A Convenient Arrangement(53)

“You’ve been dating Leo for months?” Aubrey put her hand to her chest.

“No, no, no, no. This is very new…I mean kind of new. We kissed on New Year’s—”

“Oh my God. Max told me he saw you kiss, but I didn’t believe him. I mean, you didn’t say anything about it, either of you. So Max was right?”

Gwen took a deep breath. “He was right that he saw us kiss, yes. But nothing started until—” She glanced at Leo.

“Middle of January,” Leo answered.

“Not very long,” Gwen offered. My God, she felt terrible, as though by hiding this relationship she’d broken her best friend’s heart.

“You lied since January?” Aubrey exclaimed.

“Kept a secret,” Gwen offered up. “There’s a difference, right?”

Aubrey’s face clouded and she pressed her hand to her stomach. “I think…” Aubrey slowly stood and headed across the kitchen. “I think I need to lay down for a minute.” Justin reached out to her but she waved him away.

“Look,” Nina began once Aubrey had exited. “She’s an emotional wreck. This reaction has more to do with being eight months pregnant and on bed rest for the last two months than you two.” Nina turned to the counter and started chopping peppers again. “I mean, I think it’s great.” Her gaze lifted and she looked at Leo. “As long as you don’t fuck it up and break her heart.”

Leo expelled air and pulled Gwen in tighter. “Tough crowd.” He pressed his lips to her hair. “You okay?” he whispered.

Gwen nodded, but she wasn’t okay, not really. Her best friend, the woman who had supported her and believed in her and helped Gwen build her business, was upset and alone, and all because Gwen was dating Aubrey’s brother-in-law. Gwen knew deep down that Aubrey was only worried Leo would break her heart, but still, she’d hoped Aubrey might be happy when she saw the two of them together.

“I’m going to check on her.” Gwen slid from Leo’s arms. Justin gave her a solemn look as she passed him, but he didn’t try to stop her.

She walked toward the bedroom. “Aubrey?” Gwen pushed open the door. Aubrey sat on the bed, wiping her eyes with a tissue. “Aubrey, I’m sorry—”

“You don’t have to be sorry.” Gwen sat on the bed beside her. “I mean…you’re a grown woman and I…” The waterworks started again. “I’m sorry I’m crying like this. It has to be the hormones, because a part of me is so so so happy about this and excited because there’s no other woman I’d want as a sister.”

Gwen hesitated, and then asked. “And the other part?”

Aubrey took a deep breath. “And the other part is terrified and yes, a little bit angry. I mean Leo? Leo Travati? We all know what he’s like with women. Granted, there’s no other woman on the planet like you, Gwen. Okay? None. You’re without a doubt the most amazing woman I know—”

“Hey!” Nina stood in the open doorway, a smile on her face and her arms crossed over her chest.

Aubrey arched her brow. “Don’t interrupt, please. I was about to say, aside from my very nosy sister, you are the most amazing woman I know. But this is Leo. And I…” Tears filled Aubrey’s eyes. “And I don’t want you to get hurt.” Aubrey licked her lips. “I want you to have all the things I know that you want. A family and children and a man who loves that life too and I just…” She dabbed at her eyes. “I just don’t see that happening with Leo. It’s not you, it’s simply who Leo is. He doesn’t want those things. He doesn’t want marriage and children and a permanent relationship. Unless”—Aubrey’s eyes widened with hope—“unless you know something I don’t know?”

Gwen swallowed. No. No she didn’t know anything different than the facts about Leo as Aubrey had recited them. Gwen did want all those things: children, a husband, a home, a family filled with love and laughter, and a lifetime of fond memories. She couldn’t give up that life’s dream for any man, not even Leo Travati.

“I…” Gwen started to speak. She couldn’t look at Aubrey’s teary eyes. “I don’t know—”

“Is the pity party over yet?” Leo joined Nina at the doorway to Aubrey’s room. “I know it’s a shock and all, Aubs, but I’m your brother-in-law, for goodness’ sake. Think you’d be on my side for this one.”

Aubrey sniffled into the tissue. She looked back and forth from Leo to Gwen, then reached out and squeezed Gwen’s hand. “She’s my best friend, and I want for her all the things she wants for herself.” Aubrey’s eyes narrowed. “I also want the man who dates her to be worthy of her.”