26. Iris
Chapter twenty-six
Iris
I ’m first to arrive at Banter & Books, probably a record for me. The benefits of being fired. I thought about saying I couldn’t come because, honestly, I want to go straight back out to Raphael’s house in Brooklyn. But this is Faith’s project. I can’t ask them to do all this work and not show up.
Focus on helping Faith and forget about Dream—for now.
At least it stopped raining. A train runs on a track in the Banter & Books window display with book recommendations in each train wagon, including local authors like my friend, Bella. Round and around. Like the thoughts in my head.
In the other window, holiday-themed novels fall in a flurry of paper snowflakes. Like all my dreams crashing to the ground.
I push open the door and make my way through the velvet curtains that surround the door entrance to keep out the cold. Hanging plants and shelves filled with colorful books line the whitewashed walls. Holiday music plays in the background, underneath a cheerful buzz of conversation. It smells of cinnamon cider and balsam candles. This is really not helping.
I try to make myself relax into the vibe of Banter & Books, which feels like a harmonious mash-up of a café in Provence and a greenhouse. I take a deep breath and let it out. I have to relax for now.
I can’t .
Escorted out…on leave…Sebastian drafting my leave agreement…runs on a loop through my head. Focus on this meeting, Iris .
The long table in the conservatory in the back is occupied. I grab one table off to the side, surrounded by peace lilies, the four French-blue settees around it empty. That won’t be enough chairs, but I can pull some from the table at the back. I put my box down on a chair, Raphael’s No Trust peeking out of top.
What am I going to do? I text everyone that I have a table.
Sebastian has not stopped calling.
I should call him back. But if he says we’re done…that’s it. I slump down into one of the chairs, feeling suddenly weak. I can’t take that betrayal too—on top of losing my job. And if Patrick couldn’t be faithful after dating for a year, what’s going to make Sebastian believe me? We’ve only been dating for seconds.
Or if he’s calling me as Dream’s lawyer…
My eyes water.
The door chime rings, and Lily enters. She’s glowing, her eyes bright and her blonde hair gleaming. She waves hello and bounces over. I quickly wipe under my eyes.
“Rupert proposed! We’re engaged!” She hugs me. “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to sit down, I’m so happy.”
“That’s so great.” My eyes fill up with tears. Because I am happy for her.
But I can’t tell the gang now that I’ve been accused of hacking into the company system and I’m on leave while my conduct is investigated. I can’t ruin Lily’s happy moment.
“You’re tearing up,” Lily says.
“Happy tears.” I hug her tightly back. “I’m so happy you found your true love. And Rupert is so devoted.” Good guys do exist. I’m so glad Lily found someone, especially after losing her mom so young.
And Sebastian is his best friend.
Oh, no . I’ve got to text Tessa and Maddie and tell them not to say anything—we can discuss my voicemails later.
“Did you order anything?” Lily asks as she drops her coat on a chair across from mine.
“Not yet,” I say.
“What do you want? My treat,” she says.
A pint. Or two. But they don’t serve alcohol.
“Coffee.”
“Are you going back to work afterward?” she asks.
“I’m going to try to find Raphael again,” I say.
She nods and walks over to the counter to order.
I text Tessa and Maddie.
I push my box under the chair with my foot and then cover it with my jacket. My whole career . Not now.
Bella arrives next. She hugs Lily first but then comes over to me, pulling off her coat.
“Thank you so much for donating your books,” I say.
“It makes me happy to do this. I struggled for so long that it feels like this is the least I can do.” She waves her hand dismissively. “I’ll get some more chairs.”
“I’ll come with you.” I don’t want to be alone with my thoughts.
“So excited about Lily and Rupert!” Bella says. “I can’t wait to hear how he proposed.”
Tessa arrives next. Her glance meets mine across the room, and she gives me a short nod. She received my message not to say anything. She hugs Lily by the counter and then joins us.
“How’s your case going?” Bella asks Tessa.
“Good. I’m figuring out who paid whom. Follow the money, you know.”
A chill goes through me. Follow the money . That’s right. They had to have paid this hacker.
I shake my head. But Colby probably paid her out of his own funds. Colby said the hacker got suspicious. Was that because she wasn’t paid from company funds? That would be too big a tell. Still, there has to be a money trail. Somewhere.
We pick up a chair each and lug them back to our circle. Lily sets down a tray full of drinks.
The door chime rings, and I look up to see if Tessa or Maddie arrived.
It’s Sebastian. And he’s heading straight for me. Looking pissed off.