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“Hey, sweetie. How’re things with Gunner?” Ellen asks from her position at the stove.
“It’s great,” I say, a genuine smile spreading across my face. I never even considered getting a ‘real’ job when I was in the Heights. I turned to Donny because I didn’t have any other options. It’s only now I wonder how much he had to do with that. I was young, too fucking young to be working for a guy like him, but he made it so easy. I needed to support my family so I didn’t question it back
then. But now I have to wonder if he had a hidden agenda there. Just like he does now that I’m no longer required. He’s not one to let his guys walk this easily.
“He only has good things to say about you too.”
“Have you been checking up on me?”
Her cheeks heat a little before she turns her focus back to whatever she’s stirring. I have no idea what she’s cooking, but it smells incredible. My mouth is watering, just sitting here.
“No, no. I check in with my brother every few days and your name just so happened to be mentioned.”
“Right.” I chuckle.
“I’ve made bolognese. You want some before Conner appears and clears the lot?”
“Yes, please.”
She plates me up a generous portion before dropping it in front of me and pulling out a chair.
“This is incredible. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Did you still want to do something nice for Remi?”
“Of course,” I mutter around a mouthful of dinner.
“Okay, so I spoke to my old boss. He’s got a beach house a couple of towns over. He owes me a favor, but if you want it, it’s yours this weekend.”
“This weekend?” I ask, my eyes wide in shock. “But I have to work.”
“Leave Gunner to me.” She winks.
“Is James here?” I ask once I clear my plate.
Ellen shoots me a puzzled look, and I chuckle. “Don’t worry, I only want to talk to him.”
“I believe he’s in his office, but he’s going out soon so you might want to be quick.”
The temptation to go back to the pool house and let him leave is strong, but I think of Remi’s begging yet compassionate eyes as she pushed me to find out the truth.
“Is everything okay, Ace?” Ellen asks, clearly seeing my turmoil.
“Yeah. I just need to ask him about a few things.”
Movement above our heads has me leaving the room before my brothers appear. I head up the main staircase and come to a stop at James’ office door. Reaching out, I wrap my fingers around the handle, but at the last minute I change my mind. Rapping my knuckles on the wooden door, I wait for two seconds.
“Come in,” he booms.
Blowing out a breath, I push the door open. I’ve never been in his office. I do as much as I can to stay out of his way, so when I come to a stop in the middle of the room, the last thing I expect to see on a sideboard is an array of photographs of Conner, Cole and me sitting in frames. I remember when most of them were taken. But I know for a fact that he wasn’t there.
“Where’d you…”
“What’s up, Ace?” He doesn’t look up. “I’m just heading out.”
“Oh… um… I was wondering if we could… talk.”
His chin drops as he registers what I’ve just said. “Uh… yeah, sure. Anything serious? Problem at school?”
