I reached over and squeezed her hand. “How’re you holding up?”
She shook her head. “I’m crying at yoga. I cried at my board meeting. I cry in the shower.”
“It’s normal, if that makes you feel any better.” From my experience, I knew it wouldn’t.
“My other issue is that Li Na is pressing me to sell my company. And after what she did, I’m too afraid to say no. If anything ever happened to my girls…” She shuddered. “I don’t want to sell her this technology because it has so much promise. It can help so many people. But I can’t help being selfish—after what happened to Jim, I’m too afraid. I don’t want to say no to her.”
I leaned forward. “Then don’t.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I’ve been thinking about it. I have some insight into what Li Na wants, and I’ve started coming up with a plan.”
Fiona took a large gulp of her drink. “You have?”
I tried not to take offense at her tone. “I know my sister’s the brilliant one, but I have my own ideas—”
“That’s not what I meant. I’ve worked with you. I know that you’re brilliant in your own right. But I also know that you have a big heart, and I’ve never seen you be unkind, even to people who might deserve it.”
“Li Na exists on a whole new level of deserving. I’m more than ready to be unkind. So here’s what I’m thinking…”
* * *
WES
I’d never been so glad to see a steak in my life. I popped another bite of filet into my mouth and moaned. “This is delicious.”
Gabe laughed. “I have to sneak out here at least once a week—don’t tell Lauren. I’m pretty sure the soy’s going to kill me.”
I clinked my glass against his. “Amen. If I never see another piece of bean curd…”
“You’re dating the tofu queen,” he reminded me. “Good luck.”
Gabe had kept his word about organizing a men-only steakhouse dinner. Ash, Gabe, and I had met Levi after we left Paragon. The trendy restaurant was packed on a Friday night. We were seated in a large booth, finishing our second round of drinks.
“I’m keeping a list of things to tell Lauren.” Levi eyed Gabe over his bourbon. “I’m telling her about you cheating on her with steak. She’s too good for you, and she should know it.”
“Don’t start.” Gabe glowered at his older brother. “Or I’ll tell Bethany how much you’ve been checking in with her bodyguard.”
“What’s this?” Ash leaned forward, eyes sparkling. “He’s stalking Lauren’s hot lawyer again?”
Gabe grinned. “He calls her bodyguard twice a day. I heard him ask if Bethany had mentioned him.”
Ash and Gabe howled with laughter as Levi fumed.
Being with the brothers reminded me of Ellis. I’d asked him to join us, but he refused to take time off. I shot him a quick text as Levi argued with Gabe and Ash.
How’s it going with Fiona?
No threats, no suspicious people.
I meant, how’s she doing?
She cries a lot.
My brother didn’t do emotions. He never cried, even when our parents died.
Are you…being nice to her?