Free Wine, Tarts, & Sex by Susan Johnson Page B

much this morning when I called her. She said today would be a very good day for me. And sure enough, I have my two dearest friends with me,” Janie added in a little breathy voice. “Actually, you never did say how you two happened to be together”—her suddenly narrowed gaze flicked from one to the other—“so early in the morning?”

    “Business,” Liv quickly replied. “I was delivering my wines to Jake’s restaurant.”

    Jake shot Liv a look but didn’t blow her story. “Liv gets up early, and I didn’t sleep last night. It worked out well.”

    Janie’s perfect brows arched upward. “You’re a long way from L.A.”

    “I’m opening a new restaurant here. An experiment of sorts.” There was no point in going into the circumstances that had brought him to Minneapolis. “Are we set to go?” Without waiting for an answer, Jake moved toward the truck with Matt.

    After setting Matt in the backseat of Liv’s crew cab and buckling him in, Jake helped the bellman load the luggage, and before long they were on their way to Toys “R” Us, Janie and Liv in front, Jake squeezed into the backseat with Matt.

    When Jake and Matt returned to the truck after shopping, Matt was all smiles, Jake was carrying three large bags, and all was right in one little three-year-old’s world.

    Meanwhile, Janie had filled in Liv on the travails of married life, particularly about how the needs of a rich, temperamental, egocentric husband always had to take precedence.

    The recital made Liv appreciate the blessings and virtues of her single life.

    The Bakery on Grand where two young chefs offered one of the better breakfast menus in town was their second stop. Jake ate as though he hadn’t eaten in days, Liv not far behind in terms of putting away food. Matt was content with pancakes in the shapes of bunnies and hot chocolate. Janie picked at her frittata and drank espresso. Maintaining a size two figure did not allow overindulgence.

    After breakfast, Liv dropped off Jake at his restaurant.

    “Let me know if you need any help,” he said, standing at Liv’s open window.

    Janie leaned forward so she could offer him a sultry smile. “What kind of help, darling?” she murmured in her best femme fatale voice.

    “Not that kind, Janie. You’re married.”

    “Since when did you get scruples?”

    Jake nodded at Matt. “Bring Matt down sometime, and we’ll play video games.”

    Her brows drew together in a faint frown. “If you’re worried about Matt’s psyche, I’ve already talked to my lawyer about the divorce. He said if Leo isn’t obstinate, I’ll be free in a couple months.”

    Jake smiled politely. “Good for you. Thanks for driving, Liv. I’ll give you a call with my next order.” He had a feeling he’d be buying more Minnesota wines than he’d planned.

    “Okeydokey. Have a good day.” Putting the truck into gear, Liv drove away quickly before something was said that might make Janie suspicious. Not that Liv felt she had to hide anything; it was just simpler not having to explain last night. Not that there was anything to explain. They’d had sex, and that was that. It wasn’t a federal case.

    Fortunately for Liv’s mild unease, Janie was focused on herself, as usual. She kept up a running commentary on Leo’s numerous faults as they drove through downtown, although she was careful to speak in a muted tone. And since Janie was in the mood to vent, not listen to advice, Liv was required only to nod from time to time or murmur a consoling phrase.

    By the time they’d reached the suburbs, Matt had fallen asleep. After tucking her jacket under his head for a pillow, Janie sat back down and really began giving up the dirt on her philandering husband.

    Wow , Liv thought, after the twentieth exposé of Leo’s marital misconduct. Not that she wasn’t aware of how the rich and famous lived their lives. Rules weren’t made for men like Leo Rolf; they were pretty much self-centered pricks.