Faith smiled, feeling her cheeks burn as she answered. “Oh, there’s a lot going on,” she admitted. “But it has an expiration date. When my brother is finally caught and we get him out of my life and I move out of Jason’s apartment, we’ll go our separate ways.” Her stomach lurched, and though she wanted to blame the alcohol, she knew for a fact it was the thought of leaving Jason that upset her.

Sienna sighed. “My father’s behavior made all of us wary of relationships, but I really hoped that Jason would find the right woman and settle down.”

Faith placed her drink down on the table. “I think it’s more than just your father.” She wouldn’t betray any confidences Jason had given her about his past.

“Oh, I know. Losing Levi devastated him.” Sienna’s face crumbled, her pain for her brother clear. “All those guys were destroyed, really. But instead of shutting people out, Jason should embrace the good in life and live it to the fullest.” She clearly wanted the best for her brother, but she didn’t want to accept his choices.

Faith couldn’t help but feel protective of Jason and his feelings, even if they weren’t in Faith’s best interest. “Jason really is entitled to react his own way, and if he doesn’t want the kind of future I do, that’s okay.” She forced the words out, because in her heart, she meant them, no matter how painful the thought.

Did she want everything with the man? Hell yes. But she wouldn’t force or judge his choices. “Can we talk about something else?” She didn’t want to get more upset and cry when there was nothing she could do about the situation she found herself in.

“Let’s talk about candy,” Izzy said. “Faith is a master.”

“Sure. I’m sorry,” Sienna murmured. “So tell me about your business. I love sweets and I’m sorry I haven’t come by before, but now that I have Mom to help out, I’m going to visit you.”

“That would be lovely. How is your mom?” Faith asked.

With a sigh, Sienna sipped her club soda before answering. “She’s stronger than I knew. And she has the entire family’s support, even my half siblings. Everyone’s come around and embraced her. I’m so glad.”

“Savannah’s a sweet woman. I’m glad the family is a whole unit at last.”

The waitress walked over and placed their salads in front of them, ending conversation, leaving Faith alone with her thoughts while they ate in relative silence. Instead of dragging herself through a sad rehashing of losing Jason sometime soon, she thought about the dress she’d bought for the concert. She’d gone overboard, choosing a red garment that came to above the knee and dipped low in the front with a slit up one thigh.

She’d surpassed her budget, but she had a feeling this was her final chance to make a lasting impression on Jason Dare, and she decided the splurge was worth it. He might let her go in the end but she’d give him a sexy, stunning vision to remember her by.