“Fine. Busy. I was just checking in. Making sure we’re cool from this morning.”
“We are. I was being weird, not you.”
“I don’t mind a little weirdness.”
I laugh at that. “Good. I’m on my way back.”
“Okay. I’ll be busy until about four when our last tour ends.”
I glance at my watch. That gives me three hours. Perfect. “See you then.”
Ending the call, I blow out a breath. What am I thinking? I can’t do this kind of shit when I’m with Nantes and his family. Ugh. I need to purge this Fetterman dickhead from my brain and let karma catch up to him. I scrub my hands over my face before continuing the drive.
Alex Fetterman will be around if and when I’m ready to take him out. For now, I need to keep my nose clean and my alibi tight.
Chapter 20
Nantes
Vanian is acting weird.
Something’s been off about his demeanor since he got back from his drive, making me wonder what happened since we saw each other this morning. Is he rethinking his newfound attraction to me?
I’d ask him, but he’s currently being inundated with questions from Nonna about some of the places she used to go in Chicago.
“When I was a pretty young thing,” Nonna starts, her tone wistful and nostalgic, “I used to go into this little club in downtown Chicago. There was a man there, a kind man, who would buy girls a drink or two and flirt with me.”
“Weren’t you married by then, Nonna?” Deo asks.
“Yes, but married doesn’t mean dead.” She winks and we all crack up. “Besides, he didn’t mean any harm. On a few occasions, he gave me a box with the most exquisite pair of silk stockings in it.”
“That’s scandalous.” Brogan fakes outrage.
“Not just me,” Nonna continues. “All the pretty girls got them. All he’d do was ask us if we were wearing them.”
“Did gramps know?” I ask.
She nods. “That’s how I found out who the nice man was.” She gets a little twinkle in her eye, which is always a sign she’s about to say something wild. “Al Capone’s brother.”
“No way,” Brogan says. “Was he anything like his brother?”
“I never saw that side of him, but it was talked about. I wonder if that little club is still there. That would be a fun blast from the past.”
“You’re always welcome to come out for a visit, Nonna,” Vanian says. “I’d be happy to take you around.”
“That’s sweet. You’ve always been such a nice young man.” Nonna’s gaze shifts to me and she winks. “Maybe a visit to Chicago would be nice. I’m sure Nantes wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course not, Nonna. Anytime.”
“We should go for Pride next year,” Brogan says, smearing butter on a roll. “I guess we could go this year, but it’s in two weeks.”
“Why is everyone acting like Chicago isso far away?”Deoasks, exaggerating the last three words. “We could literally go get dessert tonight and be back at a reasonable bedtime.”
“That might be a bit of stretch, love, but point made,” Balt says, kissing Deo’s temple.
Vanian chuckles. “Yeah, point made. It’s a day trip at best. Any of you are always welcome at my place.” He holds my gaze and I smile.
Maybe he’s getting out of his funky mood. I notice Balt searching Vanian’s face again, focused on his movements and expressions, and it’s starting to poke at me. Balt is very clearly in love with my brother, and his interest doesn’t read as romantic in any way. It’s something else. Some other kind of curiosity.
