“Ah, yes, a popular attraction.” I force a smile, feeling a twinge of my naturally protective nature bubble to the surface. “But if you’re leaving the resort,bambina, be careful. Stay with the tour guide and don’t wander off. Especially if you go to town. Stay in the tourist area.”
“I read that online.” She nods, picks up her wine, and puts it down without taking a drink. “My stomach is acting up again. I’m sorry.”
“I understand,” I say, hoping that is the only thing bothering her. “If you’re not feeling up for it, we can get our food to go. Maybe try again tomorrow when you’re feeling better?”
Her eyes widen for a second and her face turns slightly pale. A strange reaction, if it’s only her stomach that is bothering her right now.
“No, I’ll be okay. If I don’t feel like eating everything, I’ll take it with me.” It’s her turn to force a smile.
Something is definitely wrong. Her body language. The apprehensive look in her eyes. What happened? What did I do wrong? And why do I care? Maybe it’s because something inside of me just won’t let go—confusing, conflicting emotions that I thought went into the ground along with my wife.
“Did I do something to upset you,bambina?” I question, tilting my head slightly. “You can tell me if I did. I’d just like to know so I can apologize properly.”
“What do you mean?” she asks, raising a brow.
“You seem different than you were earlier and I don’t think it’s just your stomach that is bothering you,” I sigh. “Be honest with me. Please.”
Lea looks down at her glass of wine and fidgets with the stem, turning it as she does. There’s definitely something. I can feel it. Why won’t she just tell me? Surely I haven’t done anything to offend or upset her since she walked into the restaurant.
“It’s nothing,” Lea says, and I can tell it’s a lie. “I just don’t feel well, like I said.”
“Okay,” I relent, leaning back in my chair.
Maybe I should just let this go. Forget all about the gorgeous girl sitting across from me. That would be the smart thing to do. I’ve got too much on mind for this to begin with. Trying to go on a date when my brother just put a price on my head? When there’s a hitman somewhere on this island, planning to put a bullet through my skull before I ever make it back to the mainland?
But this is the only place I want to be right now.
CHAPTER 5
Lea
I’m wearing sassy red, but I can’t seem to find any sassiness to go with it.
I tried to ask more about Massimo’s wife to help Sarah out with her podcast, but all I did was bring the pain back to Massimo’s eyes. He didn’t kill his wife. I’m sure of that. But he’s still in the Mafia. He’s still a criminal.
“Would you excuse me?” I ask, sliding my chair back. “I-I need to use the restroom.”
Massimo nods and stands up, but I’m out of my chair before he has a chance to help. I hurry to the restroom, close the door, and take several deep breaths.
“Keep it together. Once we eat, the date will be over.” I lean against the wall for a moment, then walk over to the sink and turn it on. “I’m an expert at screwing up first dates, so this should be easy.”
I run some water on my hands and rub the back of my neck. The temperature in this outdoor restaurant is perfect, just like the rest of the island, but I’ve had several hot flashes since I sat down across from Massimo. Partially because I’m scared—partially because the attraction still lingers, even if common sense is winning that war.
The door opens and Monica walks in. I fumble with my purse and pull out my lipstick so that it looks like I have a reason to be in the restroom. Monica disappears into the stall. I stare at my reflection like I’m in a trance while my thoughts spin in every direction. When the stall opens, I snap out of it and start touching up my lipstick. Monica walks up beside me and turns on the water, then squeezes some soap into her hands.
“You okay?” she asks, giving me a side-eyed glance.
“Y-yeah,” I lie.
“You don’t look okay,” she remarks, washing her hands and turning the water off. “You look scared to death.”
Oh, god. Is it really that obvious?
“I got sick on the boat and I’m still feeling it,” I lie again. “I probably should have canceled this date.”
“He would have been disappointed,” Monica says. “My boss has known him a long time. He said it’s the first time he’s seen Massimo smile when talking about a woman in years. You must have made a hell of an impression on him.”
I force a smile that leaves my face the moment Monica turns away and walks out of the restroom. Somehow, that makes me feel even worse. But I have to stick with my plan, or whatever is left of it. I’m not going to run him off with sassiness because Ican barely force myself to answer his questions. Staying closed off seems to be working. I don’t think he’s enjoying himself any more than I am.
