Page 35 of Deadly Misfortunes

"What about me?" Stephanie asked.

Sascha ate some more of her shrimp Alfredo. "You're going to get a dye job tomorrow, but it won't turn out the way you want it to."

Everyone looked at Stephanie. "I don't have a hair appointment tomorrow."

Maybe not if she hurried and canceled it. But at that late notice, those fancy hair salons charged when people didn't show up or canceled. Though Stephanie could afford the cancellation fee.

Sascha glanced at Rose. "I know it's hard going through a breakup, but Marvin is truly not the one for you."

"What about me?" Gregory asked.

Sascha smiled. "You're going to knock Marvin on his butt if he annoys Rose anymore."

Everyone laughed and enjoyed the rest of the meal.

Maria brought out a chocolate cheesecake and asked who all wanted some.

Everyone wanted some, except Stephanie, who turned her nose up at it.

Sacha was glad she didn't like it.

After dinner and an after-dinner cocktail, Gregory asked Stephanie, “Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

She smiled at Gregory, then faced Sascha. “He’s got a cute sense of humor, sometimes.” She glanced at the fireplace. “Nice night for a fire. Kind of romantic.” Stephanie walked into the living room.

Wasn’t Gregory going to get rid of her and Damon? They had overstayed their welcome, as far as Sascha was concerned.

But then Gregory took hold of Sascha’s hand and gave it a squeeze, and she thought he was trying to ruffle Stephanie’s vulture-like feathers.

“Are we going to swim later? I love to swim,” Sascha asked.

“Yeah, absolutely.” Gregory smiled so brightly; she was glad she could improve his mood with the suggestion.

“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” Stephanie said. “I’ll take a loaner.”

“No, you’re taking Damon home.”

“One of your staff can take him home,” Stephanie said, as if she were in charge of things.

“I’ll go with one of your staff if that’s all right with you,” Damon said to Gregory.

Maria, who had been quietly standing by, said she’d get someone to take him home. Gregory nodded, and she hurried off. Damon looked like he wanted to hug Sascha before he left, but Gregory drew her into the living room and sat down with her on the sofa, their legs touching, his silent pronouncement that she was his for now, and Damon could get lost.

One of the staff came for Damon and said, “I’m your ride. This way, sir.”

Damon hesitated to go with him. He glanced back at Sascha.

“Go, thanks for helping Gregory, in the event the man at the restaurant is the one who’s out to harm him,” Sascha said.

“I would do anything to help, especially if it means protecting you.”

“Thanks, Damon.” She knew he would.

Stephanie sat on the same sofa as Gregory and Sascha as if she couldn’t get a clue that she wasn’t welcome. Rose twirled a curl of hair around her finger, looking apprehensive as she took a seat opposite them and watched them.

Gregory leaned over and kissed Sascha’s forehead as his hand stroked her shoulder. “What are you thinking about, Sascha? You seem a million miles away.”

She thought he was behaving this way toward her to annoy Stephanie until she gave in and left.