“What do you mean?”
“Late thirties.”
“What’s he do for a living?”
I want to change the subject, but if I’m evasive, she’ll suspect I like him, something I’d rather not talk about. “He owns the island we’re staying on.”
My aunt blinks. “Real estate, then. Are you keeping things professional, or are you guys flirting?”
She knows. “We’re flirting.”
My aunt leans in. “Lake Wilder, on a scale of one to ten, how much do you like this man?”
“It’s hopeless at this point.”
My aunt pumps her fist. “I’m so happy to hear that you like a man who can pay bills and take care of business. Nothing like that deadbeat I feared you’d marry.” She looks away, her eyes watering. “That uncle of yours I married then divorced better wake up when I get there.”
“He better.”
My aunt nods. “I’ll tell him you said so.” She wipes away a stray tear. “Well, I don’t want to cry if he’s not dead, so he’ll be fine. Just fine.”
“For sure.” I’ll make sure we make it out of this alive. “I’ll call back when Prescott is out of school.”
We hang up, and I check on Alessio, who is still outside. I fight the urge to call him, but ultimately, I can’t help myself. I could text, but he might ignore it or not even notice it when he’s dealing with one of the many crises he handles on a daily basis. I could never do what he does. Not ever.
Maybe that’s why I’m not a billionaire.
I dial his number and see him glance up in the direction of our room. I wave.
“Is there something wrong?” he asks.
“You’re out in the rain.”
“And?”
“You’re wet, Alessio.”
A pause. “I know. I’m working in the rain.”
“Is there no other place you can work?”
“Not at the moment.”
“Can you tell me why?”
“Because the walls have ears and the rain muffles most listening devices.”
I thank him for the explanation and hang up. Then I call the front desk.
THIRTY-FOUR
RAIN CHECK
Alessio
World powers rarely agree on anything and dealing with the lot of them when they talk over each other tests my already thin patience. If the two parties I’m on the phone with weren’t world leaders, I wouldn’t bother with their theatrics over the prime minister’s address to his people.
He spoke with confidence and said he was closing a deal that would ensure his power.
