A smile peeks through my friend’s sorrow. “Yes, we’re back in New York. We’ve been living in the Florida Keys. The… situation changed, and we finally felt safe to come home.”
“If I were there, I’d give you the biggest hug in the world,” I tell her, wiping beneath my eyes with my forefingers.
Evie leans forward and rests her chin on her hand, a smug grin creeping over her lips. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Chapter 31
I need more wine.
I’mthrummingwithexcitementwhen the car pulls up in front of the large stone apartment building in New York. The Bouviers sent a car for me so we didn’t make a big reunion scene at the airport since news of Evie’s return hasn’t hit the media yet.
The driver—I’m ashamed to admit I don’t even remember his name—comes around to open the door, but I’m already out of the car and sprinting inside. If I weren’t so geared up, I would probably notice the elegant marble floors and extravagant furnishings in the lobby.
“Can I help you, madam?” the uniformed concierge asks in a formal tone as I skid to a stop in front of him.
Before I can do some banshee screech to inform the man that I’m here to see my best friend and he needs to take me to her NOW before I skewer his liver with the nearest sharp object—because perhaps I’m feeling a bit emotional and dramatic today—a deep voice rings out through the space.
“I’ve got this, James. She’s with me.”
Whirling, I find Auburn Bouvier, billionaire extraordinaire, CEO of Bouvier Fashions, and Evie’s older brother, striding across the floor. I’m vaguely aware that the concierge is practically curtsying in the man’s presence, but Auburn owns the whole damn building, so I guess it’s to be expected.
I launch myself at poor Auburn, and he laughs, returning my embrace amid theof course, sir, very good, sirmumblings from James behind me.
“She’s just as excited to see you,” Auburn murmurs into the top of my hair. “Let’s go.”
Backing up, I’m horrified to see my makeup streaking his perfectly pressed yellow shirt. I didn’t even realize I was crying. Again. I’ve been a big bucket of happy tears since finding out Evie’s alive and well.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” I say, swiping at the mess, and he stills my hands with a chuckle before wrapping a comforting arm around my shoulders.
“No problem, Juliette,” he says, leading me toward the elevators. “I have plenty of shirts.” His grin is cheeky because of course the man has approximately a million shirts. He owns a high-end fashion company.
The elevator arrives instantly, as if it knows the owner is summoning it, and we step inside.
“She’s really okay?” I ask when my stomach flips at the speed of the car as we jet up toward the penthouse.
“She is, and she’s happy.”
“And alive,” I say, swiping at my face.
“Yeah, she’s alive.” His voice is quiet and filled with so much weary emotion. I can’t even imagine what this family has been through. Of course it’s been hard on everyone who knew and loved Evie Bouvier, but to have your sister disappear has to be devastating.
“Thank you for always taking my calls,” I tell him. “I know you’re a busy man.”
Auburn scoffs. “Of course I took your calls. You are Evie’s best friend.”
I have to fight back another round of tears at those words. He didn’t say “youwereEvie’s best friend.” He said “youareEvie’s best friend.”
Because nothing… not time… not distance… could ever break our bond.
The elevator doors slide open, and I see the grand door in front of me. I take two steps forward and freeze. For some reason, I’m inordinately nervous. My best friend is behind that two inches of wood, and after seventeen years, I’m finally going to seeher in person.
Auburn skirts around my still form and swings open the door. And she’s there, the biggest grin on her gorgeous face. With a squeal, she’s on me, jumping up and wrapping her arms and legs around me like a spider monkey. I almost fall over but am braced from behind by Auburn’s hands on my shoulders.
There are tears and laughter in equal measure as Evie and I squeeze each other so hard I’m surprised I don’t hear bones cracking.
“You’re here!” she shrieks.
“You’re here!” I yell back, twisting our bodies from side to side. “And you’re still short.”
