More like scorching if I had to choose a word.
But then, it always is with Connor.
It always has been.
Every damn argument becomes combustible.
Even back in high school, the man was able to ignite something in me that couldn't be put out easily.
I wave her off. "I don't want to talk about Connor anymore. I'm actually here for a reason."
Willow chuckles. "I don't have any new gossip for your column. Why don't you go check with Elaine at the diner?”
“Ha fucking ha." I scowl at her. "No, I'm being serious. I need to talk to Lucky."
Lucky raises a brow as she comes back to the counter. "About what?"
I chew on the inside of my bottom lip, trying to figure out how I can broach this without giving away my true intent. It will all come out eventually, but I’m not ready to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding my story.
Not yet.
"I just need to clarify a few things with you.”
She eyes me suspiciously. “About what?"
Her uneasiness comes out in her question and I can't blame her. After everything that she went through in the last few months, having a reporter ask her anything is going to put her on the defensive.
Shit.
I should have thought this through.
“I wanted to talk to you about maybe doing a piece on you and Gizmo."
Her lips curl slightly into an unsure smile. "Really?"
I nod, forcing a returned one.
No, not really, but I can't discuss this with her in front of Willow…
I need to get Lucky alone to tell her what I really want, what I really need from her without tipping off my best friend about what I’m doing. “Yeah, I was hoping maybe we could schedule a time in the next couple days, just the two of us."
Willow narrows her gaze on me, and I can see the wheels churning behind her gray eyes. "What are you up to?"
I feign innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about.”
“We've been best friends since literally forever, Raven, and I know when you're lying and up to something, and you are definitely both of those right now."
Damn her ability to read me so well…
I grit my teeth and force a smile. "Nope, just usual me doing my usual stuff.”
“Uh-huh." She nods slowly, incredulity creeping into her voice. "Is that really all you're going to say?”
“Sure is." I snag my computer. "I've lost my ability to work at the bakery for today. I'm going to set up in your back office."
Willow throws up her hands with a scoff. "Why don't you just go to your apartment?” She motions vaguely across the street. “It's literally right above the bakery."
I scowl at her. "If I work at home, I'll get distracted."
