Page 75 of Justified Lies

Lianna excused herself, ignoring her girlfriends’ teasing. Exiting the bar’s patio, she walked a few paces down for privacy before answering.

“Hey, everything okay?”

“No. I’m lonely,” Gabe said in a husky voice.

“Yeah, yeah, I miss you, too. How were the kids today?”

“They were great, actually much easier than I thought it would be.” A hint of arrogance tinged his voice.

“Perfect. Maybe I should start going away more often.”

“Hell, no! I miss you way too much, woman.”

A laugh burst out of her.

“Never mind, that’s selfish. You can go away more, it’s fine.”

Lianna’s heart swelled. She never had this before, this easygoing, but all-consuming love. Love that was open and honest. Gathering her courage, she decided to take the leap.

“So, um, I was thinking maybe you should call your co-worker’s wife, the realtor.”

There was silence on the other end.

“I mean if you still wanted to. If not, it’s totally fine. I know we haven’t talked about it for a few weeks so if you’ve changed your mind…”

“Changed my mind?” Gabe didn’t bother hiding the disbelief in his voice. “No, I’m calling her after we hang up before you have time to change yours.”

Lianna released a nervous breath.

“Not that I needed their permission, but the girls thought it was a good idea too. They’re kind of like my sounding board,” she explained.

“I like these girls. When do I get to meet them?”

“Well, they were all asking me the same today. We’re trying to plan a get together in Vancouver this summer. Maybe we’ll have our new place by then.”

“I really like the sound of that—our place.”

“Me, too.” Lianna sighed. “Sorry, honey, but I really should get back before they come looking for me.”

As she spoke the words, Lianna was inundated with a series of chimes coming from her phone.

“Geez, I just got a bunch of emails. Hopefully, nothing’s come up at work.”

“That was me. I’m sending you links to all the houses I’ve been scoping out. I can’t wait to know what you think. The first one is my favorite.”

And Lianna ceased being amazed. Her happily ever after had finally arrived.

The End

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