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He pulled parallel to the curb in front of the restaurant and put the car into park. “So, anyway. I volunteered because even if Aidan can’t say it out loud, he needs you. The family sees that. And we’ll do what needs doing.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
She didn’t want to see anyone die because of her. Except maybe Collin. She wouldn’t shed a tear over him if he decided to do them all a favor and jump off a cliff.
“Do you want to come in?" She hooked her thumb over her shoulder at the restaurant she often went to with her friends when they all had time to meet up for lunch.
“You’re eating at Breá?”
“Yeah, it's one of my favorites. Do you know it?”
“This is Declan’s pride and joy. The first property he ever invested in. He’s got offices on the third floor.”
“Oh.”
She turned to study the old whiskey distillery that had been converted into a bar and restaurant. It had a ballroom and a couple of private dining rooms on the second floor that she’d always wanted to see. She’d never wondered what was on the third. She shook her head with a faint chuckle. The Callahan Corporation really was everywhere.
“I won’t crash your lunch, but I will hang out upstairs.” He followed her out of the car, and they jogged across the street together.
“You’ve got my number, yeah?”
She nodded. “Yep.”
“Great. Text me when you’re done, and I’ll come down.”
He left her standing in the foyer as he disappeared around a corner. It struck her as funny that one of her favorite restaurants in the city was Callahan-owned. She’d been coming to this place for years. Their wine selection was amazing, and the food was incredible. Now she understood why Declan had insisted on running the restaurants above the Mafia casinos.
The hostess led her to a table in the back when she gave them the name for the reservation, and she took a seat facing the door so she could watch for her friends. They hadn’t spent any time together since the wedding, and even before then, their conversations revolved around it. They were forever talking about the flowers and the dresses and the food. She was looking forward to catching up today, even if she was already bracing herself for questions about Aidan.
As the waiter set a glass of water down on the table in front of her Viv saw one of her oldest friends stop at the hostess stand. They made eye contact, and her friend pointed, weaving through the tables.
“You're a sight for sore eyes,” Felicity said, leaning down to press a kiss to Viv’s cheek before choosing a seat. “I’ll have a glass of cabernet,” she said to the waiter before turning to Viv again. “First you dress me up in a bridesmaid’s dress and make me catch a bouquet, and then I don’t hear from you for weeks.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” Viv said, sighing into her glass when Felicity smiled. “Things have been nothing short of insane.”
“I’m only teasing. I know you have a lot going on with settling in and what I imagine is an awkward honeymoon phase with a husband you barely know.”
Guilt twisted sharply in Viv’s stomach. She’d agreed not to tell her friends about what had been happening with Collin to avoid feeding the rumor mill. They weren’t sure how Collin might react if there was talk. And Felicity’s brother was married to a Milano cousin.
“Things are good, actually. We’re finding a rhythm.”
“Well, I want to hear details, but we'll wait for the others first. They should be here soon. Speak of the devil.”
Viv glanced up to see Alex and Dani moving toward them and dropping into the last two empty seats. Both of them smiled brightly. They’d made a solid foursome since the seventh grade, and she hadn’t realized how much she missed them until now.
“You look fabulous,” Dani said after the waiter brought a basket of warm bread and took their drink order. “Arranged marriage looks good on you.”
Viv laughed. “It still feels weird to say sometimes. That I’m married. I didn’t get much of a chance to tell you I was glad you could make the wedding.”
Dani smiled. “I was so worried I wouldn’t get back from Europe in time. Next time I’ll have to tell my boss to shove it.”
Viv quirked a brow. “Next time? This wedding’s the only one I get.”
“Well, these two might settle down someday.” Dani gestured to Alex and Felicity. “Assuming someone will put up with them.”
Alex rolled her eyes but bit back a smile. “You’re one to talk. Why don't you tell her about Brad?”
“Who’s Brad?” Viv dropped her chin into her hand and grinned. “I need to know everything.”
