Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(70)

“Well . . . Why did you give Jared, Maggie and Nathan Teslas?”

“What does that have to do with this?”

A soft chuckle escapes his mouth. “A lot.”

“How?”

“Even though your friends can buy their own cars, you still went ahead and gave them as gifts anyway.”

“They were business deductions.”

“Yes, perhaps . . . then why haven’t you purchased vehicles for the rest of your staff whether they are employees or independent contractors?” Joe doesn’t give me a chance to really think about his question or answer before he continues. “Aside from the logical business side of it, you care deeply for your friends. You want them safe and happy.”

“That’s different,” I contend.

“How so?”

“I didn’t buy a car for any of my friends’ friends. Just my friends.”

“True. But, Henry believes his actions of including the three of you are an extension of his love for Maggie.”

“Don’t say the L word . . .” I request which gets Joe to laugh. “And, I don’t see the connection.”

I honestly don’t or my subconscious is deliberately avoiding it.

Joe laughs at my contention. “You love Jared, right?”

There he is using the L word. Does he think that his cute smile will suffice and making up for him saying it again?

“Of course. He’s my family.”

“And you would do anything for him?”

“Without a doubt. There is no question,” I affirm.

“And, the same is for Henry with Maggie. Money is just a resource to aid in their happiness together. The money provides choices and opportunities. It’s not a matter of whether you or anyone else can afford the same things. It’s a matter of enjoying life with each other.”

I bob my head back and forth while trying to wrap my head around his statement. I don’t agree, but I also don’t disagree.

Probably seeing the debate in my face, Joe continues his explanation. “Why did you put money behind Nathaniel’s?”

“Because it made sense as a business investment,” I quickly admit as a knee-jerk reaction.

“Then why haven’t you put money behind other fashion designers?”

I raise my brow, starting to see the connection though I don’t dare admit it.

“It’s not just about the investment. There are other designers with just as much potential and ability.”

“True,” I agree.

“It’s because you love Nathan and would do anything to see him happy and pursuing his dream. Your money is the tool that has provided him opportunities that he might not have had otherwise.”

“I guess so,” I unwillingly agree, accepting his clarification.

“Does it make you happy seeing Nathan happy?”

“Yes.”

“It makes Henry happy to see Maggie happy. It doesn’t matter if it costs money or not to him. That’s what you do when you love someone.”

“I told you not to use the L word,” I complain.

Joe just laughs.

“Besides . . . what do you know about . . . love?” It takes a few seconds for the last word to escape my mouth.

“Plenty. I have parents and three brothers who are happily married.”

“But, have you had your own experience to validate these statements and what people do when they are in . . . ?” I can’t bring myself to say the word again.

“Perhaps . . . but, it shouldn’t matter.”

“Perhaps yes or perhaps no?” I investigate.

“Perhaps . . .” he comments with a wicked smile.

I shake my head in disagreement over the statement about love. I still can’t believe that Maggie and Henry have been saying they love each other already. The thought of love and Henry’s gesture bothers me, but I refrain from asking any further questions. I got my answer even though I don’t like it.

Before leaving the restaurant, Joe and I finish with a bowl of creme br?lée each as our dessert. Good thing the portion sizes have been small or else I would have had to stop when our fifth plate was served. I excuse myself to use the ladies room for a second time and am relieved when I don’t see Chris sitting anywhere. Checking my phone on my way back to Joe, I’m shocked to see that it’s almost ten at night. We were eating and chatting for over three hours.

“Ready to go?” Joe stands as I approach the table.

“What about the bill?”

I know he’s going to insist on paying, but a girl can still try.

Offering his arm, Joe ignores my question and says, “Let’s go.”

Back inside the glorious Rolls Royce, Joe and I settle in quickly. The drive back to Pasadena is peaceful and relaxing. Just after the car exits onto Colorado Boulevard from the One-Thirty-Four, the driver pulls into a dark parking lot where there are only two lights nearby that are coming from a building. Joe gets out first and reaches his hand to assist me.


I know exactly where we are.

“What are we doing here?”

“A late night private viewing. You had mentioned that you’ve been wanting to come back.” Joe takes my hand, draping it over his arm as he leads me to the front door.