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Piper eyes me over the rim of her juice glass as she sips. “I’m not sure whether you’re avoiding me or not.”
Guilt fills me. “Not avoiding you. I figure you wouldn’t want to be around me after what I said.”
“But you apologized. Did I give you the idea that I didn’t want to be around you?”
I shake my head. “No. I suppose it’s my own guilt.”
“Well, stop it. I want us to be friends. And I know Elysse is excited to have an aunt… a real family.” She rests her hand on her belly.
I’ve never thought much of having a family. I figured I’d be married at some point but haven’t spent time fantasizing about the details of it. Now, I’m wondering about a life with Henry. Does he want kids?
“Thank you for reaching out,” I say sincerely.
“Of course.”
“I should thank you too for making Elio so happy. He never did get over losing you. I hadn’t realized it until you came back, but now I see it.”
Her smile is wide. “I never thought Elio and I would ever find our happily ever after, so this feels like a miracle.”
I sip my wine, wanting to ask her questions about love… especially love with someone who is from a different world. “You don’t have a problem with Elio’s… work?”
She laughs. “Do I worry about it? Do I wonder if he really needs to be in it, considering the success of the more legitimate businesses? Yes. But even legitimate businesses break the rules.”
“Right!” I say, happy that she understands. “Corruption is everywhere.” Even in law enforcement if Henry’s suspicions about Lazaro are right.
“Yes.”
I look down in my glass, watching the red liquid swirl.
“Have you met someone outside this life?”
I look up. “Why would you ask that?”
She smiles. “It’s a guess. I’m right, though, aren’t I?”
I nod. I want Henry. And I know Elio will need to be okay with that, but I don’t know how to talk to him about it. Maybe Piper can help me.
I take a deep breath. "I've been seeing someone."
"Lana! That's wonderful," Piper exclaims.
“What’s so wonderful?” Elysse looks up from her book.
“Aunt Lana is dating someone.”
Elysse makes a face. “Boys are dumb.”
Piper and I laugh.
“Yes, well, that too,” I say.
"Who is he?" Piper asks, sinking into the couch like we’re having a girl's sleepover and will be talking into the early morning hours.
I bite my lip, steeling myself. "It's… it's Detective Lutz."
Piper's jaw drops. "The cop who's been investigating the family?”
I nod.
