“We grew up together.”
Why would Grace, who is close to Aria, be in Chicago meeting Emilio?
Surprised by the information, I asked, “So, how do you know Emilio?”
“Just happened to be at the right place at the right time and saved my life. I’ll never forget that.”
“He’s a good guy under all that darkness.”
She gave me a look that said she wasn’t so sure. Maybe she’s seen that side of him often enough to forget there was any kind of goodness.
“He has a soft spot for damsels in distress.”
I laugh, “You don’t look like a damsel in distress.”
“Younger Grace was. Times have changed.”
“Grace,” Emilio appeared and greeted her by shaking her hand. “Bethany, what are you doing here?”
I was so eager to spy on him that I didn’t think it through that if he saw me what I would say—so I had to think of something on the spot.
“Natasha and Tiffany wanted a girl's night. Alfie said he was coming here and figured I’d say hi.” I got to my feet.
There’s no way Grace was a threat if Emilio shook her hand. I excused myself to return to the bar to enjoy the rest of my night. Alfie stood there speaking to one of the guards at the door.
“What was that about?” he asked me as I approached him.
“What?” I asked innocently.
“You popping in like that?”
“I can’t come say hi?”
Alfie gave me a suspicious look. “Luca send you?”
“No… why would you think that?”
“To check on me.”
I got nervous. “Why would he want me to check on you?”
“It’s been weird lately around here.”
“Weird, how?”
Alfie shrugged with one shoulder. “Luca called me back when I was supposed to stay in California for a while. Emilio’s been… nicer. I was surprised he was trying to get me to stay in Chicago since he was so eager to get rid of me.”
“You’re overthinking it,” I replied. “What’s Grace’s deal?”
“She comes to the city every once in a while.”
“You think they are sleeping together?”
“E and Grace?” Alfie thought about it. “Doubt it. E doesn’t mix business and pleasure.”
I trusted Alfie’s instinct, so I sighed a breath of relief. Leaving the showroom, I got back to the girls who were now on the dance floor.
“Where were you?” Natasha asked.
