Page 60 of Pride & Precedents

A laugh bubbles free from my parched lips. That glass of water barely scratched the surface.

"That is ridiculous, Rory. I told you, I'm just worn out from finishing the semester. Hell, from finishing my wholedegree."

She sits down next to me on the bed and pats my hand like someone would pat the head of a small dog.

"Yes, I remember the bullshit you told us before, big sis. I was hoping to get the truth out of you last night, but instead, you demanded pancakes before promptly falling asleep in the Uber." She pokes me in the leg. "So spill."

I sigh heavily.

"Things with Henry got…complicated." I slouch down further into my sheets. Maybe if I burrow deep enough, she'll leave me alone. Without warning, the covers are yanked off, and I'm sitting fully dressed in yesterday's clothes.

"Go on, then. What happened?" Rory never was one to let things go.

"Well, we hooked up a few times. You know that part. Then he started helping me study for the bar. And then the last time he came over, one thing led to another and—"

"And you bumped uglies?!" Rory interrupts, her voice full of glee. I can't help but giggle.

"Yes, we had sex. And it was," I sigh dreamily. "…It wasreally fucking good. He even stayed over, and we spent the next day together, walking all over the city."

"That sounds like something straight out of the movies. So what happened?" Rory asked.

"His ex happened," I mutter. "She kept throwing herself at him and then she kissed him!" Rory gasps and I feel validated.You're damn right.

"Henry said it didn't mean anything, and maybe that's true, but when I said we should come clean about what we're doing so we definitely don't get in trouble, he said we should wait until we know it's 'worth it'. He's worried about losing me as a paralegal!"

I struggle not to choke on the last words. Rory frowns and pulls me into a tight hug.

"I'm so sorry, Mila. You're worth the risk, and if I ever see him again, I promise to castrate him." I smile, doing my best to ignore the cacophony still assaulting my head.

She smooths my hair, tucking loose strands behind my ear. Mom used to do that, and the memory has tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Did you try telling him how you feel?" she asks quietly. "Maybe he just needs to know you're all in before he takes the plunge." I shake my head.

"No. I left. Turned in my leave of absence form that same day."

Rory sits thoughtfully, still stroking my hair, before continuing.

"I definitely don't agree with what he said, but don't you think you should talk to him? You worked together for years, then you finally made it personal. There are bound to be a few hiccups while you figure out the new dynamic."

Maybe she has a point. But even still…

"It wouldn't work out, anyway. If not Naomi, it will be some other woman like that. I've been his paralegal for years, sis, and he never noticed me like that. I'm not some CEO or some high-powered lawyer."

"Not yet," Rory insists, and I could kiss her. She might be the spokeswoman for tough love, but she's also my biggest cheerleader.

I tighten the hug until she starts to pull out of my grasp. Even with me, Rory's always had a limit on how "touchy feely" she's willing to get. I don't take it personally.

"Thanks, Ror. Maybe I will be some day. But me and Henry?" I fall back against the headboard and immediately regret it when my head starts pounding again. "I don't think that's going to happen. Let's just forget it, OK?" I drag myself off the bed and towards the kitchen. "C'mon. I'll make us some coffee so we can tackle this mess."

Rory follows me down the hall, grumbling.

"Like I said. This sounds exactly like a movie. When y'all get back together, don't forget that 'Aurora' makes a lovely name for a baby."

I throw a dish towel at her and grab the coffee beans from out of the fridge. As she picks up the remote to put on some cleaning music, my mouth tugs into a hopeful smile.

Chapter twenty-five

Henry

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