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.I packaged the letter and the photos in a white, nine-inch-by-thirteen-inch envelope and took it next door.I slipped it between the crack above the two deadbolts and heard it hit the hardwood floor on the other side.Satisfied, I went back to my apartment and ordered a ridiculously huge bouquet of flowers online for Biel’s birthday—and her friendship—all in white.I didn’t hear back from Mike and tried not to sweat it.He was two hours behind me and likely up to his ears in FBI work.A small part of me stressed a little, naturally.But I went to bed early to keep it from chipping away at me.Chapter ThirteenA Birthday Bash That Will Live In Infamy.(AKA, Be Careful What You Wish For.)Of course, the first thing I did the next morning was check my email.Relief washed over me when I saw a message had arrived from Mike.But I didn’t immediately open it, as the too little too late adage skipped through my mind.He didn’t yet know about my love letter.What if his note turned out to be of the “Dear Jane” variety?“Oh why couldn’t you have handled all of this better?” I muttered to myself.I was about to click on the message when the phone rang.It was Biel.“Hey,” I said as I pressed the cell to my ear.“Happy birthday.”“Oh.My.God!” She sounded thrilled to the core of her being.“Those flowers you sent are insane.”“They arrived already?” It was only half past eight.“Just came.And holy cow, Lacey.They’re breathtaking!”I smiled.I guess when you sent a delivery to a supermodel, it was handled as top priority.“I’m glad you like them.Send me a photo.”“As soon as I hang up.” She was her usual chipper self, her emotional turmoil be damned.“Tell me you’ll be at the Montlimiere tonight,” she said in an insistent tone, as if I’d pass it up.“Wouldn’t miss it for anything.”“And the super-hunk?”I gnawed my lip, then said, “He’s in Dallas on a case with the FBI.I don’t know when he’ll be back.”“Can’t he fly in for the night? I’d love to meet him.”I let out a sharp laugh.“Oh right.I’d so like to introduce the two of you and then feel like a third wheel as you fawn all over each other.”She was Biel McKinley, for Christ’s sake.Not at all a woman I could compete with.Though, at this point, maybe I didn’t have any say in the matter.I had no idea what was going through Mike’s mind right now and I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to know.Hence, the reason I was reticent to open his email message.“Oh please,” she said with a half-snort.“I’m sure he has eyes only for you.”“Anyway,” I continued, not wanting to dwell on what might or might not be going on between Mike and me.“I will be at your party, but I have to go into the office first to check in with Mav.”A pause on her end, then she asked, “Did you talk to him about Olivia?”“Yes.I also spoke with her.She freaked out big-time.”Biel groaned.“I can’t believe she’d do anything so underhanded, Lacey.It’s just not in her character.”I hated that I couldn’t take Biel’s word on this.“I’m sorry this is so difficult for everyone.But I swear that woman has one hellaciously guilty conscious.It radiates from her.I could see how much she would love to even the score with Mav.”“Ugh.What is wrong with the world?”One of my brows jerked up.“Piper still hasn’t come around?”“No.I mean, I understand there’s a time zone difference, but she could have called me last night to wish me happy birthday.”“I’m sorry, Biel.” I didn’t know what else to say to her, except, “Maybe it’s time to face the inevitable—and move on.”With a dramatic sigh, she said, “I know you’re right.I just can’t seem to bring myself to sever the ties.I keep hoping she’ll call and say she’s coming tonight.”“Sometimes the ties get severed regardless of whether or not you want them to.” I didn’t like leaving her on a bad note—it was her birthday, after all.So I added, “Hey, it’s still early.You have no idea how this day is going to shape up.”“So true,” she said.“And this party and re-launch will be fantastic tonight, I have no doubt.”“Atta girl.I’ll see you there.”“Thanks, Lacey.” Her tone was filled with delight again, despite her personal woes.“You’re a terrific friend.”She choked me up, that fearless supermodel.“So are you.Enjoy your day, and I’ll see you tonight.”I disconnected the call and immediately received another one.Mav wanted me in his office ASAP.I closed my laptop and jumped off the sofa.I ducked into the shower, then dressed and headed out.I was dying of curiosity all the way to the Elan building.Entering Mav’s office, I was surprised to find Cal there.“What’s going on?” I inquired as Christine closed the door behind me to give us privacy.“We’ve spoken with Anne Dunley, for starters,” Mav said.He sat behind his desk and I took the chair next to Cal.“She was easy to reach.Seems she’s been at home all this time
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