Typical.
“They couldn’t even get him bail. More money than God, and he’s sitting in jail.”
“Okay. I can get you her direct phone number but not a meeting. Sorry, but I need to keep my name out of the mix.”
Nodding, I fell back onto the couch, cradling the wine to my chest. “I understand. Imani and your career come first.”
Jazz let out a breath. “Thank you. When we left the cathedral, Imani read me for filth, but I knew you’d get it. With me up for partner and it being an election year for my dad, well, you know.”
And I did. Jazz worked damn hard to grow her career, and while I admired Imani’s loyalty, I would never want my friends to make unnecessary sacrifices for me. No. We could support each other from behind the scenes while they flourished.
“Think you could explain that to Ashley? They won’t let me sign over my share of the company.”
Jazz chuckled. “I knew that wouldn’t go over too well.”
“Ashley says the damage is already done, and there’s no point in cutting me out.”
“She’s got a point.”
“Shut up.” I rolled to my back, and Ryan climbed on my chest, forcing the cabernet onto the floor. “I’m still working from home until things die down.”
“Makes sense.”
We fell silent, and my mind wandered. “I’m going to miss your engagement.”
“Yeah.” Jazz’s voice was soft.
“I’ll send a gift.”
She chuckled. “You better.”
Tears filled my eyes, and I hugged Ryan to me, interrupting his purring. “I’m going to miss you.”
Understatement of the year. Jazz had become one of my chosen few. When I was at my lowest point without Luca, she was there to keep me company and keep Ashley off my ass. Now I wasn’t going to be there to support her through this amazing time in her life.
“I’m going to miss you too, but it’s not like we’re dead. You can call me anytime.”
“Same. I’m here for whatever you need.” I mentally started a list of fantastic gifts and reservations for them.
There was a knock on Jazz’s side, and she groaned. “I’ve got to go. I’ll give you a call later this week.”
“Go get ‘em, tiger!”
Jazz’s laugh was the last thing I heard before the line went dead.
I flopped my head to the side and was met by the sight of a stack of empty plates and a pizza box. “Luca would throw a fit if he saw the house this way.” Sighing, I set Ryan on the floor next to the unopened bottle of wine and started to clean up.
Around seven, the house was in a more livable state, and Marco was at my front door scowling. Rolling my eyes, I left him there and flopped back down on the couch, unpausing the sex room home reno show I was binging.
“You can’t just call and expect me to jump.” Marco shut the door behind him and stalked toward me. “I get you’re going through it, but we’re doing our best—”
I held my hand up and paused the show. “Don’t. Don’t fucking say you’re doing your best.” Glaring up at him, I reclined onto the arm of the couch. “I texted you Fern Robison’s info. Call her. Retain her.”
“I don’t think you understand what you’re asking for.”
“I’m asking you to hire the best defense attorney in the state to get Luca out of jail.”
“Fern Robison abandoned Luca and this family. She would never help us.”