“Well, you see,” Liv went on, “she’s listed as the first person to call on Van’s medical power of attorney. She’s also been running Sherman and Madison.”
“Stop,” I said, reaching for Julia’s hand. “I’m calling Oscar. This will all be changed.”
“Oh,” Liv asked, speaking to Julia, “can you run Sherman and Madison?” She forced a laugh. “I know I couldn’t.”
“Julia will be busy running Wade Pharmaceutical,” I offered.
Nodding, Liv took her coffee to the chair and sat.
After another moment as the tension seemed to build, Julia stood. “I seem to be the only one without coffee.” She smiled at Liv. “Could you be so kind as to point me toward the cafeteria?”
“I didn’t know you were here. I would have gotten you a cup.”
“I’m fine.” Julia turned toward the door and back. “Left? Right?”
“There’s a café on the first floor. If you take the elevators to the right. I recommend their chocolate mocha.”
Julia’s sapphire blue gaze narrowed. “Why?”
“Because I like chocolate mocha.”
“Julia?” I asked.
“Oh nothing.” She came close and leaning over, offered me a kiss. “I’ll be right back.”
Palming her cheeks, I held her close. “Take Michael. If he’s not there, wait.”
Liv spoke, “He’s in the waiting room wearing a suit. The fact that he’s a bodyguard is as obvious as a neon sign.”
“Good.” I let go of Julia’s cheeks. “Obvious will keep others away.”
Julia reached for her purse and after nodding, disappeared.
I waited until the door was shut. “You can go now.”
“What? Why?” Liv asked.
“Why?” I pushed the button, wincing as the bed moved me farther forward. “You were such a bitch.”
Liv’s expression blanked. “I wasn’t. I just think that you keep too many secrets. The ring on her finger is beautiful. Hell, she’s beautiful. She’s also a child.”
“Fuck you, Liv. Julia is an adult.”
“Okay,” she said standing, “an adult child. Closer to a child.”
Exhaling, I laid my head against the pillow.
“Never mind her age.” Liv was now standing at the side of the bed. “She shouldn’t marry you and you shouldn’t marry her until you know all there is to know about her and she knows all there is to know about you.” Liv shrugged.
“You’re now an expert of marriage?”
Liv continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Granted, your history is significantly longer.” Her lips pursed. “Fifteen years. Twenty?”
“What the fuck is your problem?”
“My problem is that my brother is lying here shot. My other brother is missing. My sister-in-law is going to be committed—”
“My money is on convicted,” I said, interrupting.