I won’t be able to enjoy myself. Not knowing everyone is going to be mad at me when I return on Monday. God. What was I thinking? I should have reached out to Gemma and the rest of the team myself. Jasmine used to pull this kind of crap when we were in school. Back then, it didn’t matter as much. Now my professional reputation is being affected.
Jafar says, “We can stop, but the damage has already been done, Ellie. You’d be better off giving everyone some time to cool off. Besides, the bus wouldn’t get back until five, and it would likely be late due to weekend traffic.”
He’s right. I know it, but it still hurts.
“As for the house, we can change up the sleeping arrangements, so everyone is satisfied. Or there’s a room on the third floor that has a pull-out couch.”
Al says, “I don’t mind sleeping on the couch, Ellie. Just say you’ll come.”
Finally, I nod. “I guess.”
Al’s face lights up. “That’s the spirit.”
“And I can take the couch, since I’m the one making a big deal about the arrangement.”
Plus, it might be nice to be away from everyone. I catch Jafar’s gaze, and he gives me a small smile. Yeah, it’s definitely smart to be away from everyone. I just hope I can lie low for the next three days.
7
Ellie
We arrive at the house in Water Mills just after four. The house is beautiful, just like Jasmine said. It’s three stories and sits on the beach alongside just as beautiful homes. I heard Al ask how much it cost, and Jasmine proudly said nineteen million. God. I can’t even imagine. The first level is the garage, which has enough room for four vehicles. We carry our things to the second floor, entering an open floor concept where the living room and kitchen blend into one space. Everything is done in white, and it looks clean and somehow cozy at the same time.
Jasmine says, “Al, your room is down the hallway. Ours is this way. Ellie, you’re on the third floor, in the office.”
Nodding, I carry my bag toward the door that she points to. When I reach the top, I spot a personal gym. That must be for Jafar. Lord knows Jasmine wouldn’t be caught dead sweating. Past the gym is a tint bathroom. And finally, the office. It’s small and doesn’t look like it’s been used much. I cross the room, opening the curtains. The ocean view is stunning. At least I have that to look forward to.
There’s a knock on the door, and I turn, finding Jafar leaning against the doorway. My pulse flutters in my neck. How can one man look so good even when he’s being casual?
“Find everything okay?”
“I did.” I pause. “Thanks for suggesting this.”
“I had no idea Jasmine had invited Al.” He snorts. “I should have known she was up to something.”
“I guess I should have known, too.”
He stands there, not saying anything.
“How did your trip go?”
“Good. I met with the Families who run Chicago. You were right about Dove Di Bello. She’s definitely got something going on with Luca’s righthand man, but it doesn’t stop there. She’s with a man they call the Brute, too.”
My eyebrows lift. “Really? Does her husband know?”
“Yeah. The crazy thing is, I think it works for them.” He smiles. “Even crazier is that they’re not the only ones with relationships like that.”
“That’s interesting.”
“I thought so, too. You should come the next time I go. I think you’d like all the wives.”
My face feels warm. “It might look bad if you don’t take your own wife.”
“She wouldn’t want to go even if I asked her. She’s never taken an interest in what I do.” He glances over his shoulder before asking, “Still feeling guilty?”
“I thought we agreed not to bring this up.”
“I don’t remember saying anything like that.”