Relief surges through me. Our friendship will never be what it was—too much has happened, too many secrets and lies between us—but this new relationship, built on hard-earned trust and painful honesty, might be stronger for having been broken.
“How’s Arkady doing?” Natalie asks, recovering her composure. “I haven’t seen him at the office since… well, since the shooting.”
Something in her tone makes me glance at her sharply. “He’s better. Physical therapy is kicking his ass, but he’s trudging through it. Doctors say it’s a miracle he survived.”
“And he’s here tonight?” Her attempt at casualness falls comically short.
“Inside, probably harassing the bartender for stronger vodka.” I study her with growing amusement. “Why do you ask?”
A blush creeps up her neck. “No reason. Just… professi
