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Chapter 16
By Friday, Lori’s stress level was intolerable, and she needed a break. She announced to Gunner that she was going to a long lunch with Jess. She refused his offer to drive and was adamant that no one would attack her at an upscale French bistro in the mid-Wilshire area—especially when Jess was with her.
Gunner didn’t like it, but he relented. Late morning, Jess drove to the clinic to pick Lori up. As soon as she hopped into the passenger seat, she felt better. “This is just what I need. I had to get away.”
“I can’t blame you,” Jess said. “I don’t know how you’re holding up as well as you are.”
On the way over, Lori chatted about skin care, movies, and a pair of new shoes that she was dying to get—anything but the stressful circumstances of her life. She looked forward to eating gourmet cuisine and sipping French wine.
The restaurant was in an old warehouse building that had been transformed into a trendy bistro. The high ceiling formed a peak and had wood-framed windowpanes that allowed natural light in. The walls were white brick and the floors were light blue tiles in a diamond pattern. The décor was French country in pastel hues.
A greeter seated them at a wooden table with blue legs and quaint chairs. A straw basket of flowers was in the center, and cloth napkins were in ceramic rings. Lori sat across from her friend then took a moment to catch her breath.
Since they were in no hurry, Jess suggested that they split a bottle of white Bordeaux. The wine arrived with a basket of crusty bread. While they sipped, Jess shared stories about the girls. They were growing fast and completely adorable—yet had their devilish side.
Lori couldn’t remember when she’d laughed so much. For a brief interlude, she focused on the great food and conversation. They ordered corn soup with roasted poblano peppers, followed by arugula salad with peaches and goat cheese.
“I could get used to eating like this,” Jess said.
The waitress refilled their glasses, and into her second glass, Lori poured out her worries. Once she started talking, it was impossible to hold back. She unburdened, and her friend listened, asking questions or interjecting comments. It was good to have a chance to process everything.
“I know I sound like a broken record, but who would want to kill your father?”
Lori didn’t know what to say.
“Have you considered that the mob might be responsible?”
“Yes, I haven’t ruled that out,” Lori said. “But I can’t make the connection.”
Jess shuffled the rest of her salad around the plate. “How is the family taking it?”
“I think Nick finally understands,” Lori said. “But he has his own problems. And Sheldon tries to be supportive, but he’s saddened by the news.”
“I’m sure,” Jess said. “Robert was his brother. But I was glad to hear that Sheldon helped with expenses.”
“Sheldon offered; I didn’t have to ask,” Lori said.
“I don’t think it was a burden for him,” Jess said. “As a financial advisor, Allen has relationships with quite a few bankers. He works with investments and he mentioned that Sheldon does very well.”
“He enjoys a lifestyle to match, and he is generous,” Lori said. “He likes to take me to expensive restaurants. He doesn’t have to, but I appreciate the effort.”
“What about you?” Jess said.
“It’s rough,” Lori said. “I’ll be glad when this is over. It’s hard on my staff, too.”
“And Matt?”
Lori’s mood darkened at thoughts of Matt waiting at the clinic. She told Jess her reason for delaying the inevitable, without telling her about the surveillance that was in place.
“Is Gunner still staying at your place?”
Lori nodded. “He assures me that he won’t abandon me.”
Jess emptied the rest of the wine into their glasses. “And…how is that going?”
Lori had no reason to hide her feelings. “I care about him. He’s loyal and strong.”
“And a gorgeous man.”
