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“Vó, everything okay?”

“Yes. All is well. I’m just calling to let you know that I finally saw Yolanda’s boyfriend yesterday.”

“She brought him over?”

Yolanda never spoke much about her man, and I’d never asked. I figured she’d introduce him when she was ready. I hadn’t brought home the women I’d dated either.

“No. I left the apothecary early to get a few traveling items and saw them walking into a restaurant. The man could be her father! It’s Senator Kramer. Maybe that’s why she never brought him home. I’d spoken to him over the phone a while ago and didn’t like the energy he gave off. Now I know why.”

Shit.Icicles formed in my gut.Yolanda was probably working for his law firm. I should have paid more attention to her life.

“I know this sounds weird, but did you see his shoes?”

“Yes!Horrendous!What kind ofman wears red dress shoes?” She released a sound of disgust that made me smile.

Yolanda’s connection to Mitch Kramer threw me off course.

“Thank you,Vó. I’ll see you on Saturday.”

Was Yolanda planning on telling me about her man during this visit? Did she know about his involvement with The Trogyn? How long had she been dating Kiera’s father?

I raked a frustrated hand through my hair. She was my cousin, though not by blood, but we’d grown up together. She was family to me, and I didn’t want her to get hurt.

CHAPTERSIXTY-FOUR

KIERA

The Krazee Tavern was packed. If Audri hadn’t reserved a table, we would’ve had a long wait. The birthday crowd created most of the exuberance in the restaurant. Another event was in the back function room, which added to the noise and energetic vibe.

I didn’t mind the cheerfulness because I was in a celebratory mood. Not only did I come bearing gifts for my friends, I had something to share with them—I was in love.

Audri and I sat a table in the corner, waiting for Vivian to show up.Michelle and Natalie had accompanied their men on some business trip. When I spotted Vivian, I stood up, waving her over. She smiled and walked over, maneuvering around the crowded tables with swift elegance—her self-defense techniques. Though I’d taken some classes, I wouldn’t consider myself elegant or swift when it came to fighting. I was too clumsy.

“Sorry, ladies. Had an emergency extraction.” Vivian sat down, blew out a breath, and tied her long black hair in to a bun. She was Vietnamese-American, and just as beautiful as Audri, who was Chinese-American.

I loved my group of friends. They represented the world—a blend of nationality and culture. I’d learned so much from them. My heritage on my mom’s side was Scottish, French, and Dutch. Kramer had ties to Ireland. I supposed I was a mutt.

“I thought today was a short day for you,” Audri said.

“It was, but the office got a call about an infection. I couldn’t let the kid suffer all night.” She grabbed a menu. “Let’s eat. I’m starving. Coffee was my breakfast this morning.”

We ordered a combination plate of appetizers. I took out the books that were wrapped in shiny pink paper and gave one to each. “I hope you love it just as much as I do.”

“That’s so sweet.” Audri opened the wrapper, looked at the book cover, and flipped to a page. “Oh, Kiera. This is perfect. I’ve been looking for a journal like this.”

“It’s more than a journal,” I said. “It really opened my eyes . . . and my heart.”

Vivian was glued to the pages. “I love it. This is the perfect woman’s journal and activity book. The prompts make you think.I’ll need to stop by the store to get a pack of color pencils. You know what? I’m going to buy this book for the girls at work.Finding Your HeARTis a book everyone needs.” She placed it to her chest and smiled.

“Kiera!” someone shouted my name.

I glanced up to see Yolanda walking straight to our table. What was she doing here? Forrest had mentioned Yolanda was coming on Friday, and Morena’s flight was scheduled to arrive on Saturday. Perhaps Yolanda’s meeting got shifted to Thursday?

She wore a chic black dress with a thin gold belt and Christian Louboutin heels. “I just finished a meeting and needed to get lunch. I can’t believe I bumped into you here.”

“Audri, Vivian, this is Yolanda. She’s Forrest’s cousin. Do you want to join us?” I didn’t think my friends would mind me inviting her. She was going to stay at Forrest’s house for a week, so I might as well get used to seeing her. She was truly beautiful.

“I’d love to.” Smiling, she sat down next to me and turned to my friends. “I hope I’m not intruding.”