Page 121 of Just Trouble

Daph, Daph, Daph. How is it that you have the power to heal every wound I have?

“Why don’t you join us for breakfast tomorrow? We can go to the bank in Havelock afterwards and get the funds transferred.”

“But that’s your weekly meeting with Daph. I don’t want to interfere.”

“There’s less business to discuss now that she’s going out on her own.” He gives me a look. “You and I might have more business to discuss now.”

Careful what you wish for. My silent partner is already speaking up. “Really?”

“Really. I’m not alone in this impulse, Luke. A number of people in town have spoken to me about your efforts and their appreciation of it. Some will have made donations, but there might be ways you can harness that enthusiasm and even build a stronger sense of community, although whatever happens should be structured to protect everyone’s interests.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ll work up a couple of different scenarios that we can discuss in the morning. Daphne may have some additional ideas, too.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” We shake again at the door. “Thank you, Richard.”

“Thank you, Luke. I never thought I’d see her so happy again. That’s worth the world to me.”

He doesn’t have to say it. I know he’s warning me not to break Daph’s heart, but that’s not part of my plan.

And now, I have a building inspector to see, one who is probably going to give me more bad news. I’m less worried about it now, though, now that I have Richard’s support.

I pass Daph on the street, loving that she’s brimming with ideas and so excited. She gives me a kiss that makes me wish the day was over and I hold her close.

It could have been a perfect morning if a silver Porsche hadn’t rolled in to park beside Richard’s car just then. Daph’s lips set and she places a hand on my chest when I would have charged to her defense. She looks mean and determined, a formidable adversary ready to carve a certain lawyer a new one.

Of course, JJ is a persistent prick.

(Maybe I should have keyed his car.)

“Leave him to me,” Daph says grimly.

“Can’t I watch?” I ask and her smile flashes.

“You have work to do.”

“I do, sadly. Meet me at Merrie’s for lunch and tell me everything.”

“Deal,” she says, decisive, her thoughts clearly on the smackdown ahead. I reallyreallywant to watch this, but I respect her choice.

“Noon?”

“Noon,” she agrees and I turn to watch her go. She’s wearing that sleek silver gray suit and it’s easy to imagine her as a barracuda, slicing through the ocean to slaughter her unwitting prey.

It’s so unfair that I can’t witness JJ’s decimation, but I text the café for a reservation, then continue to the theatre.

I’m moving in with Daph and she does not love JJ anymore.

No doubt about it, Empire is starting to feel like home.

33

DAPHNE

Ihave to give Justin points for persistence.

He’s all suited up, freshly shaved and perfectly groomed. My heart should be all a-flutter but instead there’s a cold stone in its place.

---