“Talia. She’s got the hots for you.”
Faye lowered her eyes to her work, clicking her pen incessantly. She felt a blush creeping up her neck. Jay didn’t beat about the bush.
“I’m sure Talia will have something to say when she finds out you’re here talking about her.”
“Oh, she’ll get over it.” Jay laughed as he waved a hand between them. When he relaxed back and crossed his legs, he smirked. “I believe she turned you down…”
“Thank you for the reminder.” Faye smiled weakly, glancing in Talia’s direction. She was run off her feet, so she had no idea Jay was striking up a conversation with Faye. “We’re friends. That’s enough for me.”
Jay wrinkled his nose. “Really? You’re sticking with that?”
“Look,” Faye said, removing her glasses, “Talia is wonderful. She’s kind and thoughtful, she’s been a breath of fresh air in my life, but she doesn’t want anything other than friendship. I have to respect that.”
She’d never held a conversation about her personal life with someone she didn’t know before, but as with most things lately, Faye seemed to be continuously dipping her toe into the unknown.
“But what doyouwant?”
Faye lifted a hand. “I appreciate you trying, but this is really none of your business. Talia and I are friends. Please, leave it at that.”
“I’ve been Talia’s best friend since high school, and in that time, I haveneverheard her talk about another woman the way she talks about you. And how she lights up when she says your name…” Jay paused, sitting forward in his seat. “Whatever she’s told you, it’s a lie.”
“She doesn’t trust that I can accept who she is. That’s something I can’t change. But I understand. She’s been through hell in the past because of it.”
“Youcouldchange all of that,” Jay said, his blue eyes piercing Faye. “And I know she doesn’t show it, but she wants you to change it.”
“I-I don’t know how I’m supposed to do that. I’ve told her I have no issues with what she does. Her career is important to her, as is mine, so I completely get why she does it. She loves it, and I see the pride in her eyes when she talks about dancing.”
Jay grinned as he sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “Wow. I’m not sure anyone has ever said that before.”
“Said what?”
“I mean, theyallsay they’re fine with it. But that’s usually it. They just say it. But you…” Jay narrowed his eyes. “You actually mean it, don’t you?”
“I don’t say anything I don’t mean.”
“And that is exactly what makes you two perfect for one another.”
Faye gazed in Talia’s direction once again. She smiled; she could sit here watching her all day.
“Prove it to her, Faye. Show her you mean it.”
“How?”
Jay blew out a breath. “Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe visit the club, show a little enthusiasm. Do something that proves to her that you don’t hate what she believes in. Because dancing is her life, and I know more than anyone just how much she wants to have it all. Talia is as genuine as they come, and I would put my life on herneverletting you down. She’d never hurt you, she’d never cheat, she just wants to be loved for who she is and not what someone wants her to be.”
“You care about her a lot.”
Jay got to his feet and offered a single nod. “I’d do anything for her. She means the world to me.”
Faye sat back as she watched Jay walk away, emotionally drained by everything he’d said. Would Phoebe ever do something like that for her? Would she ever back Faye up and try to help her find happiness if she knew it was standing right in front of her? No, probably not.
She offered Jay a smile as he returned to his seat, and then her eyes floated towards Talia. She was watching Faye, her forehead slightly creased. Faye lifted a hand and offered a wave, thrilled when Talia beamed a smile and returned one of her own.
So, Holmes…what’s it going to be? Let her walk away or fight to show her you’re here?
* * *
Talia sunkdown into her couch, dragging her legs up into Jay’s lap. She’d missed this, having someone around when she wasn’t working, and Jay was the perfect company. They’d always got one another; they’d always fought for what the other wanted. As they’d gotten older, that hadn’t changed. Talia knew it never would. Whether Jay was in the same city as her or not, he was always on hand for her.