“A lot can change in a short time around here,” Noah said.
Kizzy chuckled. “You can say that again.”
“Um, I need to excuse myself for a moment,” Dawn said.
“Me too.” Luca walked with her toward the restrooms. “I hope my family didn’t scare you.”
“Oh, not at all. They’re wonderful! I just…”
There was a line for the ladies’ room, and he drew her aside.
“What is it, Dawn? I know you well enough to see that something’s bothering you.”
She sighed. “Yes. But this isn’t the time or place to talk about it.”
His brows shot up. “Are you dumping me?”
“No! Oh my God, no. I—it’s about the case. But I don’t want to ruin your brothers’ wedding reception by pulling you away from it.”
“Is it something that can wait?”
She worried her lip.
“Okay. I can see it’s important. As soon as you’re out of the ladies’ room, I want you to tell me.”
She hesitated.
“Please. I have something to tell you too. I’ll wait for you right here.”
She sighed. “Okay, we’ll talk. But go back to your family and socialize. I’ll find you.”
He nodded and returned to the festivities.
When she returned from the restroom, Luca was dancing with his mother. She hung back and watched. It was obvious from their smiles that mother and son were comfortable together.
As soon as the dance was over, he glanced around, probably looking for her, so she went right to him.
He gave her a quick kiss and swept her into the next dance.
“So, what did you need to tell me?” he asked.
“I’d rather you go first.”
He tipped his head and gazed at her with curiosity. “Okaaaay. I’m glad we’re here with my family, because you may not believe me at first. They can confirm my story. No one else can know, though. Can you promise to keep a secret? I’m about to share something you must keep to yourself, no matter what. You may be in for a shock.”
She leaned back and studied his face. She saw and sensed his expectant anxiety. “Not much shocks me anymore. Go ahead.”
“Promise you won’t tell anyone first.”
“I promise.”
He took a deep breath and glanced around. She followed his eyes, and when he was apparently assured nobody was listening, he leaned next to her ear and whispered, “I’m a shape-shifting phoenix.”
He leaned back for a moment to check her reaction. She was careful not to react at all.
“Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes. I’m not sure what it means, though.”
