“Nothing.”
A black car sat idling in front, and the window slid open. Christine stuck her head out the window. “I knew it.”
I opened the car door. “Knew what? Hey, Tony,” I greeted Christine’s husband.
“Bren, how’re you feeling?”
“Much better. No more headaches, the bruising is almost gone, and my ankle is holding up. I have this brace from the doctor. It gives me more stability. This is my friend, Weston Lively.”
“How’s it going?” Tony greeted him, and I would bet my ass Christine had already given him West’s pedigree and shoe size.
“Good. Nice to meet you, and good to see you again, Christine.”
“It’s great to see you. What have you two boys been up to?”
I watched as Weston practiced his bullshit, and he was a master. “We watched the game and had some Mexican. I’ve never been to this part of Brooklyn, so Brenner showed me the view from his terrace. Pretty amazing.”
Her eyes narrowed as she studied the two of us. My intuition told me she didn’t buy it but couldn’t say anything outright. “It is.”
“What brings you here?” I asked.” You’re city people.”
Tony chuckled. “Madden’s company put up a new mixed-use building in Greenpoint, and we’re opening a Gigante’s in it, so we’re celebrating. We figured as long as we’re on this side of the bridge, you should join us. Archer and Madden are meeting us at the restaurant.”
“I didn’t mean to barge in on your celebration.” For the first time, Weston looked uncomfortable. “I can go home.”
“Don’t be silly.” Christine reached out and squeezed his arm. “I have a feeling we’re all going to end up great friends.” Her smile was pure mischief, but I refused to engage. It didn’t matter because she wasn’t interested in me anyway. It was Weston she was after. “Weston, I want to make sure you know about my fund raiser, and that you plan to come.”
Looking a bit lost, Weston glanced at me. “Fund raiser?”
She explained, and Weston’s whole demeanor changed. The light in his eyes dimmed, and his mouth drooped. “My mother passed away from blood cancer. I’d like to help any way possible.”
She took out her phone. “Give me your contact info. I’ll make sure you’re on the list. Brenner always comes, so you’ll have a friend to spend the night with.”
The car arrived at the restaurant, but before we entered, I took Christine by the arm. “I know what you’re doing.”
“Do you?” She patted my cheek. “I thought you would. I always say listen to your heart, darling. It won’t steer you wrong.” She sashayed off and slipped her arm into Tony’s.
With laughter and hugs, Madden Steele and Archer Strong greeted Christine and Tony at the door. Madden was worth billions, and Archer was an attorney, formerly an escort. They’d been together for years, and when their affair had first hit the gossip pages, it was a shocking scandal, but now they were a power couple in the city. Maybe I was overthinking and worrying more than necessary. If Madden Steele could be out and proud, Weston wouldn’t have a problem.
If things worked out between us.
If he wanted to go that route.
If I did.
If. If. If.
Did I want that?
Why wouldn’t I?
Shit. This was a lot to handle.
Weston waited by the door. “Everything all right?”
“Yep. Everything’s great.”
He gave me a slow, sexy smile. “It sure as hell is.”
