Luca appeared off today. What was going on with him?
“I know he is Aria’s business partner. They are equal owners of the company. Molly didn’t say much about the guy. But I guess if he’s sending her flowers, they might be more than that.”
This seemed to irritate my brother. “Find out what you can.”
“Why does it matter?”
“I want to know who has any idea of the hotel's location and that Aria is staying there.”
It was an odd response, but I let it go.
The day went well, considering everyone was on edge. Aria didn’t seem phased at all being around here, which made me think either she was stupid, which it’s clear she isn’t, or she is just as good at bluffing as my brother, which seems to be the more likely option. I did as Luca wanted, being nice and trying to befriend her, but she wasn’t easy to break. And as I promised Emilio, we barely spoke unless we needed to. Without flirting or giving any sign, it would never seem like something was going on between us.
On the other hand, Alfie made it impossible not to miss that he and the redhead had something going. He would wink at her throughout the day, and she would giggle anytime he passed. Was that normal behavior for people who work together in the same setting?
I needed to speak to Alfie and clear things up with him. If he confessed to Luca about what he did, he took his role seriously and didn’t want anything held over his head. I should start respecting his life choices.
“Hey,” I said as the end of the day approached, and he walked by. “Want to grab drinks after we get out?”
“No,” Alfie replied simply and continued walking.
Stunned and insulted, I walk after him. When I catch up to him, I ask, “You’re still mad?”
I did my best not to roll my eyes. Luca knew what had happened, so why couldn’t he getover it?
“No.”
I huffed. “Then why are you acting like this?”
“Like what, Bethany?”
“Oh, so I’m Bethany now?”
“That’s your name, isn’t it?”
Getting fed up, I pick up my pace and cut him off by standing before him. “What is your deal, Alfie? Should I call you Alfred now since you want to get all formal on me?”
“Do what you want.”
He tried to walk around me, but I cut him off again.
“Hey, look. I’m sorry. I was upset and wanted to speak to my brother.”
“That’s the thing, Bethany, you get upset and act out. Even with a meeting going on, you still insisted on seeing Luca. You act like a brat whenever you don’t get your way.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me, Bethany.” Stepping to the side, he manages to get around me this time.
Turning in his direction, “So you’re just going to be mad at me forever?”
Alfie stopped, turned around, and walked toward me again. He must have gotten taller, or maybe he just stood taller, but there was something different about him.
“No, Bethany. I’m not mad.” Alfie put a hand in his pocket while the other pointed to me. “I should thank you. I talked with Luca after I confessed what I did. He was upset, but then we discussed what kind of man I wanted to be and how my actions would reflect that. Luca gave me some good insight. So I owe it to you.”
“Okay, so my brother gave you a pass and gave you good advice. It all worked out for the best. And like you said, you have me to thank.”
Alfie smiled and nodded his head. “That doesn’t mean you get a pass.”
