Addison considered her next move, but knew she had only one. “Look, I’m sorry. What I just said was...was uncalled for.”

In all the years they had known each other, Fran could never remember Addison apologizing for anything. It wasn’t in her nature. Apologies meant mistakes and Addison never made a mistake, at least none she had ever apologized for. Fran opened her mouth to speak once and then twice before the words finally came out. “Are you okay?”

Looking up, Addison arched an eyebrow in response. “Don’t worry, Fran. Just because I admitted what I said was wrong, doesn’t mean I’m still not angry.”

“Well, as long as you’re not going to continue to take it out on me, then I’ll keep working on this,” Fran said. “By the way, I was wondering...what about Luce?”

“What about her?”

“She’s single, isn’t she?”

“Yes, but she’s not an option.”

“Why not?”

“How long do you think it would take some bloody reporter to dig up her past?”

“Shit, I forgot about that,” Fran said with a sigh. “Well, I guess it’s back to the Internet then.”

“Dating sites, eh? Please tell me they’re at least lesbian sites.”

“A few are, but depending on what you’re going to offer your future spouse, we could also go straight.”

“No fucking way!” Addison said, practically coming out of her chair. “If you think I’m going to marry a sodding bloke—”

“I’m not talking about a man, Addison,” Fran said, but amused at the thought of Addison having to marry a man, for a few seconds Fran sat with her lips pressed tightly closed. Waiting until the desire to burst out laughing had left her, Fran cleared her throat. “But since this is going to be a marriage of convenience, it doesn’t matter if the woman is straight or gay. All we need to do is to trust that she’s not going to try to take you for all you’re worth after it’s over.”

“Like that’s going to happen,” Addison said, getting to her feet. Feeling her annoyance returning, she marched to the door. “I’d better get out of here before another shouting match begins. I’ll be in my office if you find the woman of my nightmares.”

“Oh, before you go. Take this with you. Read it when you get a chance,” Fran said, offering Addison a manila folder.

“What’s this?”