The Life That Mattered (Life #1)(47)

“You haven’t quit your job. If you quit tomorrow, will you be able to say the same thing in six months? And if you quit, are you doing it because it’s what you want or what Graham wants?”

“Both. I told you. He said it would make him happy to have me experience this with him, being by his side like a partner. He’s serving the people. He has the opportunity to do great things and make a difference. Why wouldn’t I want to do this with him?”

I chuckled. “I don’t know. Why wouldn’t you? And for the record, Lila, it’s me. You can speak freely. You can be selfish. It’s not wrong to choose your dreams over public service. I make soaps. Sure, they keep people clean, but I’m not exactly saving lives, feeding the hungry, or housing the homeless. Should I feel bad about that?”

“Maybe.” She turned toward me, leaning against the counter. Her lips turned up into a small grin. “Maybe you could do more, Evie.”

The wheels in my head spun because our conversation punched me in the gut with a solid dose of reality. I needed to do more. Maybe plant a tree for every gift box I sold. Or for every bar of soap someone purchased, I could donate a bar of soap. Something … I needed to do something that felt bigger than myself or my customers. The ski patrol discount (yes, that happened) wasn’t enough.

“You’re right. I’m going to do more. But I’m not going to close my shop to do it. I love my shop and my customers. I love what I do. So I’m going to figure out a way to do more by using what I love as a vehicle for change. Maybe you could do something with your job.”

“Graham wants us to work together. And he’s governor now. He doesn’t have an engineering degree.”

“But he owns businesses. You could work together in a way that incorporates both of your strengths—”

“Evie …” Lila smiled, easing her head side to side. “I appreciate where you’re trying to go with this. It’s why we’re best friends. But I’m okay with changing directions in my life. Graham won’t be governor forever. This is where our lives have taken us right now. I don’t think it’s wrong of me to seize the opportunity to use my new position to make a difference.”

She made it sound so right. I just wasn’t sure if those words were truly hers or regurgitated from Graham’s mouth.

“Then I support your decision … unless the next thing you’re going to tell me is that you won’t have time for me or to be an aunt to this little baby boy in my belly.”

“Don’t be saying stupid shit like that. You know I’m going to take every opportunity to spoil my nephew.”

“But are you going to give your nephew a cousin?” I tilted my head to the side.

Lila’s brow tensed a bit, just for a second, but I didn’t miss it. “Eventually.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I think Graham would die if I got pregnant now.”

“Why would you say that? He’s ecstatic about this little guy coming soon.” I rubbed my belly.

Lila’s gaze shifted to my hand. “Because that little guy won’t wake him up in the middle of the night or demand my attention. Graham likes things a certain way right now.” She laughed. It was an odd laugh. Maybe a sad laugh? Definitely a dark sarcasm. “If I’m honest, I might be quitting my job just to take care of him.”

“He can wipe his own ass like a big boy. Don’t be ridiculous. Do I need to have a talk with him? It’s been a while since I put him in his place. Sometimes, Graham needs a kick in the teeth to bring him back in balance and remind him that he’s not the center of the universe no matter what sort of entitlement his parents bestowed upon him.”

“He’s done a lot for you. I’m not sure kicking a gift horse in the teeth is a good idea.” Lila lifted a single eyebrow.

My parents … I would never be free from everything Graham did to help my parents through their health issues. My dad had a working kidney, and my mom was cancer free with her eyes focused on remission. But that wasn’t everything. Graham owned the building where I had my business. Not because it was a great investment on his part; he did it to keep Clean Art in its spot, to prevent the original owner from tearing down the building.

“So …” I blew out a long breath. “Governor’s wife. Ambassador to all things great for the state of Colorado. You must be so excited.”

A grin crawled up her face, finally reaching her eyes. “Yes. I’m going to change the world. Or at least do good for 5.6 million people in the world. Anyway, I have to get back. Graham wants me showered and ready for bed by seven tonight since he doesn’t have any meetings.”

“Showered and ready for bed? Seriously? Is that his way of scheduling sex with his wife?”

Lila pulled on her white wool coat. It screamed expensive. It made her look rich and very important—even if beneath it she wore leggings and an old sweatshirt. “He’s busy all the time. If something’s not on his schedule, then it doesn’t exist. I’m fine with it. At least it’s …” She rubbed her lips together as if she had said too much. Her gaze focused on her leather handbag and her phone that she dug out of the side pocket.

“It’s what?”

“Nothing. The plane is ready. My driver is out front. I have to run.” She kissed me on the cheek while resting a hand on my belly. “Give Ronin a big hug for me.”