Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 61

On New Year’s Eve, Sophia had decorated her apartment with festive lights and garlands, then cheerfully invited Amelia over to ring in the new year together. Of course, she insisted Amelia bring a spread of spicy barbecue, deli snacks, and a cake.

Amelia couldn’t help but reflect on her life choices, wondering what on earth she’d done to deserve such a calculating and delightfully unreliable best friend.

“Because you’re a saint!” Sophia declared, grinning as she tore open the box of spicy barbecue with barely disguised glee, her mouth already watering. “I’m not completely stingy, you know. Look, the beer and sodas are from my place. I’m providing the drinks.”

The doorbell rang again. Sophia chomped off the tip of her disposable glove, wiped her greasy lips on her sleeve, and leapt to her feet with the enthusiasm of someone contributing effort instead of cash. “Hey, you bought all the food, you’re basically the boss tonight. I’ll get the door!”

For a moment, Amelia truly understood the joy of being in charge.

When the door swung open, there stood Mr. Harper, arms loaded with fruit and desserts.

“You really didn’t have to bring anything,” Sophia said, the words barely out before she gratefully took the offerings from his hands.

Zachary greeted Amelia with a polite nod, then—ever the professional—asked, “Did you sign the divorce papers?”

Sophia jumped in before Amelia could answer. “That jerk’s playing the coward, dragging his feet and refusing to sign.”

Zachary shrugged. “With Daniel’s status, he’s got a lot to consider. Men like that tend to move slowly.”

Sophia rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. He can’t bear to let go of the wife at home, and he still wants his little side piece out there. Always wanting it both ways—typical man.”

Zachary choked on his drink and started coughing. Sophia shot him a wary look. “Are you coming down with something? If you’re sick, you have to go. We’re delicate little angels, you know.”

Amelia burst out laughing, her eyes crinkling. All the stress Daniel had put her through over the past few days seemed to melt away.

Sophia tore through the food with hurricane force, while Amelia—never one for greasy or spicy dishes—only peeled a few shrimp before setting her plate aside.

After round one, Sophia took a break, slinging her arm around Amelia’s shoulders. “This is a perfect girls’ night! We have to take some pictures and post them on Facebook.”

Amelia asked her to take a few extra shots—she’d be leaving in a few months, and they wouldn’t see each other for three years. The thought made her a little wistful.

As Sophia scrolled through the photos on her phone, editing away, she sighed dramatically. “Honestly, what problems could a gorgeous girl like you possibly have? Amelia, what door did God close on you?”

Daniel’s, Amelia thought wryly. She could only roll her eyes at herself.

No wonder she hadn’t answered—she was with that charming loudmouth Sophia.

Spending New Year’s with her best friend instead of her husband. Their friendship was so close, maybe they should just put Sophia’s name on the marriage certificate.

Even as he admired his wife’s stunning smile and saved a screenshot for himself, Daniel felt a sharp pang of jealousy. Suddenly, he paused, eyes narrowing as he zoomed in on the corner of one photo.

There, at the lower left, was the edge of a black jacket and a veined male hand.

Daniel’s eyes sharpened. He studied the photo for a long moment, then let out a cold, humorless laugh.

So, there was another man there. Wonderful.

“Hey—” Finley noticed Daniel heading for the door. “Where are you going?”

Daniel loosened his collar, his lips curling in a frosty smirk. “Time to catch a stray cat.”

“And lock her up again!”