Jules had stopped writing and stared at her. Vivian obviously had no idea what she’d just said, but she kept on talking and said the word “sexophone” two more times before Jules gave up and doubled over with helpless laughter.

Vivian scowled, Jules explained, Vivian got snippy, and Jules had to take emergency measures. As it happened, she’d learned a couple of surefire ways to distract her by now.

Yeah. It had been a good day.

Dragging Jules back to the present, Vivian said, “Most people in this neighborhood don’t actually spy on each other through the blinds. I doubt anybody saw you arrive last night, much less cared what you were wearing. As long as the paparazzi are away, there’s nothing to worry about. And I’m old news by now.”

“Right.” Jules finished her water. “That’s good. I just figured I should leave after we eat.”

Otherwise Vivian would never get any work done at all, and Jules couldn’t stay the night again unless she wanted to creep out when it was still dark, which she didn’t. Vivian’s personal trainer was due at six thirty in the morning.

“Probably for the best,” Vivian agreed, her expression not betraying any particular emotion. Then she added, “We didn’t talk about it.”

“About what?”

“About the ethical problems of me sleeping with my assistant and then sending her out to get my coffee.”

Dammit. And it had been such a nice day too. “I don’t mind getting you coffee or anything else. I told you—”

“You like looking after me.” It was clearly not enough to appease her. “I heard you. Multiple times.”

“C’mon,” Jules protested. “Maybe you think it’s sappy, but it’s true.”

“I didn’t say it was sappy. If I couldn’t see the appeal of caring for someone, I wouldn’t be pregnant or here with you. I’m saying it’s naïve. You think those feelings aren’t going to change over time?”

Jules crossed her arms. A small part of her was whispering that Vivian might have a point. She shushed it for now. “So what are you saying? Am I looking for a new job?”

“No,” Vivian frowned. “You know if you want to leave, you have my full support. But I won’t dictate your comings and goings. Just think about it. Don’t pull a Scarlett O’Hara and keep putting it off until tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” Jules sighed. “I’ll think about it. I promise.”

“Thank you.” Vivian sounded resigned to the idea of Jules eventually running for the doors of Du Jour and never looking back.

Jules reached out and took her hand. “Hey.”

“Hey, what?”

“I’ve got to be out of here in a few minutes. Want to get started on the goodbye kiss?”

Vivian rolled her eyes. But she kissed Jules anyway.

* * *