The Things We Do for Love

"And fun. The old bat needed a wake-up call. "

"How did you know what to say?"

"Life, honey. It all comes in handy. "

Lauren smiled. She felt great. Better than great. No one had ever fought for her like that, and the effort strengthened her, made her feel invincible. With Angie on her side, she could do anything.

Even attend classes when she knew people would be staring and talking.

Angie grinned. "I just hope there is a Cardinal Lanza. "

At that, they both burst into laughter.

ANGIE STOOD AT THE CORNER, WATCHING LAUREN WALK across campus. She held herself back from shouting: "Bye, honey. Have a good day at school. Ill be here at six to pick you up. " She was still young enough to know that such a scene would be the height of uncool. And poor Lauren didnt need any extra attention to come her way. Pregnant in private school was tough enough. A geek wannabe mother might push her over the edge.

Lauren paused at the big buildings double door. Turning slightly, she waved at Angie, then disappeared inside.

Angies chest felt tight. "You little witches better be nice to my girl," she said. Closing her eyes, she said a prayer for Lauren, then she got into the car.

As she was driving home, trying not to imagine the firestorm of gossip at Fircrest Academy, she considered going back, parking by the flagpole, just in case. What if Lauren came out crying, broken by the kinds of petty cruelty that only teenage girls could inflict? She would need Angie . . .

"No," she said aloud, taking charge of her negative fantasies. Lauren had to get through this day on her own. There was no other way. The road shed found herself on was dark and scary; there was no way out except straight through.

The bleating ring of her cell phone saved her. She dug into her purse and found it, answering on the third ring.

"Angie?"

She hadnt realized until just then, when she drew in a sharp breath, that shed been waiting for this. "Hey, Con," she said, trying to sound casual. To be safe, she pulled off to the side of the road. Her heart was going a mile a minute.

"Ive been thinking about the other night. "

Me, too.

"We need to talk. " "Thats been true for years," she said. "Do you want to come down to the cottage?" The minute the invitation slipped out, she thought: Lauren.

He would not be happy about the situation.

"Not today, Im busy," he said. "Maybe . . . " His voice trailed into the dark woods of uncertainty. He was reconsidering; she could tell.

"Its Monday. The restaurants closed. I could come up and buy you lunch. "

"Lunch?"

"Its a meal. Often characterized by sandwiches and soups. " Her joke fell flat. "Come on, Con. You need to eat lunch. "

"How about Al Boccalino?"

"I can be there by eleven-thirty. " She flicked her turn signal and eased back onto the road.

"See you then. Bye," he said.

"Bye. " Angie wanted to smile, but all she could think about was the girl living under her roof. Conlan would not take this news well.

SHE MADE IT TO DOWNTOWN SEATTLE IN RECORD TIME, parked the car, and headed for the restaurant.

Their restaurant.

At least, it had been once.