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“So,” Jimmy interjected again, “let Gian take you home. He just got out of a relationship and I’m sure he could use a friend.”
“I told Maddie I’d give her a ride home tonight,” James said with way too much irritation in his tone.
The three of us turned to him. Vincenzo, mid-inhale, lifted his brows. I swallowed hard. James’s gaze trained on mine as if he were communicating silently. My eyes flickered toward Vincenzo, who was still staring at him before he gawked at me. Whatever that look was for, I didn’t want to know.
“I’m fine, you guys!” I tittered, backing away. “I’ll take the train.” I spun around, striding to the back to get my bag.
JAMES
The moment Maddie was out of sight, Jimmy shrugged. He bundled up his belongings before he said his goodbyes and disappeared through the employee door to go home. I glared ahead at the mirror behind the bar.
Vincenzo smoked his cigarette, facing me. His eyes were burning a hole in the side of my head. “Is there something—”
“No.”
“J, is—”
“No.”
“Alright then.” He stood, snuffing his cigarette out in the ashtray on the bar, and patted my shoulder blade. “I have to get home.”
“How was your dinner?”
He pivoted around. “What?”
I lifted a hand to my chin. “Your first dinner with Eliza living there?”
He cocked a brow. “Perfect, actually.”
I’d known Vincenzo far too long. I knew exactly what that look was for, and I felt sick. “I shouldn’t have asked.”
A sinister laugh rumbled in his throat as he paraded toward the elevator and lifted a hand. “Get Maddie home safely, J.”
Before I could respond to the sneer in his tone, the employee door opened, and she sashayed out, her navy blue, 1920s flapper-dress fringe swaying with each step. I watched as she came to a stop in front of me.
“I hope you know I’m not letting you take the train home.”
“I know.” She nodded, her expression seeming almost distressed.
Wow, no fight from Miss Feisty? “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head, pulling her handbag up on her shoulder. “Nothing, let’s just go.”
I stood, placing my hand on her lower back, and guiding her to the elevator. We remained silent for a few moments before the doors opened and we stepped in, taking it up to the street level. She nibbled on her bottom lip, watching the floor.
Maybe me being too close to her in the alley made her feel uncomfortable. Alicia pinned everything on me, so it was my go-to thinking. I always blamed myself for everything.
The moment we were outside, I hovered my hand over her lower back this time. Gently, I ushered her around the building, through the alley, and to my car parked just on the other side. The moment I touched the handle, it unlocked, and I pulled it open for her. Without a glance, she slid in, tucking her hands in her lap. I closed the door, strode around to my side, and got in.
“Seatbelt, please.” I started the engine.
She remained still, staring straight ahead.
“Maddie.” I twisted to her.
She jumped, turning her head. “What?!”
“Okay,” I lowered my hand, resting it on the center console, “what’s going on with you?”
