No matter how much money or property Eric threw at her, it wasn’t worth impeding any investigation into Eric’s illicit activities.
A part of Amy knew he was unlikely to get caught since he’d spent all of these years staying one step ahead of the law, but she also realized that no one’s good luck lasted forever, not even Eric’s.
Sooner or later, he was going to get caught with his hands in the cookie jar.
Amy just hoped she was able to be there to cushion the blow for her children.
Slowly, Amy spun around to face Lily and shoved a hand into the pocket of her pants. “You’re sure it’s not too much? Maybe I should go for something smaller. It is going to be just me, after all.”
Lily stepped off the stairs and bridged the distance between them. “That’s not true. You’ll probably have Lucas and Sylvie here most of the time. Along with Judy, June, and Beth. And I’ll probably be by often.”
Amy’s lips lifted into a smile. “Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”
Lily laughed and linked her arm through Amy’s. “Take a few days to sleep on it anyway. Buying a house is a really big and important decision. It’s a good way to start over.”
Amy gave Lily a grateful smile, and the two of them stepped back into the cottage.
After a round of pleasantries with the real estate agent, during which Amy expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm, the two women left with a card and a promise to return. Lily was walking back to the bakery when her phone rang. She unlinked her arm and fished her phone out of her purse. Then, she took a step back and murmured in a low tone.
When she hung up, Amy was peering through the glass windows of Decadent Treats, searching intently for Emily. “Another client meeting?”
Lily sighed. “Yeah, unfortunately. I can call you when I’m done.”
Amy spun around to face her and gave Lily a tight hug. “Please do. We can do lunch or something.”
Lily was still smiling as she walked off. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
Once inside the bakery, Amy selected a booth in the back. With few other customers around, she glanced at the place over the edge of her menu. When Emily materialized in an apron witha smattering of flour over her nose and cheeks, Amy lowered the menu and waved her over. Smiling, Emily hurried over, pausing to greet a few other customers along the way.
“Busy day?”
Emily sank into the booth opposite her and exhaled. “A few of my employees have the flu, so we’re a little understaffed, but we’ll manage.”
Amy set the menu down and linked her fingers together. “Anything I can do to help?”
Emily shook her head. “No, we’re okay, thank you.”
Amy’s heart missed a beat as she pretended to scan her own menu.
She was suddenly very, very nervous.
And she couldn’t remember how she was meant to start.
Just spit it out already. Emily has become a dear friend. She deserves this.
Amy clenched and unclenched her hands under the table. She blew out another breath and sat up straighter. “Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I want you to really think about it before you give me an answer.”
Emily’s brows knitted together. “Sounds serious.”
Amy nodded, sweat forming on the back of her neck. “It is. I want to invest in Decadent Treats.”
Emily reeled back as if she’d been slapped, and the easy smile fell from her face. “What?”
“Part of the divorce included a generous amount of money, and I’ve been wanting to invest it in something,” Amy continued, the words pouring out of her in a rush. “I can’t think of anything better than helping to save Decadent Treats. As a silent partner, of course. I don’t want to get in the way of what you have here.”
Emily’s eyes filled with tears as she ran a hand over her face. She opened and closed her mouth several times. “I…I don’t know what to say.”
Amy reached across the table to take Emily’s hand in hers. “You don’t have to say anything right now. Think about it, and if you feel uncomfortable, I won’t take it personally. You and I are friends first.”
