I cocked a brow as she led me to her desk. Then she grabbed her purse and brought something like a little, black button in a transparent case out of it. “There.”
“What’s this?”
She wiggled a finger at me to come closer. I snorted as I bent forward, and she reached my ear. “It’s an adhesive bug. Sticks to anything. You put it on Fab’s suit, and it’ll let you hear anything he says when you’re not around. So at the ceremony, Fletcher and Fab will be there. If these two know each other and are conspiring against Brighton, they’re bound to talk. All you need to do is excuse yourself to the ladies’ room and listen to them chant.”
Stunned, I leaned back, my stare going back and forth between her devilish face and the bug. “How did you come up with this plan? And why the hell would you have something likethatin your bag?”
She put the case on the counter and scratched the back of her head. “I was gonna use it on Stew.”
“What? Why? Stew is an angel.”
A sad shadow crossed her eyes. “An angel that might be having a midlife crisis.”
Was she saying what I thought she was saying? Stew’s male menopause was making him have an affair? “God, Zoey, I’m so sorry. Did you find out anything?”
“Nothing solid, but…he’s changed. Goes out more often. Stays up late. Doesn’t pick up the phone when I check on him. That’s why I bought this. To know for sure.”
“I’m certain it’s nothing. He must be playing videogames somewhere.”
“Because he doesn’t do that enough at home?”
I was the worst person to try to consolidate a friend and get them out of their misery, but for Zoey, I’d die trying. “Maybe he joined some late night virtual football group or decided to learn how to ride a motorbike. Oh, I know, maybe he’s taking a Zumba class.”
“Zumba? Stew?”
“He’s more of a Tango guy?”
Finally, she chuckled, and then she pushed the bug case toward me, and her fingers worked the digits on her phone again. “Anyway, you take this, and I’ll buy a new one.”
“But…”
She turned on the speaker, and a ringing tone boomed. “Too late now.”
Every ring thudded in my chest, and my breath shook on my lips. One. Two. Three. Four. “Welcome to Poles. How can I be of pleasure tonight?”
Zoey stifled a laugh and mouthed an “ooh” as I blushed at the oozing with sex male voice. “Uh… Can I talk to Fab, please?” she said.
“Speaking.”
“Oh, hi. I’m Zoey from this morning. You know, Gabi’s secretary from Brighton?”
Pause. “I remember. How are you doing, beautiful?”
She giggled like a fifteen-year-old. “I’m good. You?”
I threw my hands in a WTF gesture. “Focus,” I mouthed.
“Stupendo. How can I be of service, Zoey?” he asked playfully.
“Well, about the offer you generously gave Gabi, is it still available?”
A chortle. “Depends.”
“On?”
“Do you always book Gabriella’s romantic dates for her?”
“No, not really. She doesn’t have any to book.”
