“Heading home. What’s up?”
I held my breath, hoping Aria didn’t tell him anything.
“I can’t get a hold of Emilio. Was he still in the office?”
“I think so.”
There was a pause, “He’s on the other line calling me back. Keep your day open tomorrow.”
“Why?”
“I want Aria to have a relaxing day. Her brother’s hearing will get pushed up. I’m sure it won’t sit well with her. I need you to take her out. Distract her somehow and get her mind off it.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Sure.”
“Good, come to the house in the morning.”
Getting off the phone with Luca, I felt like I just got away with murder. Now I understood why Emilio was on edge about Aria holding this over his head. We would be on eggshells for as long as Aria was around to tell Luca about what she saw.
I wasn't sure how to look at her after what she saw. But I knew I needed to play extra nice with her.
Chapter 35
That morning, I acted like yesterday didn’t happen, and Aria did the same. Not once did she mention what she saw. Hopefully, this was a good sign. We went shopping and spent time bonding, just as my brother requested. Luca even paid for everything. I thought I was a heavy spender, but Aria was on another level.
“Any good spas around here?” Aria asked.
“De Kuyper is really good,” I shout over the curtain from the dressing room.
“A massage would be the perfect way to end the day.”
“Call them and ask for Pete. That man is a god with his hands.”
Aria called to make an appointment.
“They are booked,” she said. “But this spa seems nice. It’s a new place, and there are two slots open.”
“I’ve never been there.”
“Scared?” she asked.
“I’m going to be honest with you, so don’t judge.”
She laughs, “Try me.”
“I’ve never gone to a place my brother hasn’t approved.”
Aria laughs again. “Controlling much?”
It made me feel like I grew up in a bubble. Didn’t she grow up in the lifestyle too? Why does this sound bizarre to her?
“More like a safety thing, or so he claims,” I reply.
“How about I call Emilio to let him know.”
“Emilio wouldn’t approve that.” I poke my head out.
“I think I can get him to,” she winked at me.
