Page 54 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

"I pick up languages fast. French is easier. My mom was French."

And I dated an Italian jerk for two years, but that’s a story for another time. Or never.

He handed her the menu. "Then you should order for us."

They lingered at the table for over an hour. She found Hart to be a mix of serious philosopher and silly frat boy, pivoting from global politics to innuendo so fast she could barely keep up. Her laugh grew louder and louder, feeling freer than she had in ages.

"Have you ever smoked pot?" he asked, reaching for a third slice.

"Never. My sister smoked enough for both of us. You?"

"I’ve tried it. Did nothing for me, but I’m a firm believer in trying everything once." He smirked. "And if it's really good, it deserves a second shot."

His emphasis on really and good hit bang on.

She cocked her head. "You're not trying to lure me back to your place to get stoned, are you?”

"No, but there is one special place I’d like to show you.”

“Let me guess—an ice cream stand in the back room of your dry cleaners?"

He dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin, still smiling. "Oh, Ms. Powell, you are quick.”

Little Nino boxed up the last few slices of their pizza while Natalie had a spirited conversation with his grandfather. Though she hadn’t spoken Italian in years, it came back fairly easily, and she only flubbed a couple of times. The sparkle in the man’s eyes grew as their exchange progressed. Clearly, he enjoyed conversing with strangers in his native tongue. She told him about the summer she spent in Rome with Kate, during her last year in art school, and how much she loved his country. The old man teared up, tapped his heart twice with a fisted hand, then nodded in thanks.

When Hart pulled out his wallet, the old man waved him off and barked something sharp in Italian. He gestured wildly, hands flying everywhere. Little Nino turned bright red, fighting back laughter. Natalie didn’t even bother trying. She howled.

“What?” Hart asked. “What did I do?”

Natalie poked him in the chest. “He said the next time you take a woman as beautiful and charming as me out to dinner, it better be to a five-star restaurant.”

“And he called you an idiot,” Little Nino added, lips turned up into a soft smile.

If the boy’s comment wounded Hart’s pride, he didn’t show it. Maybe fame gave him thick skin. Or maybe he didn’t take himself too seriously. Either way, the night had shaped up to be a refreshing break from cold calling for Natalie & Co, pestering Kate, or obsessing over her party-planning checklist.

The “special place” turned out to be UC campus, not an underground gelato speakeasy. They walked hand-in-hand, Hart narrating the journey like a tour guide. A chilly wind whipped Natalie’s hair, and she cursed her thin blazer. Seconds later, his bright yellow puffer jacket settled around her shoulders. She tucked her arms into its sleeves, still warm from his body.

“Now you’re gonna freeze,” she said.

He laced his fingers through hers. “If one of us has to, I’m glad it’s me.”

Students passed, calling out hellos to Hart. He greeted each one warmly—a kind word or nod. The man was annoyingly beloved.

“God, I love it here,” he said, inhaling deeply. “There’s something magical about being on campus.”

“Except during finals. Then it’s Mordor.”

His eyes narrowed in suspicion. “So Star Wars is a no, but Lord of the Rings is a yes?”

“What can I say? I’m a woman of great mystery.”

Hart squeezed her hand. “I agree … and I look forward to uncovering more.”

They climbed the steps of an ivy-covered building, one that might have housed a Victorian family with a secret history. Inside, the hallways were dim and quiet, stirring her memories of a dark London alley and a hidden jazz bar.

Earth to Natalie!

We've moved on from London, remember?