Lucky Break (Lucky 3)

“That would be me,” Gabrielle admitted with a wave of her hand.

Jason shook his head hard. “For the love of God, why?”

Gabrielle and Amber glanced at each other before Gabrielle answered. “I’m not really sure. We tossed around ideas to keep Jason working for Lauren that didn’t amount to more than a nuisance. We didn’t touch the wiring or the fuse box or anything dangerous!”

“The mice worked and Jason started staying over,” Amber said. “And that should have been enough, but I felt since I’d done the mice, it was only fair Gabrielle dirty her hands, too. So I pushed her into doing the gluing.” Amber lowered her eyes, embarrassed.

“We are so sorry,” they said at the same time.

Gabrielle walked over and put a hand on Lauren’s shoulder. “I realize how ridiculous it all seems now but I assure you that at the time-”

“And over drinks-” Amber added.

“It all seemed rational,” Gabrielle concluded.

Derek pinched the bridge of his nose. “I swear these two shouldn’t get together,” he muttered.

“It’s okay,” Lauren said. “As crazy as it sounds, with everything going on in my life, I needed a laugh and you’ve given me one.”

“So you’re not mad?” Amber asked.

Lauren shook her head. “I’m not.”

“Jason?” Gabrielle asked.

He glanced heavenward. “I’m stupefied.”

Mike grinned. “It’s a state I’ve become used to.”

“So you forgive us?” Gabrielle looked unconvinced.

Jason slowly nodded. “If Lauren’s not mad, then neither am I.”

Gabrielle’s shoulders slumped in relief.

“Thank you! We’ll make it up to you,” Amber promised.

Lauren grinned. She knew exactly what she wanted in return. “How about you tell me where you got those gorgeous boots!”

“Bloomingdale’s,” the other woman said. “Do you want to plan a shopping trip?”

“Thursdays are my day off,” Amber said. “So if not today, next week?”

Lauren shook her head, wishing she could take them up on their offer. Not only did she love clothes and shopping, but a girls’ day out sounded like a treat. One she couldn’t afford, not in time or in cash.

“I’d love to but I need to spend my free time here.” She gestured around the house. “It’s got to be finished by December first.”

Amber perched her hands on her hips and surveyed her surroundings. “Can we help?”

Lauren shook her head. She’d never impose. “No, thank you, but I really appreciate the offer.”

“How are things going?” Derek asked.

“Other than the fire damage? It’s coming along slowly but surely,” Jason said. “I’m tackling things room by room so at least there’ll be finished components by the deadline.”

“Where did the fire start?” Mike asked.

“The fire department said the wires in the electrical panel were tampered with,” Lauren said.