Page 141 of Love Sick

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“Motherfu—” My heart throws a tantrum when I step through the door and become aware of the second presence in my apartment.

“Hey, BB.”

“Goddamn it, Tor. You scared the shit out of me.”

She unfolds herself from the couch. “You really should find a better hiding place for your spare key.”

“What the hell are you doing here?” I throw my wallet and keys on the table by the door.

She tosses out her devious smile. “It’s April. Snowbirds are gone. Season’s over, and I had vacation time to spare. Plus, my baby’s hurting.”

“I’m only eighteen months younger than you, Victoria. You act like you’re my mother.”

She drops her mouth open in faux outrage. “How dare you. I take personal offense to that. I amwaybetter than our mother.”

“Why are you here, Vicky?”

She grins and offers a plastic bag from the coffee table. “I come bearing gifts from everyone.”

A tender warmth spreads through my chest. “Please tell me there are Norman Love truffles in there.”

Her grin widens to rival the Cheshire cat. “Tahitian Caramel.”

“God, I love you.”

“I know.” She juts her cheek out to be kissed.

After I change and settle on the couch next to her, she pats my knee.

“Tell me what happened, BB.”

I shrug and grab the box of chocolates she brought, taking out a truffle. “What’s to tell? She didn’t want me.”

Tori’s brown eyes follow my movements as I throw the box on the coffee table. “You’re still in love with her, Julian?”

“It’s not a big deal.”

“Julian.” The quiet tone of her voice gives me pause.

I turn toward her, and she lifts an arched brow.

Victoria is a feminine version of me. We have the same dark hair and eyes, the same curves in our faces, so reading her expression is like staring in a mirror. Right now, she hurts.

“What?” I ask.

“What can I do?”

I laugh. “Can you make her change her mind?”

“Do you want me to?”

I relish the vision of Victoria putting Grace in her place for a few moments before shaking my head. “I just need time. I’ll get over her.”

“You sure?”

No. I’m not sure.

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