I let Vivian process what’s happened with Tegan’s father for a few more days before I press the topic again. In an ideal world she would’ve already reached out, but Vivian has been AWOL all week. For a lawyer, she sure doesn’t like confrontations when it comes to her personal life. Her trust issues with men make a lot more sense now that I know about Tegan’s father. But by Friday it really is past time we talked about this, so I show up at her office door bright and early, armed with more donuts and Vivian’s favorite coffee order—vanilla latte, as kindly disclosed by Tegan.

She opens the door, taking me in alongside the box of donuts and coffee tray. “Why am I not surprised?” she asks, her lips parting in a smile.

Bun tighter than ever, she’s wearing another one of her purplish suits. If I were meeting her for the first time, I’d still call the ensemble stern. But now I know what lacy secrets hide under those pencil skirts, and I can’t stop thinking how good it’d feel to untie her hair and let it flow through my fingers like silk.

I’m still staring like an idiot when Vivian speaks again. “Are you doubling as a delivery boy, or did you have a reason to be here?”

And I must’ve gone mad, because I’m even starting to enjoy her banter.

“I’d like to talk about last weekend, and the donuts are to sweeten the pill a little. You have time?”

“Would it matter if I said no?”

“If you’re not in the mood for donuts and a vanilla latte—skim milk, extra vanilla pump—I can come back later.”

Vivian’s eyes widen upon hearing the description of her favorite coffee blend, and her smile gets bigger. “Gosh, you’re good at getting me to do things I don’t want to do.” She steps aside. “Come on in.”

I wait for her to be properly caffeinated and sweetened before I ask, “How are you holding up?”

“That’s not just a conversational interlude—you want a proper answer, right?”

“I’d like one, yes.”

“Has Tegan said anything?”

I nod. “She’s processing and recovering fast from the blow. But you’re a big part of her world, and she can tell you’re upset.”