Page 24 of Nova

I roll my eyes. ''He's not my anything.''

''Don't kid yourself, girl. Mark my words, that man is coming for you.''

Standing, I grab my empty glass from the coffee table and make my way into the kitchen, where I pour myself some more wine.

''The real question here is, what am I going to do next? I need to find a job. I think it's safe to say Thomas won't be giving me a letter of recommendation,'' I snicker.

''That's an easy one. I say we start up our own firm.''

My hand freezes mid-pour, and I stare at my friend. ''What?''

London jumps from the sofa and walks into the kitchen. ''I have been wanting to broach the idea of you and me becoming partners for a while now, Promise. Come on. You can't tell me you haven't at least thought about the idea before.''

''I mean, I have, but…''

''No buts. We can do this, Promise.''

We are both quiet for a moment as I mull over the idea.

''Look, you love being a lawyer, but you hated the side you worked on. Now is your chance to do what you love while making your own rules. Come on, Promise. Say yes. I can't think of a better person to be my partner than you.''

I'll admit London's idea fills me with hope and excitement. With a big smile on my face, I lift my glass in the air and London does the same. ''I say we do it.''

''Partners?'' London questions.

''Partners,'' I answer, tapping my glass against hers.

London and I take a sip of our wine just as the doorbell rings. "That must be the pizza," I announce making my way to the door. Only when I open it, it's not the pizza, it's a man holding a large bouquet of roses. "Are you Promise Bailey?"

"Yes, " I answer.

The man passes me the flowers. "Have a good evening."

Shutting the door, I walk the flowers over to the kitchen table.

"Wow." London walks up behind me. "Are they from your biker?"

I pluck the card from the arrangement and read who they are from. My stomach knots when I read who they are from. I shake my head. "No, They are from Leon Velasco."

"Damn, Promise. That guy is still at it. I think if he continues you should consider going to the police. The guy is creepy."

"You're right. If this continues I'll talk to the police."

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