Page 49 of Revere: A Legacy Novel

“He mentioned to Andino that he saw you skip out from a club a while back with Cross Donati,” her brother said. “Into his car, to his place … left in the morning, I guess.”

Catherine scowled. “No one’s business but mine, Michel.”

“Were you working … or?”

Michel knew about Catherine’s dealing, although he didn’t agree with her choice to keep it quiet to their parents. He stopped pressing her on the issue, though. She was grateful.

“Yeah, I got a call, went in, and Cross happened to be there.”

“So you hooked up with the guy, or what?”

“I mean, decide for yourself with the info you know about what you think might have happened.” Catherine waved a hand high, adding, “I’m not filling in blanks for you.”

“Catty—”

“It’s my life, Michel. I can do what I want with it, including who I decide to do. All right?”

“Sure, but it’s kind of worrisome, too. The last time you got yourself wrapped up in that guy, bad shit happened, Catherine.”

“That wasn’t his fault, Michel.”

“No, I understand all of that. I just mean you might want to let Dad know that you’re seeing Cross again so that he doesn’t have to hear it from someone else first. Give him a heads up, and that way he can have his feelings about it or whatever.”

“No need.”

Michel frowned. “What, why?”

“I’m not seeing Cross. There’s nothing to tell.”

“Still … you know how this family is, Catty. Word travels about things. People fill in those blanks all on their own. Is that what you want, for Dad to assume he knows what’s going on, and not what actually is?”

Catherine huffed under her breath. “I said there’s nothing to tell.”

“Yet.”

“Michel.”

Her brother tossed his hands up. “I’m just saying, but hey, you do you.”

She would.

She always had.

Catherine shifted the messenger bag on her shoulder, and tried to resituate the weight. It wasn’t even that heavy with only her laptop and a text book inside, but it felt like it for some reason. Heading for the parking lot where she had parked her Lexus, she ignored the slight bite of chill in the wind.

Winter was on its way.

Fall hadn’t even gotten started yet.

Catherine was careful not to step in the wet leaves scattered in piles on the sidewalk. She didn’t want to ruin her suede boots, or bring that mess into her new car. Despite how much she had loved her old Lexus, it needed an upgrade the year before. She finally broke down and got a new one using funds from her trust.

Black matte was out.

White shine was in.

Catherine pulled the keys from her bag and lifted her head when she hit the unlock button on the fob. Her gaze went to her car at the other side of the parking lot, and she froze in her steps. The man leaning against her white Lexus was not who she expected to see.

Cross had forgone the suit and shined leather shoes from their last couple of encounters. Instead, he was wearing a much more familiar outfit. One she used to love on him.