“What happened with Fletcher? Did that son of a bitch hurt her?”
She opened a few cupboards and brought out five cups. “No, not really. He was… The night she went looking for you at Poles, he was waiting for her when she got back home. They had a fight, and he almost hit the super for defending her. She panicked. You know Gabi when she panics.”
I’d never forget. The taste of herpanichad never left me alone. “So she told Fletcher we got engaged?”
She nodded. “She thought it was the only way to make him stay away.”
Understanding washed over me, and a sudden burst of joy bubbled in my heart. She did come looking forme, and not because she wanted something in return. Then a surge of fury burned my soul when I realized that bastard could have laid a hand on her. I should have never left her.
It didn’t matter now. I was never gonna leave, and I’d find a way to make him pay. “She did the right thing. It was a smart thing to say.”
She put water in the kettle and pressed a few buttons on the coffee machine for two cappuccini. Must be hers and Gabi’s. “But the plan backfired. He’s throwing a party for the two of you at his place where everyone is invited.”
“It’ll backfire at him now because I’m here.” I helped her with the sweeteners, sugar for the coffees and honey for the tea as I looked for the cortado settings. “But Zoey, bella, you have to promise me something.”
“Do I?”
“Don’t tell Gabi I know yet.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m hot, and you like me.”
She stifled a giggle. “No matter how hot you are, I like Gabi more.”
“I like Gabi more, too, but trust me it’s better this way.”
“Hmmm what’s in it for me?”
“Name your price.”
Her eyes sparkled with a huntress gleam. “I want a magic bra like Gabi’s.”
“That could be arranged.” I leaned in for a whisper. “Not that you need one.”
Her jaw dropped, and she waved astop itat me.
I winked and decided to make the cortado myself when I didn’t find a button for it. Making it was very simple. A smaller cup of equal portions of espresso and milk. One for Rina and one for me. When she saw a Brighton staff member have the same drink as hers, she’d connect and relate to Brighton.
“You’re really doing this for her? The PA thing, too?” Zoey asked.
“I am.”
“Why?”
I smiled against my will. “I think you know the answer.”
She bounced, making little claps, squealing quietly, the sound reminding me of Tiara when she was sick. “You really like her. Like…like her like her with a capital L.” Suddenly, she stopped moving and gasped. “Or is it a different L word you feel for her?”
My heart skipped a beat. “Cosa?”
“Oh my God. Fabio…Fab Zappa, don’tcosame. Are you in love with our boss?”
“W… L… H… Don’t get crazy on me. This…” My hands and thoughts were all over the place. “I met her five days ago, okay? It isn’t possible.”
She flexed her jaw, looking like she was having a neck cramp, and the kettle whistle seemed to be coming out of her.
My finger jerked in the air toward the kettle. “Just…pour the thing.”
