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“Does this mean you’re so vital to the business here that you can’t go back to London?” I asked hopefully.
This had been the longest she’d been here in years and we’d barely had time to catch up. Seeing her in the flesh instead of on a video screen solidified how much I’d missed her.
“I’m . . . not sure.”
“That’s not like you.” When Beau made up her mind about something, that was it, consequences be damned. Another thing we had in common.
“There are things about New York I’ve missed.” She picked up a paintbrush and ran her fingers over it.
“Like us.” I dotted a cloud onto the canvas.
“Like you.” Her tone took on a soft quality, a contemplative one.
Beau had always understood about my situation with Eric. When she’d lived here, she’d always been careful to extend an invitation to things, even though she knew I couldn’t go. Because of that, she’d taken the time to do things with me—with us—and I’d never forgotten her thoughtfulness. She’d ventured into our world, but we’d rarely crossed into hers no matter her efforts.
I’d wanted to go to the parties and weekends in the Hamptons and museums to experience all the things I never had the chance to. And if I’d only asked, she’d have flown us to London whenever we wanted. Maybe I should've taken her up on that, but it didn't feel right. She needed to know our friendship had nothing to do with who her family was. We loved her for her.
“I’m glad you’re back.” Eric continued painting without looking up when he spoke.
She touched his shoulder. “Thanks, pal.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Any news?” She shifted her attention back to me.
I shook my head discreetly and mouthed later. “Same old, same old,” I said with false cheer.
“How’d ice cream go with Lincoln?”
That question was worse than the last.
“It was awesome. He loved it.” Eric beat me to the answer, and it wasn’t the one I would’ve given. “Then he helped us find a good parking space, make dog food, and he’s taking me to get a suit.”
Slowly, one of Beau’s perfectly shaped brows rose. “Is he?”
“Oh, and we had dinner last night. But you were there for that.”
You forgot the donut snack. And that he made sure we got home okay last night too.
“Sounds like you’ve been hanging out a lot.” Beau’s voice held a tease to it.
“More like he keeps showing up,” I said under my breath.
“Lincoln?” She swung her knees toward me. “My brother, Lincoln?”
“That’s the one.” I made a ding ding ding motion with my finger. “It’s weird. You and I have been friends for almost two decades. I never met him, and now he won’t go away.”
“Sorry. I’m still trying to wrap my head around him making dog food.” Beau scratched her head.
“He peeled the carrots,” Eric said.
“Lincoln? Peeled carrots?” Her eyes rounded. “Please tell me you have photographic evidence.” She grinned.
“Nope.” The last thing I needed were any pictures of him that I could look at any time.
Her phone buzzed, and some of the other students gave her admonishing looks.
“That’s him.” She held up her phone and his name was displayed on the screen.
