Page 42 of Faultlines
“Yeah, her name’s Victoria or Valerie.” I wave a hand. “Or something similar. She’s new to the area.”
“That tracks about Lucy. She’s Juniper Ridge’s sweetheart. No one wants to see her disappointed.”
“Yeah, but the biggest surprise is Sloane. She’s become some kind of sponsorship machine.”
He chokes on his drink with a loud cough. “Wait until I swallow before you make ludicrous statements,” he says as he gulps air. “Sloane, really?”
“I had the same reaction.”
“Does anyone know what she does all day?”
“No,” I lean forward. “In all seriousness, Claire is impressed with her. Apparently, she put together an entire business proposal with data and charts.”
He leans back in the booth. “So, what do they still need?”
I hesitate. “Volunteers.”
“That’s it?”
“Well, no, they also need money.”
“Money is harder to come by, at least the kind Juniper House needs.”
“Tell me about it.”
He nods. “We could sponsor something.”
“The Firm?”
“Why not?”
I blink. “Seriously?”
“It’s a local charity. Claire’s saving every teenager within a fifty-mile radius.”
“That’s an exaggeration.”
“Barely.”
“I’ll mention it to her and let you know, but I’m sure she’ll agree.”
“You should lie and tell her it was your idea.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I crumple my napkin into a ball and toss it at him. “What’s happening with the mystery woman?” I finally muster the courage to ask.
“What mystery woman?”
“The one you’ve mentioned three times in the last month.”
“I have not.”
“You have.”
“You’re keeping count now?”
“Of course, that’s what best friends do.”
I watch him take another bite of his sandwich and swallow. “It’s just casual,” he says pushing his plate away. When he gets up to use the restroom, I see a new text from Brooke.
