“Usual shit. Everything’s crazy with the holiday parties all next week.”
“Right.” I gulp down the last of my cosmo, catch the waiter’s eye and motion for another one.
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes, of course.” But I need all the courage I can muster to ask my next question.
The waiter places the new cosmo in front of me. I sip at it, then grip the glass tighter than necessary. “Have you ever heard of a guy named Graham Pierce?”
Nick’s eyes widen, then narrow. “Yeah, why?”
“Nothing. I just heard he’s very professional and could maybe be good for both our businesses.” The words leave a sour taste in my mouth, so I take another sip at the cosmo.
“Funny you should say that. I had a meeting with him yesterday.”
“You did?” Okay, I could do this.
“Yeah, he’s a little slick, but he seems to know what he’s talking about.”
“I thought I’d set up a meeting with him and probably use him too.”
“Samson and I haven’t made up our minds yet. He’s coming to Wicked tomorrow with his proposal.”
“Well, if it all works out, you should probably use him. You always say you want to take Wicked to the next level, and I think he could do it for you.”
“Where did you hear about him?”
“He contacted us, said he had some clubs that would be interested in our services.” I take another sip of my cosmo. “Maybe if we both use him, we could get a discount.”
“I don’t think he’s the type of guy who gives discounts.”
“Probably true.” He’s the type of bastard who blackmails people until he gets what he wants.
Our food comes, and it’s all I can do to make it look like I’m eating while moving the food around on my plate.
By the time we leave, I have a blinding headache from chugging vodka-infused drinks. By the time we get home, my stomach is in knots. I tell Nick I’m not feeling well and head straight for bed.
“You should’ve stuck to your usual wine,” he advises as I head for the stairs.
“You’re probably right.” I trudge up the stairs, and when I reach the upstairs hallway, my phone buzzes with a message.
I swipe at the screen and freeze mid-step.
Graham: I hope you were convincing tonight. For the sake of your family. Also hope you enjoyed your dinner at Cipriani.
I quickly delete the message and draw in a deep breath. Him knowing where we ate tonight? How could everything be falling apart so quickly?
CHERYL
Three Days Before Christmas
After a very restless night, I decide to tell Nick about Graham’s threats. The man proved he was devious and maybe even dangerous.
Again, I’m up before Nick, and when he enters the kitchen, I hand him a cup of coffee.
“I’m starting to like this new habit of yours.” He sips at the steaming cup.
“There’s something I want to tell you.”
