“With Pavel?”
“No, with the baby shower.” I focus on the terrace as tears surge in my eyes. When they’re under control, only then do I continue, “I wish it had been a happy time instead of the shit show it became.”
Willow takes my hand. The act is so shocking that a tremor cleaves me, and I struggle to process what she’s doing.
Until I see her sympathetic smile.
She squeezes my hand and whispers, “There’s no use dwelling on the past, Liya. It’s over. You can’t keep regretting what you did.”
“But I do.”
“You can’t regret protecting yourself.” She glances around. “And your child.”
Solidarity—that’swhat I’ve been needing lately. From Pavel. From Willow.
I just need to know they’re on my side and will defend me.
I smile weakly. “That’s one reason.”
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you.”
“I know you’re busy. You work for the biggest real estate tycoon on this side of the East Coast.”
She huffs. “Don’t bullshit me, Liya. You were really upset about it. That was obvious.”
I hang my head. “Yeah, I was torn.”
“Part of it was because I needed to process what I saw,” she admits. “And another part was because I was afraid of you.”
That’s what she wanted to say earlier. I thread our fingers together and bow toward her, resting my head on her shoulder. An explosion of lilacs greets my nostrils and reminds me of the sleepovers we used to have.
My brows knit together. “I’m so sorry I scared you.”
“You did what you had to do.”
“I’m trying to be better.”
She shakes her head and wraps her arm around me. “You did what any mother would have done. It would’ve been worse if you didn’t act, if you hesitated.”
“Would it have been?”
“Compassion doesn’t seem like a thing to flaunt around here.”
“No, that doesn’t seem like it.”
She sighs. “So, we’re good now.” She clears her throat. “Right?”
“Will you forgive me?” I sit up and hold her hand to my heart. “Could youeverforgive me?”
“Of course, Liya. And would you…?” She smiles weakly. “You know I never was great at this whole apology thing.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, I forgive you, too.”
“Wow, how kind. I’m so impressed.” She scoots back an inch to lift her teacup, her usual snark sneaking back into her voice. “The mighty and powerful Liya Bernadetti has bestowed mercy upon poor little me. I’m soblessed.”
“Shut up, Willow.”
She giggles, the sound infectious and light.