Going to him, Bella wound her arms around his waist, and he pulled her close to kiss her forehead. It always made her feel good to see the quiet pleasure that lit up his eyes at the slightest affectionate gesture.
Tara threw herself into a chair and tugged at Bella’s hand, so she sat down next to her leaving Jason and Rock talking near the fireplace. Tara’s small body was packed into black pants and a light off-the-shoulder black sweater. She always wore black. It was almost like her signature. Her short black hair was razor cut in a unique angle around her face. Red highlights shot through black, making a stylish but funky statement.
Leaning back, she gave Bella a slightly crooked smile. “Thank you so much for the party! God, I’m so full I feel like I’m gonna burst!”
“Good, then I did my job well. There’s always more cake.”
“Bitch. I swear I just gained twenty pounds.”
Bella laughed and hugged her. “I’m so glad you moved back here. It just wasn’t the same with you in LA.”
Tara shrugged. “Yeah, well, all the tan skin, blonde hair, and the plastic body parts were starting to freak me out. I knew it was time to leave when I started having trouble controlling the urge to stab someone just to see if they would pop, if you know what I mean.”
“God, Tara, I missed you.” Bella looked around to see who was near before she gave her a searching look. “Were you really in LA?”
“For a time.” She shrugged. “I was stationed there with the CIA. before I was recruited by Mac.” Tara smiled at the shock on Bella’s face. “I know, somehow it’s easy to forget how unreal all this shit seemed to someone outside of the life. I did miss you guys though. Sorry I couldn’t tell you, but you know how it goes. Although I do feel better knowing that you know about all this…madness. Someday remind me to tell you about the day that Sal found out what I do. I thought his head was going to explode.”
They both laughed.
Tara’s smile disappeared, and she became serious. “Bella, if you ever want to…talk about things, you know you can talk to me. I’m sorry I didn’t know when it happened. I would have come to New York to see you.”
“Don’t worry about that, sweetie. I know.” Bella squeezed her hand. “I didn’t want to tell you on e-mail. I knew you were busy.”
“I would have made the time.”
“I know, and I love you for that. It was just easier to put it off, you know? I’m just glad to see you now.”
Tara had emotional scars on her soul that had been there for years. If anyone could understand what Bella had been through, it would be her.
Lightening the mood, Tara grinned. “Can’t believe you and the boss are getting married. Marriage…I mean wow. One penis for the rest of your life.” Tara looked so horrified Bella laughed hysterically.
“Don’t get me wrong, marriage is good. Good for other people.”
“Oh, honey, I can’t wait till it’s your turn. You are going to be so fun to watch when you fall in love.”
“That may just be the meanest thing you have ever said to me.”
Jason and Rock walked over to the two laughing woman, and they couldn’t help but smile. “What are you ladies laughing at?”
“You.” Tara wiggled her eyebrows at him, making Bella collapse against her giggling. Jason cocked an eyebrow. “Or more specifically, your penis.”
“Ah.” Jason’s face went blank in shock as he looked at them, uncertain what else to say, which had them bursting out in laughter again.
“Tara,” Rock scolded, but his lips lifted in a rare smile.
“I’m just messin’ with ya, boss. I was toasting your upcoming nuptials.”
Bella took pity on him and reached for his hand to give him an affectionate squeeze. “I was telling Tara that I can’t wait till she falls in love and I get to watch her get all sappy like me.”
Jason leaned down and brushed his lips lightly over hers. “I like you sappy.”
“Oh God, all the romance is killing my buzz. Rock, let’s go get me another drink, I’m not drunk enough yet.” She took his hand as he helped her up. Tara paused and pressed a kiss on Jason’s cheek. “I’m happy for you two.”
The comical look on Jason’s face made Bella realize that he didn’t know that these people were the family he claimed he didn’t have. They treated him with respect and even awe at times. Their admiration of him as their leader was apparent in the way they treated him, but the familial affection was there. Hugging him close to her, she silently thanked God that she found him.