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“I wasn’t staring. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t bust something.”
“Sure. On that note, I’m going to head out. Bronte, I know you’re probably busy with Thanksgiving and all, but can we do Friday?”
“Um...Yeah, I think so.”
“I thought you were going to Wisconsin for your friend thing,” Ezra said.
“I am. But we eat early and I can be back here by night.”
“If you’re busy, it’s not a big deal,” London offered, even as she was calculating how many more days she had to get the topper done, encrusted with fake diamonds, and handed off to Nikki to make the swap.
“My friends and I do Friendsgiving the day after Thanksgiving. We do it every year. I’m going up there tomorrow night, so I’ll have plenty of time to hang out with my friends. Plus, you’re running out of days until your mom’s party, so we need to get this done.” Bronte kicked the glass into a pile at her feet. “Although I’m kinda gonna miss our late chats and the cash you spend to have studio time.”
“Aw...I’ll miss hanging here, too. But this might be the most expensive Christmas tree topper made by the time we’re actually done.”
“I hope it’s worth it,” Ezra said.
“It will be. This kind of gift will have long-lasting effects.”
Ezra gave her one of his suspicious looks again and London hoped she hadn’t tipped her hand. She didn’t need him checking her project too closely. The fewer people who knew about this project, the better.
“Okay. I’ll see you Friday night. Have a good holiday. Eat lots of turkey. Get fat and happy.”
“You, too,” Bronte called as London grabbed her coat to leave.
For the first time since starting this project, London began to believe she might actually be able to pull it off. And getting to spend the holiday with her new-found family of thieves would only improve her confidence.
On Thanksgiving,London made the requisite call to her parents who were celebrating this holiday in Turks and Caicos. While she hadn’t grown up super wealthy like Mia and Jared had, her parents gained wealth just before she graduated high school. A few fabulous investments put them in a position to retire early and enjoy their money. She’d grown accustomed to their absence and their desire to give her money to keep her happy.
She’d been able to enjoy some of their wealth, but she didn’t have a trust fund. She really wanted to make it in the art world on her own, even if that meant she occasionally took on less-than-legal jobs like Mia’s. She’d learned early on that someone with a good eye and hand could forge any number of things.
After packing the pumpkin pie she’d remembered to purchase on her way home from the glass studio, she headed to Mia’s. She didn’t quite know what to expect. Mia had kept her distance from all of them as she had promised Logan she would. London had missed her, too. But having them all together—in Mia’s house no less—seemed weird. Not weird enough to prevent her from going, though.
She took a car to Mia’s condo since she wasn’t sure what the parking situation would be like, and when she arrived, she was glad she’d made that choice. With her pie in tow, she walked into a sleek building that totally fit Mia. She gave the doorman her name and he sent her up the elevator.
Mia answered the door, looking as fabulous as ever. Her dark hair was pulled back into a fancy twist and she wore a champagne-colored blouse that complemented her skin tone perfectly.
“Hi. Glad you made it,” she said.
“I wouldn’t miss this. But now I’m feeling a little underdressed. I didn’t know we were going formal.”
Mia smiled. “You’re fine.”
“Yeah,” Nikki called. “You can be dressed like a slob like the rest of us. Don’t take your cues from Mia.”
She laughed at Nikki’s comment. “I brought a pie. It’s nothing special, not homemade or anything, but I figured I should bring something.”
“Thank you.” Mia accepted the pie. Looking over her shoulder, she said, “Logan, would you please take London’s coat and hang it up?”
“Sure.” As he passed by Mia, he kissed her temple. “Hi. I’m Logan.”
London shook his hand. “London. Nice to meet you.”
Although she had never met the man, she’d seen him in pictures and video. Film did not do him justice. He had a close beard and killer smile with deep laugh lines. She totally understood how Mia got caught up in him.
She made her way into the condo and looked around. It was as meticulous as the owner herself. A fire blazed on one wall in front of pristine white leather furniture. A long glass and chrome dining room table was set for eight. Nikki and Wade sat on the couch together, while Jared, looking as wealthy as the surroundings, sat on a chair.
Mia called over her shoulder, “Come with me for a minute. I have something I’d like to give you.”
