Page 12 of Five Midnight Moment
“Hey, girl,” Leah said when she answered. “You calling to update me on your as-the-mystery-man-turns soap opera?”
Valencia laughed for the first time that day. “You are so crazy. I don’t know how we’ve been friends all these years.”
“Yes, you do. I’m the friend who’s there to keep your otherwise bland life exciting. Although, I must admit, you’ve spiced it up a little these past few months. So, what’s up?”
“I almost got fired today.” She gave her friend a rundown of the day’s events, but had to stop every other word because Leah was either screaming or cursing.
“I hope your boss is on top of things.”
“We already found out who did it. Long story short, the woman was paid by a relative who’d been fired for sexual harassment. But I still have no idea why she used my computer, though.”
“You should’ve called me so I could beat her ass because she deserves it. I know you wouldn’t do it because you’re too nice sometimes.” Growing up, Leah had never been one to shy away from a fight. She may not have started them, but she always finished them.
“Not this time,” Valencia mumbled.
“What does that mean?”
“She kept saying she had no idea what we were talking about and I got tired of her repeating that same lame lie, so I punched her in the face.”
Leah burst out laughing. When she finally calmed down, she sniffed and said, “I’m so proud.”
She couldn’t say it was her proudest moment, but seeing Shawna sprawled on the floor had given Valencia some measure of satisfaction.
“Since your mystery man works there, I’m sure he heard about it. What did he have to say?”
For the millionth time, she debated on whether to tell Leah the truth. Once again, Dwayne’s words floated through her mind. If he was okay with them going public, she could be, too, especially to her best friend. “He turned her over to the police.”
“Wait. What?”
“My mystery man is Dwayne Albright, CEO of Albright Financial Group.”
“You’re dating yourboss?” Leah screeched.
“Yep, and I have to go because he’s coming over.” They’d been talking for over two hours.
“You can’t just drop that bomb on me and say you have to go. What kind of friend are you?”
“Your best friend.”
“Valencia Denise Townsend, don’t make me have to camp out on your doorstep to get answers.”
“I won’t, Leah Sheree Ward. Later, girlfriend.” Valencia could still hear her friend fussing as she disconnected. She finished off her wine and picked up the manual.
Like clockwork, Dwayne rang her doorbell precisely at midnight. When he entered, he didn’t say anything, just wrapped her in his arms and held her close, as if he knew they both needed this. At length, he eased back.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m okay. You’re the one I’m concerned about.”
Dwayne gave her a small smile. “I have to say it’s been a helluva day, but holding you in my arms makes everything better.”
“I feel the same way.” The kiss that followed was soft, sweet and filled with so much emotion, it brought tears to her eyes. When it ended, she rested her head against his chest. The rapid pace of his heart matched hers. She took his hand and led him to the living room.
He sat next to her on the sofa and gestured to the manual. “Is something wrong with your car?”
Valencia blew out a long breath. “Yeah. It wouldn’t start this morning. With everything that went on today, I didn’t get a chance to call the shop.”
A frown creased his brow. “Then how did you get to work?”
