A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh #1)(33)

Kat’s mouth popped open, then she gave a small snort. “God, you’re crazy. Move your ass.”

Beth obediently followed Kat’s index finger, which was pointing toward the bar. “Just making an observation,” she replied with her palms up.

Kat hummed skeptically. “Well, observe this instead.” She smiled, handing Beth her present. “It’s from me and Mom.”

The red Hermès clutch purse was exactly what Beth had not-so-subtly asked for in the run-up to her birthday. She clasped it to her chest and cooed lovingly. If only everyone could be so easily pleased.

[page]Kat glanced around the bar area as they waited for their drinks. “Adam’s not here yet?”


Beth shook her head as she handed the bartender a twenty. “He had to work late. He’ll be here soon.”

“The life of a CFO, huh?” Kat smiled.

“He’s working so hard with his brother,” Beth said. “We’re like ships passing in the night. When I’m not grading and planning for school, I’m planning the wedding, which we’ve decided will be next summer. FYI, you’re going to be a bridesmaid.”

“Oh God,” Kat joked.

“Be nice,” Beth scolded. “I will not be Bridezilla!” They laughed. “What about you, anyway? How’s life behind bars?”

“It’s like nothing I ever imagined.” Kat described her amazing students and the sessions with Carter, while also recounting the hair-raising moments with Corey and Jason.

“You look happy, Kat,” Beth stated sincerely as they took their drinks from the bar. “And it’s a good look on you.”

Kat’s cheeks flushed. “It’s a good feeling to finally be doing something that feels right.”

“Your father would be proud.”

“I think so. I’m helping, and it feels really good.” Kat ran her index finger around the rim of her glass.

“Then why the face? What’s wrong?”

Kat hesitated. “I just wish my mom would see how happy I am. I mean, Jesus, we can barely be in the same room for five minutes, we fight so much.” And it hurt. “She’s convinced something’s going to happen to me, instead of trusting me and being proud. It’s like nothing I do is good enough, and I’m doing all of this to spite her.”

Beth squeezed Kat’s shoulder. “She’ll always worry, hon. That’s what moms do. Even more so in your case.”

“I know, but—”

“Maybe try to show a little more understanding.”

Kat clenched her teeth. She didn’t want to hear it. She loved Beth dearly, but her constant understanding of Kat’s mother was starting to grind. “So,” she said, changing the subject. “Apart from working tirelessly, how’s Adam?”

“He’s good. He invited his brother, Austin, tonight. He’s the CEO at WCS. He got divorced last winter and Adam’s determined to get him ‘back out there.’ He’s really nice and very handsome.”

It took Kat a moment to recognize the tone in Beth’s voice. “Oh no, no, no,” Kat exclaimed with a shake of her head. “I don’t need a man right now.”

“Pfffft. If you say so.” She gave a mock serious scowl. “Is reclaiming your chastity at twenty-four, like, a thing now?”

Kat pushed her friend playfully. “Shut up!”

Beth laughed while her eyes widened over Kat’s shoulder. “He’s here!” She all but skipped across the restaurant and kissed and hugged Adam. He was only a couple of inches taller than Beth, with neatly cut brown hair. He was dressed in a dark blue pair of jeans and a red button-down. He had green eyes and beautiful white teeth.