“Text me whatever you need,” Slash said.
Elsa started coughing.
When she finished, Slash asked. “You okay?”
“I’m fine, honey.” After a pause, Elsa said, “Jasmine stopped by with Russell today.”
“Oh, yeah. How was that?” Slash asked.
“They brought cupcakes and stayed for about an hour.”
“Did she ask you for money again, G-ma?” Carrera asked.
Slash glanced over at him.
“Carrera, is that you?” Elsa asked.
“Yeah, G-ma,” Carrera replied.
“Russel hired Jasmine to run his campaign, so she didn’t even mention money.” Elsa started coughing again.
When she stopped, Slash asked, “Do I need to bring you some cough medicine?”
“It’s just one of my tickles. Hold on, I’ll have a sip of water.” A few seconds later, Elsa said, “Carrera, don’t give Amanda May a hard time.”
Slash raised her eyebrows at him.
“I invited her for dinner on the river,” Carrera said.
“That’s wonderful,” Elsa said. “I hope you have a good time. Be nice to her. Do you hear me?”
“I promise G-ma. I’ll be very, very nice to her.”
“You’re a good boy. Put Amanda May back on please.”
“I’m here, Elsa. Text me whatever you need, and I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner. Love you.”
“I love you both,” Elsa said.
Slash hung up.
“Well, so much for keeping thisbusinessarrangement under wraps,” she said.
“We’re way past the business,” he said pulling into the marina parking lot.
They exited his truck. He grasped her hand and they made their way down the pier to the forty-foot yacht.
“This is beautiful,” she murmured.
He climbed aboard, offered her a hand. The evening was perfect for boating down the Potomac. Not a cloud in the sky as the summer sun scooted toward the horizon.
He was greeted by the host. “Mr. Santini, good to see you.” He smiled at Slash. “Ma’am. I’ll let the captain know you’re aboard.”
They were standing close enough that she felt Carrera’s triceps tighten. She glanced his way.
“Would you like a beverage as we cast off?” asked the host.
“Water for me, please,” Slash said.
