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With a flip of the box top, Lauren transferred the bear claws to the platter, sniffling into her sleeve. “Can I ask you something?”
He nodded. “Always.”
“Have you ever lost the person you love most in this world?” She flattened the box and tossed it aside.
Austin frowned, tapping an askew bear claw to align with the others. “You know I have,” he whispered.
Dear Lord, why did I just ask you that?
“Shit, Austin. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.” She reached forward and squeezed his elbow.
God, that was a stupid thing to say!
He wrinkled his nose. “So, which Benson are we talking about here?”
She sighed and scooped up the platter, slouching from the kitchen and into the dining room with Austin on her heels.
“You know what, just forget I said anything. I’m being dramatic.” She shook her head and rested the bear claws on the table beside the steaming breakfast casserole.
“Look, you can’t just drop a bomb like that and expect me to forget it. What’s going on?”
Her fingers smoothed the tablecloth, brushing away the non-existent crumbs until his hand covered hers. He squeezed, the warmth of his palm instilling comfort.
Lauren sighed. “It’s just been a really rough morning. I’m sorry I said anything.”
What have I gotten myself into here?
“Don’t be sorry. You know you can always talk to me.”
“I know. And I appreciate that.” She sighed again. “But Austin, you’ve got your own stuff to deal with. You don’t need my drama too.”
He snorted. “Lauren, I lost Mavis, but I never really had her to begin with,” he whispered, pulling his hand from hers. “You and Mitch are a completely different story though. Come on, what gives?”
She nodded and sank into a chair. With her sleeve, she blotted her eyes and dropped her face into her palms. “Really. Just ignore me. You’ve got enough to deal with... sitting here every Sunday for family brunch, watching wedding plans unfold. That can’t be easy.”
Austin tugged her hands away and freed her face. He smiled, his gaze falling to his lap as he sank into the seat opposite her. “Well, since you brought it up, I think this is actually going to be my last one for a little while.”
Her heart faltered. A sob caught in her throat as the breath stilled in her lungs. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she choked out.
He squinted. “Don’t freak out, okay? It’s nothing permanent.”
She nodded.
“Boyd and Bernstein... They offered me the Chicago job.” He grinned. “And I accepted it.”
Lauren pressed her hands over her mouth, muffling the inhale of breath. “Oh, my God, Austin... that’s fucking huge!”
“It is, yeah.” He smiled.
“I can’t believe it.”No, I can.Her stomach rolled as her chest tightened.You’re probably dying to get out of here.“I mean, that’s real—”
“Big for his career.” Josh rounded the corner, his fingers tapping the doorframe. His gaze landed on Austin. “Spreading the good news?”
“Good news?” Mavis followed, dropping into the seat beside Lauren. She scooped up a bear claw and grinned as Josh sat in the seat beside Austin.
“Someone got quite the promotion the other day.” Josh clasped his hand on Austin’s shoulder and squeezed. “Come on, don’t be shy.”
“Josh...” Lauren rolled her eyes. “Don’t be a dick.”
