I smile. “Thank you.”
My gaze flickers to the scattered papers on her desk. “You about ready to head out?”
She shakes her head. “Not quite. I still have a few things to finish.”
“You work too hard.”
She smirks. “Tell my boss that.” She sticks her tongue out at me, and I laugh.
“I’ll see you at six-thirty.”
“Six-thirty,” she echoes with a grin.
I kiss her softly before stepping back, giving a wave to Eddie, the janitor, on my way out.
Despite reassuring Ash that Laney would behave, I can’t shake the feeling of unease as I drive home. Laney wasn’t exactly thrilled when I told her Ash would be joining us for dinner, but I know if I can get them to spend more time together, she’ll see how incredible Ash really is.
When I pull into the driveway, I’m relieved to see Laney’s car. She’d threatened not to be here at all after hearing Ash was coming.
“Hey, Laney,” I call out as I step inside. “I’m home.”
“In here,” she shouts back from the living room.
I drop my bag by the door and head in, collapsing onto the sofa beside her.
“Good day?” I ask, leaning my head back against the cushions.
“Not really. Just school,” she replies flatly.
I frown. “You loved school back in Phoenix.”
She shrugs. “That was Phoenix.”
I sit up a little. “You want to talk about it?”
“Nope,” she answers quickly.
I hold up my hands. “Okay. But you know I’m here if you need me.”
She rolls her eyes. “Sure. When you’re not busy with your girlfriend.”
I sigh, dragging a hand through my hair. “I’m always here for you, Laney.”
She gives a noncommittal nod, but I’m pretty sure my words didn’t sink in.
“I’m gonna jump in the shower before Ash gets here,” I say as I stand. “You remembered she’s coming for dinner, right?”
She lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Like I’d ever be lucky enough to forget."
I close my eyes briefly. “Please, just give her a chance, okay?”
Silence.
“Laney?” I prompt.
“Fine. Whatever.”
I head toward the door, ignoring her attitude. “I’m making fajitas for dinner. Your favorite.”
