“Well, that’s the thing. I really didn’t know him. Not until today.”
“Did something happen?” At my nod, his gaze turned sympathetic. “Have a seat, and I’ll make us cappuccinos. Then we’ll talk.”
I collapsed on a comfortable cushioned chair and waited, my anxiety rising. Presley gave me my cup, and with one of his own, sat across from me.
“I talked with him last night. After the dinner where his boss fired him. He was upset but not devastated. What has he said to you about it?”
I held the coffee cup in my hands. “My phone was out of commission last night, so I missed his calls and texts. When I got to my office this morning—I just got a new position atUltimate NYC—Frisco was there.” I took a sip of the hot cappuccino, then set it down on the table in front of me. It tasted bitter, but I suspected everything would.
“Hold on. You’re working at Frisco’s magazine and neither of you knew it? How is that possible?”
“No. I just came on board.Ultimatebought my blog and is keeping me on as an executive director. My blog isNew York for Real New Yorkers.”
His reaction was as expected: pure shock.
“Wait, what? You’re Salvatore Grant? The guy who’s been after Frisco for years?” Presley set his cup next to mine, his brow furrowed. The smile had disappeared. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“I wouldn’t say I was after him, and no, it’s no joke. My real name is Salvatore—Torre is my nickname, what I go by in everyday life. Grant is my mother’s maiden name. My brother is in the food-service business, so I didn’t want anyone to associate my name with his, for favoritism reasons.”
“I was at your brother’s restaurant with Frisco when he did that review.”
“I remember. I didn’t know that was Frisco. His disguise worked well.”
“Frisco is a master of hiding who he really is. I’m his best friend, and I don’t think even I know who the real man is. He must’ve been terribly shocked to see you.”
I grimaced, recalling his cold treatment. “That’s one way of putting it.”
“It must’ve been hard for you too. If he’s pushed into a corner, he lashes out and can be hurtful. His only defense is that he’s pretty much always brutally honest. Sometimes the truth hurts.”
I nodded. “It sure does. But there are things I want to explain to him, and he won’t give me a chance. He’s shut me down, won’t answer my texts or calls.”
“That’s him. He’ll retreat to his apartment and sit there until he comes out of his funk. But this time he doesn’t have a job to fall back on or anything to take his mind off what I’m sure he sees as a betrayal.”
That stung. “I didn’t betray him. I didn’t know who he was. And if I could get in to see him, I know we could work it out. That’s why I want your help. Or am I being stupid?”
“Do you really care for him?”
“I…” I stopped to consider, not thinking when I arrived here that I’d get into a therapy session with Presley, but there was something about the guy, a gentleness, that drew me to him. I understood why Frisco trusted him, and though they were so different, I could see why Presley was the one person Frisco needed in his life.
I wanted to be another.
“You don’t have to answer.” Leaning closer, Presley spoke with what I was beginning to recognize as his strength. “Next to Nate, Frisco is the most important person in my life. He’s also the most stubborn and refuses to see what’s right in front of his face.” Presley’s dark eyes twinkled. “Barring murder, I’ll do anything to help him. What do you need from me?”
I explained to Presley, and he sat nodding his head faster. “Okay. I’m ready.” He jumped up, took our half-finished coffees, and dumped them into the trash. “Let’s go.”
“Now?” A bit uncertain, I stood. “I thought you would wait until five or whenever you finished for the day. I don’t want you to close your store for this.”
But Presley brushed off my protests. “It’s for my best friend. You have no idea how much he’s done for me. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be with Nate right now.”
“So you don’t think I’m being foolish?” I asked when we got into the car he’d called.
The car drove away, heading toward Broadway to go downtown.
He smiled at me. “Anyone’s capable of being a fool for love.”
