Her eyes widen with worry when I run through last night at the motorcycle club and his erratic moods, but otherwise, she stays completely quiet.

“I would stay for him,” I continue, “if he gave me even the hope of more. You know I would. I like it here. A lot. And he’s an amazing man, but obviously, he has some issues, right? Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I get the feeling he’s hiding something. And, anyway, our entire relationship right now is built on the fact that, when I leave, we’re done. I’m getting older though, and I need to meet someone real. I want kids. I want a man to love me back. I want more than two weeks of no strings, and that’s something he’s made clear he isn’t willing to give.” I finally pause my rambling.

“Honestly, I agree. You deserve a future, Lauren. You really do. If you want to go back to LA, I’d never blame you. And, if you change your mind and realize you’d rather be here, you always have a spot at the Center. There are other men here, too. I know Slade is special, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to be on the same page. I’m convinced most of life is timing.”

“You’re right. But, with Slade, it’s different. I feel that electricity between us, and it’s not just sexual. It’s more than that …” I exhale, letting my voice trail off. “Then again, maybe I’m just not used to a good man who’s authentic. Like, maybe this is just how he is?”

“Yes, he’s a great guy. But you aren’t one of those girls who imagines things. If you feel that connection, it’s because it goes both ways. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to face the fact that he has the best girl ever in front of his face.”

I know Eve has my best interest at heart. I pour us each a mug of coffee, and we drink in a warm silence like the best friends we are.

“But, Eve?”

She takes a sip before replying, “Yeah?”

“Don’t tell Vincent what I’m telling you. It’s Slade’s private life, and if he wants to tell Vincent, he should be the one to do it.”

“The stuff with the motorcycle club sounds shady, but I’d never interfere. Slade is like a brother to me. I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary with him. Then again, I’ve been so involved in my own world that I’m not paying attention. I’m going to start though.”

“I’m sure Vincent already knows anyway. They’re so close, right?”

“Right. Best friends. Whatever is going on, I’m sure Vincent is on top of it.” She bites her lip, mannerisms opposite from the confidence in her voice.

We turn to a hard knock at the door. Eve questioningly looks at me and with slight anxiety. Is it an angry ex-husband? She stands tall, pulling out a gun from her drawer, and my eyes widen.