Since we were kids, she’s had the fullest wavy hair. At this moment she has it pulled back in a natural ponytail, with artfully done baby hair.
Blake has always been pretty. However, she does look a bit tired. No doubt because of Fred, her high school sweetheart, husband, and the bane of her existence.
“Same old, same old. How did I marry such a bum?”
Toni snorts and pushes her glass away. “I should probably keep my mouth shut but there must be some epiphany juice in this cocktail.”
“Yeah, you should shut up,” Blake says.
“Don’t be mad at me because you married the first dick to turn you out. His bum ass got so lucky. Even he still can’t believe it.”
Thankfully, our food arrives, cutting off Blake’s reply. I push my plate away as my appetite disappears. Toni narrows her eyes at me as she chews.
I can feel in my bones she’s about to dig into me. I’m saved by the three people who walk into the restaurant. Gio saunters in with all his swag as Jace and Nyla, Lizzy’s sister, follow behind him. I wasn’t expecting them, but they head straight for our table.
“Gio,” Toni sings.
“How you doing, gorgeous?”
I watch closely as Gio moves to kiss each of Toni’s cheeks. He smoothly places something into her palm and Toni drops her hands into her lap.
As if nothing happened, Gio moves to kiss my forehead and then my cheeks. “Hey, Car.”
“Hi, Gio.” I give him a warm smile as he takes one of the chairs Jace has brought over to our table. I move my seat over a bit to make more room for them. Gio sits beside me, and Nyla takes the seat between him and Jace.
I’m a little surprised to see her with them, but I don’t pry. I’m still wondering what the exchange between Gio and Toni was about.
I lean forward. “Good to see you again, Nyla. This is my cousin Antonia and my friend Blake. You guys know Dante’s assistant Lizzy, this is her sister.”
“How have you been, Blake?” Gio says while looking down at his tie he’s smoothing his hand down, seeming not to be paying attention to anyone in particular.
I know Gio, he’s aware of everyone and everything. The nonchalant act doesn’t fool me.
Toni perks up. “Actually, Gio. Maybe you can help Blake.”
“Toni,” Blake drags out in warning.
Toni continues as if she hasn’t heard a thing. “She’s married to a bum-ass dude that won’t get off his ass to provide and has the nerve to be so jealous, Blake can’t keep a job either. She’s been through four in just the last month and a half.”
“Toni,” Blake hisses low.
Gio lifts his gaze to Blake and allows his eyes to roll over her. Blake will look anywhere but at Gio. Gio turns to Jace, and I notice the ever-so-slight nod Jace gives before Gio turns to Nyla. The two have a silent conversation.
Nyla stands and rounds the table to lean in and whisper in Blake’s ear as she hands her a card.
“How’s the house coming?” Gio asks, grabbing my attention.
I frown and roll my eyes. “I’m so mad at you. I swear you hooked me up with the opposite of what I asked for. I’m about to say fuck it and tell Dario to take over.”
Gio chuckles. “We both know you don’t want to do that. Forget about it. I’ll have a talk with Ralphie. I’ll set him straight.”
I sigh in relief and smile. “Thanks, Gio.”
“Anytime.” He winks at me then stands and Jace follows. Gio buttons his suit jacket and leans to kiss my cheek.
Just as smoothly as the three walked in, they walk out. I’m left staring after them with a ton of questions. I look to Blake, and she has a dazed look on her face.
“What did she say to you?” I ask.
Blake looks down at the card in her hand. “She offered me options.”
Chapter 21
Thompsons and Mitchells
Carleen
I place my hand on my stomach for the millionth time. My belly is still flat, but I swear someone is going to jump out and reveal my secret. It would happen here at my uncle’s event.
“You look lovely, Carleen,” one of the surgeons from my old hospital compliments as she walks by.
I smooth a hand over the one-shoulder, sleeveless high-low hem silk gown I’m wearing and grin as I think of my six-inch heels. It’s amazing to date someone who still towers over you when you’re in heels like mine at my height. It doesn’t happen often for me.
I swallow hard and look around the room. So many important people mingling together without a care in the world. Now this is a power party—doctors, actors, politicians, investment bankers, and so many other big high-powered world influencers.
I take a deep breath. “I can do this.”
Dario and I finished up the catering and went to change to join the party. The staff can handle the service. My uncle made it clear he wanted me and Dario to attend as guests. No doubt my father didn’t want me seen as the help.