“I’m meeting someone… Rosalyn,” I said, knowing the hostess would know who Rosalyn was.
The hostess nodded and weaved her way toward the back of the room. I saw the discreet security guard sitting at the end of the bar, a water with lemon and a menu in front of him. I wondered if he really was going to eat or if he just wanted it to look like he was. What would his reaction be if he knew Rosalyn was spending time with a murderer right under his nose?
He caught me looking at him so I looked away, toward the table where the hostess was gesturing me. My feet stopped, almost as if I’d stepped in a giant puddle of glue and they were now permanently rooted to that spot.
He was here.
My eyes swept over his dark hair, green eyes, and perfect clothes. He looked exactly the same as he always did. How had he known? He couldn’t possibly have figured out I was going to try to advise Rosalyn away from him.
The way his eyes narrowed on my face told me that he definitely suspected it.
I tore my eyes away from him and looked at Rosalyn, giving her a genuine smile. If he thought his presence could scare me away, then he was wrong.
I yanked my feet out of the glue and covered the remaining steps to the table, pulling out a chair across from him and Rosalyn.
“You didn’t tell me you were with my brother,” I said.
“He wanted to surprise you.” She smiled. “Apparently, I’m not the only one who hasn’t seen you lately.”
“I admit, I’ve been very busy.” Maybe I should kick him under the table.
“Well, now we can all catch up!” Rosalyn said, glancing at Charming. I wondered if she realized it was awkward he had yet to say a word.
“You look well, Frankie. I’ve been wondering what you’ve been up to.” He said the words casually, but I caught their underlying meaning.
“You know me,” I said. “Always planning something.”
His eyes narrowed.
The waitress brought over waters for everyone and then took our order. I pointed to the first thing I saw on the menu. The last thing I wanted to think about was food. Maybe I should just pretend I had an emergency and leave. When the waitress walked off, I laid my cell on the table, hoping that any kind of text would come through and I could play it off and go.
Charming reached across the table and snatched it away, sticking it into his trouser pocket. “No phones today, sis. We want your complete attention.”
That’s it. When I left this café, I was finding his car and slashing his tires.
“Brothers can be so annoying,” I said to Rosalyn and then rolled my eyes.
She laughed and her shoulders seemed to relax slightly. I really didn’t want to make her uncomfortable with all the undercurrents between Charming and me. I decided I was just going to ignore him.
“So what have you two been up to this morning?”
“Scouting venues for the fundraiser that Charming is helping me with. I’m sure he told you.”
“Actually, he didn’t.” Yes, I knew they were doing charity work together, but since then I tried to know as little as possible.
Rosalyn began explaining everything in great detail. I did my best to pretend I was interested and even asked a few questions here and there. But the truth was I could barely pay attention. I couldn’t think about anything with him sitting right there staring at me.
The waitress brought our food, thankfully giving me a moment to compose myself. ‘Course the minute she walked away, he had to open his mouth and speak.
“Are you on a diet?” he asked, looking at my salad.
“No. I like salad.” Okay, I didn’t really like salad.
“You look too thin.”
I tried not to gape. “I do not!”
“You look tired too. You have bags under your eyes.” He turned to Rosalyn. “Does she look tired to you?”
