Page 96 of Holy Hearts
“Hunnry,” Beatrix says, pointing at her mouth.
“We’re having dinner with Daddy soon, darling,” Stella coos. She reaches into her backpack and hands Beatrix a bag of what looks like Cheerios before strapping her into a fancy-looking pram. “I’m very proud of you,” she tells me, smiling when she’s finished. “You kept your cool, and you’re about to be the owner of—what were you planning on naming the bookshop, anyway?”
My cheeks heat. “I filed the business paperback under Ashford Publishing. I still don’t have a name in mind yet, but I figured I could use this name for other things, too.”
Stella’s eyes brighten as she gestures toward downtown. “I want to hear all about those other things. But first… I have a quick meeting with the admissions advisor at Saint Helena Academy. I’ve got to get this child of mine on a goddamn wait list for preschool two years early,” she adds, shaking her head withan exasperated chuckle. “I mean, it’s just a formality, of course. Maybe you want to join me on the walk, and you can say hello to Malakai?”
I open and close my mouth. It’s late afternoon on a Friday—I’m sure he’s swamped.
And yet… I can’t help butwantto see him.
Julian had told me what happened two nights ago, and then I’d asked him to tell me what happened again in greater detail in bed, because it turned me on to think he’d kissed another man.
Turns out, I enjoy the idea ofhimwith another guy. Oh, how the tables have turned.
I’ve always known Julian was bisexual—he was very up-front about it when we met. And truth be told, I love the idea of him getting to explore that side of himself. I have no doubt that he loves me and always will.
“Sure. I’d love to join you,” I tell her. “Let me just pop my folio into my car.”
A minute later, we’re enjoying the warm afternoon sunshine as we walk through downtown Crestwood.
“So…” she says, taking a sip from her water bottle. “What’s up with you and Kai?”
I stumble over my feet at her question. I didn’t expect her to come right out with it. We’re closer now, sure, but her question catches me off guard.
“What do you mean? We’re friends.”
Stella laughs. “Justfriends?”
I scoff. “I’m a married woman. Of course we’re just friends.”
She smirks as she glances sidelong at me. “Okay, then perhaps I should ask, what’s going on with Julian and Kai?”
My mouth drops open. “How did you—” Snapping my lips together, I shake my head as I pop my sunglasses on.
The sun feels incredible. I’ll never understand how anyone could prefer the cold, drizzly weather in London to the sunshineof Southern California. The way the sun soaks into my skin feels almost healing after thirty years in London, trying to fit in with people who would keel over if they knew what Julian and I were into.
“It’s complicated,” I tell her.
“I knew it,” she says triumphantly.
I sigh. “Please don’t say anything to anyone.”
She shrugs. “I won’t. But Miles suspects something, too, just so you know. He’s the one who told me, actually.”
I narrow my eyes as we walk past a group of giggling elderly woman power walking.
“Miles knows?”
Stella laughs. “Of course he does. My husband is nothing if not observant,” she says, giving me a wry smile.
“I see,” I say, my voice coming out quieter than I intended. “Well, now you know.”
“So, are the three of you like… a throuple?”
I shake my head. “No. We’re just… having fun.”
“I can respect that,” Stella says. “Love is love, right? I’m much too jealous to share Miles, so I admire you for going after what you want. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so affected by anyone before,” she adds, chuckling. “He’s definitely all in, you know?”
