blue and red and fades into purple. “What do you see?”

I smile, moving closer to it and studying the piece. “It tells a story. At first, it’s bright and new, and then it becomes more chaotic and aggressive, before blending into a solid. I’d assume it’s a dance. When two become one.”

She stares at me. “It’s calledFalling in Love. It tells a story of two becoming one. Wow, you’re good at this. Cultured, I guess.”

“Ah.” I nod, smiling as my eyes scan the imagery.

It’s a painting that I can almost hear, and I want to run my fingers across the texture of the paint on the canvas.

Carlee smiles warmly as she finishes adding clothes to her duffel. “I went to this art show in an abandoned building years ago. When I saw the painting, I wanted it because it moved me. I told the artist how much I loved it but how I could never afford the price. She let me make her an offer, which she accepted. She laughed and told me it was never about the money and how she’d rather give a piece of herself to those who appreciated its complexity.” She grins as if reminiscing. “Some people see splatters, and other people see the meaning. That’s art. Love it,” she says.

“Who’s the artist?” I ask.

---